In most cases, online casino bonuses are not worth it, considering the barriers a player has to clear to make money. That said, you can find valuable bonuses. The trick is to know what to look for.
I’ll cover practical advice and opinions on different types of bonuses, their rewards, and their restrictions. Ultimately, you should have a good idea about how to approach bonuses.
Casino Bonuses Worth Claiming and Traps to Avoid
The most common types of online casino bonuses are often the ones that are most difficult to maneuver and actually pocket winnings. Here they are:
Welcome Bonus
This is the biggie and the first thing you see when you first visit an online casino. The welcome bonus is usually a deposit match percentage, meaning you deposit an amount, and the casino will give you as much as 500% of that deposit amount.
You can receive up to $5,000, even $10,000, on top of your deposit. Good money, eh?
Well, read the terms, and you will often find you have to gamble 35 to 40 times the amount of your deposit plus the bonus to qualify to withdraw, and often less than a month to gamble that much.
Reload Bonus
This is usually a smaller 100% to 200% matching bonus for a deposit when your account balance is exhausted.
It also usually carries playthrough restrictions of 20x to 35x to qualify for withdrawal. Your balance must be at or near zero, and you can’t have another bonus going simultaneously.
Refer a Friend
At most online casinos, if you get another player or players to sign up and deposit a minimum amount, the casino rewards you with a specific amount.
The rules on these bonuses vary widely from site to site, but you will have to send a link to your friend that explains the process.
You can find casino sites with little to no playthrough requirements, so these can be good deals.
Loyalty Program Bonus
Most casinos have tiered loyalty rewards programs that credit you for the amount you bet, and you can earn special bonuses as you advance in levels.
But you’ll have to wager $5,000 to $10,000 to get to a level that offers a bonus, and you may have to deposit and play through the bonus amount or more.
There are many other types of bonuses, such as:
- Free spins for specific slots
- Contests
- Cash back rewards
- Wheel spins
- No deposit bonuses
My Rule of Thumb for Casino Bonuses
All offers come with rules and restrictions, which is why you should read and understand the terms of any bonus. Also, honest online casino reviews can help in shopping bonuses.
I have passed on more bonuses than I can count because I’m not a big slots fan, and slots are the only games that credit you 100% of the amount you wager toward the playthrough.
Games such as blackjack, roulette, and baccarat credit 20% or less. I have taken up bonuses that require smaller minimum deposits. One I allowed to expire before I achieved the playthrough in 30 days, and the other is still in the works because there is no time limit.
The important thing is to understand the terms, know if the games you want to play credit your playthrough and gauge your playing style and the time and money you want to devote to reaching the wagering requirement.
Reasons To Claim a Casino Bonus
Here are some good reasons to claim a bonus:
Restrictions Are Reasonable
If the terms are easy to understand and you don’t have to gamble too much just to cash out, the bonus is probably worth it.
Check the playthrough, time limits, the games you are allowed to play, and any additional terms.
- Time limits: some casinos give you a week to clear the playthrough, which is almost impossible to manage. A month gives you more time to play at your pace. Six months or no limit at all is ideal.
- Wagering requirements: less than 25x is considered good. The industry average is 30x-40x, which is still achievable. If it’s over 50x, you might lose your money before you can withdraw any winnings.
- Games: Usually, only slots and some casual games count toward the requirements. Table games and live dealer games often don’t count or only count a little.
You Like Playing Slots
Slots are the only games that credit you fully when advancing through your playthrough requirement. So, if slots are your games, the playthrough may be achievable if you commit to the time and betting.
But watch out; some casinos say slots credit 100% and have a list of restricted slots in their general terms and conditions.
You Want Extended Play
When you just want to play a particular online casino and don’t care about restrictions for cashing out, playing with a bonus gives you extra time to experiment with various games and get a feel of the site.
You Find a No-Deposit Bonus
It is increasingly rare, but you may find a no-deposit online casino bonus. You will have to clear a rollover that is higher than deposit bonuses to withdraw (50x is the rule), but you are not committing your cash.
You Get a No-Rules Bonus
No-rules bonuses are worth a look because you don’t have to clear any rollover. You can cash out your winnings right away, even though some casinos might limit how much you can withdraw.
Reasons NOT To Claim a Casino Bonus
Here are some warning signs that would keep you from a bonus:
Rules are Absurd
You don’t want the bonus if you find a playthrough and/or time limit that you simply can’t make without an inordinate amount of luck.
For example, a playthrough over 50x or a 7-day time limit is very hard to clear.
Game restrictions and maximum bet limits can also make achieving the requirement tougher. If the bonus only works on a few games or limits you to betting $1 or less, it’s probably not worth it.
Bonus Rules Feel Confusing
I’ve been playing at online casinos for years, and I still encounter sites with bonus rules that make my head spin. The rules of a specific bonus sometimes conflict with the casino’s general terms.
I’ll contact the site’s support staff if I’m still interested. Sometimes, that’s helpful, but I pass if I’m still unsure about how the bonus works.
Seems Too Good to be True
You may not be interested in casino games, but get an e-mail that promises big bonus numbers. Your natural reaction is to bite because you think you are getting a deal.
Beware: those numbers are a lure with a hidden hook. Study any casino bonus and compare it to other online casinos before taking the bait.
You’re Not Sure About the Casino
Yes, there are online operations that open up, collect deposits, and drift off into cyberspace.
Make sure you use a bonus from a reputable, licensed site that has been around for a while. Check reviews and forums.
Player Opinions on Casino Bonuses: The Good and the Bad
Players who seem to know online casinos have mixed opinions about bonuses.
On the bad side, the problematic wagering requirements and tricky terms are the biggest drawbacks. A player on a Reddit forum on the subject says:
Big Wagering? Skip
“Anything over 5x wagering, pffffffff, no thanks. Free spins are normally valued at 10 pounds a spin, then on any winnings, they will say you need to play through 35x of the total bonus win. Just not worth it.”
– CryptographerNo8961
On the positive side, some players see value in online casino bonuses if you play them right. Here’s a success story from a Quora thread:
Bonuses Work If You’re Smart
“From personal experience, I once claimed a bonus that had high wagering requirements, but by playing the right games, I was able to cash out successfully. So, bonuses can work in your favor, but only if you’re informed and strategic.”
– Andrew Jones
My Take: Only a Few Bonuses Are Worth the Hunt
I tend to agree with both sides; there are plenty of bad bonuses with confusing or otherwise difficult rules. But, with a little shopping and knowledge of the requirements, you can find bonuses that are good deals.
What Casino Bonuses Work for Your Style of Play?
The important thing is to find a bonus that suits your budget and playing style. Here are some different player types and how they approach bonuses:
All Out Slots Player
If you play all slots all the time every day, you might give it a go.
Check the maximum bet (usually $10 a spin) and the time to achieve the bonus.
Even then, you must count on hitting big on at least one or two spins in 1,000 to make it work if your playthrough is 35x or 40x.
Player of Various Games
f you like to bounce around between slots and games like blackjack or video poker, the chances of achieving the wagering requirement go way down.
Table games and video poker are high RTP games, so they count 20% or less toward your playthrough goal.
Most sites stipulate this in their terms and conditions.
Table Games Player
Make the deposit and skip the bonus unless you find a special bonus for your particular game.
If you find a bonus specifically for blackjack, roulette, or another table game, read the rules carefully before proceeding.
Explorer
A bonus will keep you in play longer if you just want to try out the games at a site and are willing to lose the deposit.
Keep in mind that some sites allow you to try games for free when you sign up.
Contest Player
Many online casinos host contests in which the top 50 or so players stand to win something.
The winnings may come with playthroughs, but they are usually smaller than with the bigger bonuses.
Poker Players
Some poker rooms also have casinos with separate bonuses.
These sites make enough money on their main platforms that they can afford to give you a break on casino bonus requirements.
Verdict: Are Online Casino Bonuses Worth It?
I’m no big fan of casino bonuses. But that’s me, my style of play, and the types of games I like. You may have a different game plan and budget.
After all, there are bonuses worth at least a look. The information from this blog should help you take a close look.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to questions many potential bonus players may ask:
Is it ever smart to take a bonus if I plan to cash out right after winning?
No. Playthroughs that come with bonuses are designed to keep you playing at a casino.
Do high rollers actually benefit from online casino bonuses, or are they just a trap?
High rollers don’t benefit from bonuses any more than other types of players. Rollovers, maximum bets, time limits, and game restrictions can be traps for any player.
What’s the catch with “no rules” bonuses? Are they actually better?
“No rules” bonuses can be better. But they are usually for small amounts and are hard to find.
Can claiming too many bonuses hurt your account or get you flagged?
Yes. Most casinos prohibit players from running on simultaneous bonuses.
Are bonuses ever worth it if I only play live dealer games?
No. Live dealer games are usually among the games prohibited with bonuses.
Is it better to reject a bonus even if it’s automatically applied to my account?
It is usually better to reject a bonus if it’s automatically applied to your account. If you have no choice during the deposit process, don’t deposit and inquire about options through customer support.
What’s a sign that a bonus is trying too hard to look good?
If a deposit match is higher than 300% with a limit of more than $5.000, the bonus is trying too hard.
