With so many online casino promotions, it’s hard to keep track. But a solid casino bonus strategy can make the difference between getting a sweet deal and getting scammed. So, how do you choose a safe and valuable bonus? We are here to help.
This guide will cover different types of promotions, what terms and conditions to watch out for, expert strategies for making money from a bonus, and more.
Casino Bonus Strategy: Hunting for Top Offers
Thousands of flashy online casino bonuses look incredible on the surface, but that doesn’t mean they’re reasonable offers. So, what makes a bonus worthwhile? The answers are in the terms and conditions.
It doesn’t matter how big the bonus is if the wagering requirements are too high, there’s a restrictive time limit, or you can only withdraw so much. A valuable promotion gives you a boost but has reasonable terms and conditions that you can achieve.
Let’s take a look at how to determine what those are.
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements are the number of times you must bet a specified amount to be able to withdraw your winnings.
Sometimes, they only apply to the deposit or bonus amount, but typically they apply to both.
For example, let’s say you claimed a bonus that matches 150% of your deposit and has 40x wagering requirements.
You deposit $20 and receive $30 in bonus funds from the casino. That means you would need to wager the deposit and bonus amount ($50) 40 times, or a total of $2,000.
Using that same example with 10x requirements, the amount you must wager drops to $500.
As you can see, the lower the requirements are, the better.
Game Restrictions
Most casinos limit the type of games you can play with an active bonus. The most commonly restricted games have the lowest house edges, like blackjack, baccarat, and craps.
Some bonuses prohibit them entirely, and playing them will forfeit your bonus funds and any winnings. Others use varying contribution rates.
Contribution rates are the percentage amount a certain game contributes to clearing the wagering requirements.
For instance, slots typically contribute 100%, meaning that every dollar you wager is worth a dollar off your wagering requirements. Higher RTP games like blackjack may only contribute 10% of every dollar you bet.
Considering this system and any game restrictions is important when choosing a bonus. If you’re an avid blackjack player and blackjack is prohibited, look for a different promotion.
Time Limit
Some bonuses require you to meet the wagering requirements in a specific amount of time, which can be as much as one year to as little as one week. It can play a crucial part in determining whether a bonus is right for you.
Do you have the ability to wager thousands of dollars in seven days, or do you need more flexibility?
Plenty of bonuses have no time limits at all, so always shop around and find a promotion that works best for your parameters.
Max Bet Limits
Most bonuses have a maximum you can bet per round, usually between $5 and $10.
Naturally, this limits how much you can win each game. Depending on your goals, that could be a roadblock.
For instance, if the bonus max bet is $5 and you want to play a blackjack game that has a $10 bet minimum, you’re out of luck.
Or, if you’re simply someone who likes to place large wagers, you might find this rule too restrictive.
Max Cashout Rules
Some bonuses have maximum cashout limits, meaning no matter how much you win, you can only withdraw a certain amount.
Obviously, that can be a real dealbreaker. If you won $5,000 playing with a bonus and the max cashout is $1,000, you only get the $1,000.
The good news is there are plenty of bonuses with no maximum cashout limit, so we recommend prioritizing those in your search.
Eligibility
Some factors can influence whether you’re able to claim a bonus, so determine your game plan first.
For example, if you’ve already deposited at a site, you won’t be eligible for a welcome bonus. If you plan to use a credit card, you won’t qualify for a crypto promotion.
Also, if you already have an active bonus, all other bonuses are off-limits. Considering all of these things will help make finding a bonus much easier.
Real Example & Expert Advice
The fine print matters more than the size of the bonus. Here is an example of two similar offers where terms and conditions make one a clear winner.
SlotsandCasino has a welcome bonus that matches 300% of your first deposit up to $1,500 with 35x rollover requirements.
The welcome bonus at Slots Empire matches 230% up to $2,300 and gives you 50 free spins on a slot game.
While the monetary value of Slots Empire is larger than SlotsandCasino, there is one detail in the terms and conditions that actually makes it worse.
The $2,300 welcome bonus at Slots Empire has a maximum cash out of 30x your deposit amount. If you deposited $30, you could only withdraw $900 of your winnings.
On the other hand, the welcome bonus at SlotsandCasino does not have a maximum cashout, so you would have access to all of your winnings, making it a better offer.
Strategies to Make Money From Online Casino Bonuses
It’s easy to be lured by the promise of thousands of extra dollars in your account to gamble with, but it’s best to be cautious about bonuses. Let’s go over a few tried and tested strategies for dealing with promotions.
Choose Beneficial Games
The type of games you play can help you minimize your losses while meeting the wagering requirements. Look for games with high RTPs, as they pay out more regularly.
Also, low-volatility games are a good choice. Although the wins are generally smaller than high-volatility games, they are more frequent, allowing you to build your bankroll reliably.
Pay Attention to Contribution
Learn about contribution rates before playing games and stick to ones that contribute 100%. They will help you clear the wagering requirements faster.
Check Bonus Terms First
Avoid being lured in by the size of the bonus. The terms are what matter most, so look for low wagering requirements, no maximum cashout limits, flexible game eligibility, and no time limit.
Stay Within the Time Limit
Don’t rush to meet the wagering requirements and accidentally make a mistake, like betting more than the maximum per round. However, you should manage your time well and be aware of any deadlines.
Know When to Quit
Recognize when to cut your losses and cancel a bonus. If you realize at some point you might not reach the wagering requirements, it’s better to stop while you’re ahead than to soldier on.
Quick Do’s and Don’ts
When you’re grabbing a bonus, there are a couple of things to do and avoid. Let’s take a look.
- Start With a Budget: Set a limit on the amount you want to bet and compare that against how much you would need to spend to reach the bonus’s wagering requirements.
- Read All the Fine Print: Read all of the bonus’s terms and conditions and make sure you understand what they’re saying.
- Consider Games Limitations: Before you claim a bonus, find out if the game restrictions and contribution rates line up with the types of games you plan on playing.
- Ask Questions: Customer support is there to help, so if you are confused about terms or want more information about a bonus, ask them your questions.
- Choose a Legit Online Casino: Before you deposit, spend some time at the casino to make sure it’s a legitimate, secure choice.
- Don’t Be Hasty: Avoid jumping the gun on a flashy offer, and always take your time when deciding on a bonus.
- Don’t Skip the General Terms and Conditions: Don’t overlook the site’s general terms and conditions, as they can impact bonus rules.
- Don’t Disregard the Rules: Breaking the rules can result in forfeiture of the bonus and your winnings or even getting kicked out of the casino.
- Don’t Try to Claim a Bonus Numerous Times: Unless the terms say you can claim a bonus more than once, don’t try. It could result in forfeiture, and you might get accused of bonus abuse.
Make Bonuses Work for You
Bonuses can be a great way to boost your gameplay with deposit matches, free spins, and cashback on your losses, but they don’t always live up to the hype. Terms and conditions are the real backbone of a promotion and can turn a super deal into a scam.
That’s why it’s crucial to analyze the terms and make the best decision for your goals. Use the tips and strategies in this guide to make bonuses work for you.
FAQ
Readers ask us many of the same questions regarding gambling sites and their promotions.
The following FAQ will cover anything you may still be wondering about online casino bonuses.
Why can’t I withdraw my winnings?
We see this complaint constantly, and it’s often related to a misunderstanding of bonus terms and conditions.
If you break any of the rules, such as failing to meet the playthrough requirements, betting more than the maximum limit per round, or playing prohibited games, your withdrawal will likely get denied.
Why didn’t I receive my bonus?
A few common reasons for not receiving your bonus are that you already have an active one or are not eligible for that particular offer. The best way to determine the answer is to contact customer support.
What happens if I cancel a bonus midway?
It’s not unheard of for players to realize they’re in too deep after trying to meet the wagering requirements. However, If you cancel a bonus midway, the casino will void the bonus funds and anything you won from playing.
Can I change my mind after opting in?
You can easily remove an offer if you’ve added it to your account but haven’t wagered yet.
However, if you’ve already started playing, you may need to contact customer support to help remove it, and you will lose your winnings.
What if I win a jackpot while on a bonus?
If you win a jackpot with a bonus, what happens next depends on the terms and conditions.
If they say jackpot games are permitted, you’re good to go. On the other hand, if the terms prohibit it, you won’t be getting your jackpot winnings
