Casino bonuses are a standard offering at online gambling sites. But what are they? They are promotional offers from operators to attract new players or retain the existing ones. They come in various forms, each with a different way of claiming the bonus. Read More
For example, the welcome bonus is for new players and may be activated after depositing or using a valid bonus code. The online casino might match your deposit to offer bonus cash, free spins, or both. You can then use bonus cash on any casino game, with free spins only valid for slot games. Existing players will also have other bonuses like reload, loyalty, cashback, etc., all tailored to add to their bankroll to help them stay afloat.
Our guide dives right into the casino bonus deals, where we will review the different types in detail, check the essential terms and conditions, and provide information on claiming them. We are also generous to give the best casino bonus list of 2024.
Every bonus has its distinct way of claiming. The process may turn intricate for newbies looking to dive right in and leverage the extra cash and spins. Here is a quick guide on how to claim the best online casino offers:
Online casinos will offer bonuses in different types to keep it refreshing and allow every player to claim them. But the rule of thumb is to review the rules under each bonus to know the one best suited for you. Online casino bonuses are mainly categorized into deposit bonuses and no deposit bonuses.
These are bonuses that activate after you deposit funds in your account. The online casino will, in most cases, match the deposit by a set percentage to activate bonus cash and extra spins. Below are the most popular deposit bonuses to expect at online casinos:
They are the most popular casino bonus deals to expect. These bonuses are available for new players registering for an account at an online casino. The online casino offers a percentage match on the first deposit or the first few deposits to offer bonus cash, sometimes with free spins toppings.
For example, a 100% bonus of up to €500 + 30 free spins means a €50 deposit will receive €50 in bonus. Cumulatively, the new player will have €100 + 30 free spins to begin their experience!
Besides the welcome bonuses, online casinos have other deposit match bonuses that existing members can claim. They operate similarly, where the casino matches the deposit by a percentage to offer bonus cash, extra spins, or both. These bonuses may come as daily, exclusive, personalized, etc.
Reload bonuses are exclusive to players who have made more than one deposit at the online casino. The online casino will match the percentage of subsequent deposits and are tailored as bonuses to retain users. The aim is to ensure that they get longer playing sessions, with the highlight being that they come with low wagering requirements, allowing players to cash them out quickly.
For example, an operator may offer a 50% reload bonus on the first deposit made on Tuesday. So, with a €100 first deposit on Tuesday, you will receive a €50 reload bonus, giving you a cumulative bankroll of €150.
No deposit bonuses are as rare as they come. As the name suggests, these bonuses are free and do not require any deposit. However, you might need exclusive bonus codes to activate them. We have a list of the latest bonus codes to activate the latest no deposit bonuses. While they are free, these bonuses have a few drawbacks. For example, they are not high in value, with most ranging between €10-€30. In addition, they are subject to high wagering requirements. Finally, some online casinos may also offer free spins instead of bonus cash, restricting the bonus to online slots.
Most no deposit bonuses are sign-up bonuses that new players only qualify for. Some online casinos offer these bonuses without new players risking their money. While at it, they can withdraw the bonus winnings after meeting the wagering requirements. The bonus loads immediately after a successful registration unless a bonus code is required. For example, an online casino might offer a €20 sign-up offer to new players after using the code BEC20.
They are also called referral bonuses. A refer-a-friend casino bonus is an offer tailored to award you for referring a friend to join a casino. You will copy your unique referral link and send it to your friend. Your friend must use the link to sign up. Immediately after a successful sign-up, you will receive a bonus. For example, the online casino might offer a €20 bonus for every successful referral once your friend joins and deposits the required amount.
Birthday bonuses are fast becoming popular across many online casinos. They fall under the special bonus category and are tailored to celebrate each player on their special day. The casino uses the date of birth you provide as you register to offer this bonus. In most cases, the operator will automatically load the bonus or send a personalized email where you can use the link or bonus code sent to access the bonus. While the birthday bonus can be a no deposit bonus, some gambling platforms offer deposit bonuses, where the deposits you make on the day receive generous percentage match-ups.
Online casinos retain their players through awarding consistent gameplay. Besides the reload bonuses, they have loyalty bonuses as stipulated in the loyalty program. The program is tiered with levels, each with benefits and perks. The bonuses, benefits, and perks improve as you climb the levels. The common ones include:
Gambling is about chance and luck. Sometimes, luck may not be on your side, and your bet may not hit. This is where cashback bonuses step in. The online casino will refund a small percentage of the net losses incurred over a set period.
For example, an online casino may offer a 20% cashback bonus for net losses incurred over the weekend. If the net losses are €200, the gambling operator will offer a €40 cashback bonus. The drawback is that they are low in value.
The high rollers or whales receive special treatment at any online casino. They receive generous perks for their massive deposits. The percentage match-up may go beyond the usual 50%-200% to 1000%. In addition, these online casinos can add more perks like access to events, personal account managers, and special poker tournaments. Unlike standard bonuses, the minimum deposit limit is high. For example, one casino might set the limit at €500.
Exclusive bonuses are mostly available over a limited amount of time or on particular sites for special events, celebrations, product releases, etc. These are bonuses that we may negotiate with online casinos on your behalf. In such cases, you will activate them through special bonus codes. A rule of thumb is to opt in to email and newsletter promos to get the necessary information on any exclusive bonus and how to claim them.
VIP programs are easily interchangeable with loyalty programs, where players are treated to benefits and perks depending on their tier. For example, a real-money bet of €10 offers one (1) point that contributes to positioning each player to the program. The more points they garner, the higher they rank on the program. With each level comes benefits and perks. They include:
The best casino bonuses will offer a variety of rewards. We look at the standard rewards to expect once you activate your casino bonus:
Cash bonuses are part of reward varieties to claim from a standard bonus. They are monetary incentives that will add to your balance and are redeemable only after meeting the wagering requirements. The major highlight of cash bonuses is that they can play any casino game. Remember, the online casino can offer cash bonuses as fixed amounts or a percentage match-up.
Free spins are other rewards you can claim through casino bonuses. They are extra spins that let you spin the reels without spending your money. While you can find them as standalone bonuses, most casinos offer them as toppings to cash bonuses. The major drawback of free spins is the restriction to slot games, sometimes specific ones. In addition, the winnings are subject to wagering requirements that are mostly higher than the requirements for cash bonuses.
In addition to bonus funds and free spins, casino bonuses may offer other perks. Below are the common ones:
As mentioned, online casinos have bonus offers tailored differently. You will find regular or standard casino bonuses and seasonal or holiday bonuses. Below is the breakdown of these offers:
These are standard ongoing promotions that are available at all times. They include welcome, deposit, reload, and bonuses from the VIP/loyalty programs. The table below summarizes the pros and cons of these offers:
Pros:
Cons:
Seasonal casino bonuses will not be available regularly but during specific times or events in the year. They may include a casino anniversary, game launch, app launch, or during holidays like St Patrick’s, Halloween, Christmas, and Thanksgiving. The highlight of these bonuses is that besides the unique themes, they hold special prizes. The table below breaks down the pros and cons associated with seasonal and holiday bonuses:
Pros:
Cons:
When looking out for the best casino bonuses, you will encounter several tempting offers of varying types. But how do you settle for the best among the rest? Here are the keys you can use to evaluate the top online casino bonuses:
The welcome bonus retains its popularity for being what many users look out for before joining a new online casino. With almost every online casino having a welcome bonus, how do you settle for the best? The tips below should guide you:
Every online casino looks to attract and retain players, and the bonus offers play a massive role in this. But besides attracting and retaining, these bonus offers carry more benefits, including:
It is not rocket science that every industry or establishment has its objective for marketing toward new customers. It is the same for online casinos, whose marketing tool attracts new players. Online casino bonuses are one of the most essential tools to achieve this goal. With bonuses come free money or extra spins. But why would an online gambling establishment just offer free money or spins to users? Here are the reasons:
Casino bonuses are alluring. With bonus money, extra spins, and other bonuses, there is everything to look forward to. But have you taken the time to understand the psychology behind these bonuses? We dive into the psychological aspect and how your brain reacts to these deals.
There is a feeling of excitement and gratitude immediately after you receive a casino bonus, whether it is bonus money, free spins, or other specials. Human psychology is such that it is tailored to seek pleasure and frown on pain or loss. With bonuses comes that pleasure, anticipation, and excitement to get going.
Dopamine is the hormone behind pleasure in your brain. It is the hormone responsible for orchestrating the pleasure and excitement that comes about from gambling. Online casinos tap into this and to have you engaged, they feed your dopamine rush by providing attractive bonus deals. From then, every spin or move on the table is met with a surge of dopamine should it hit. Remember, with the dopamine rush comes an emotional appeal, which is one of the causes of impulsive decision-making while gambling.
Dopamine is not the only neurotransmitter at play when claiming bonuses and gambling at online casinos. Others like serotonin and adrenaline also come into play. Serotonin also adds to satisfaction and pleasure, while adrenaline adds the concept of excitement rush. This explains why gambling suddenly becomes an emotional affair going beyond the pursuit of finances.
FOMO is a psychological trigger that most online casinos look to capitalize. With phrases like limited time offer or a timer on the bonuses, there is the fear that you may lose out, prompting an override in making decisions. In addition to the scarcity and urgency trick, the anchoring bias tip works, where casinos present a high initial bonus for you to anchor expectations. Even while you will not get to the high limit, it leaves the perception that the online casino has a generous bonus offer in place.
You can only win or lose at an online casino. Losing stings, and with the emotion attached, the loss aversion aspect of ensuring you avert the gut feeling of a loss kicks in. It is another area online casinos leverage through bonuses. The casinos offer emotional lifelines through these bonuses, where they step as safety landings to soften the blows of any loss.
Have you encountered pictures posted by casinos of people smiling with big cheques or the list of winners posted? It is another psychological trigger casinos use to let you spark a desire to join the group and experience the same satisfaction as them. And with catchy lines like ‘you could be next’ and links on where to begin, you are bound to give it a try on those bonuses.
Wagering requirements dictate the number of times to play through a bonus, deposit, or both before you can withdraw any winnings. In simpler terms, wagering requirements help convert bonus money to actual cash that is withdrawable. For example, an online casino offers a €50 bonus with a 20x wagering requirement. Before withdrawing the bonus, you must bet €100 (€50 x 20). But, these wagering requirements have several aspects that come into play. They are:
If you win with the deposit pot money, you will withdraw the bonus winnings immediately without wagering requirements. The bonus pot money will remain in your account as a fallback should you lose your deposit.
Like online casinos, software providers are also in a competitive race against each other to remain at the top or bridge the gap with the big names. Apart from their high-quality games with spectacular aspects like innovative bonus features, crisp graphics, captivating soundtracks, and creative themes, these providers also tailor bonus offers for their partner casinos. Here are some of the top providers and the bonuses they offer:
Today, most online casino gambling is through mobile devices. Many players prefer playing on the go, and mobile devices offer this perfect option. Thanks to HTML5 technology, mobile optimization is a success, enabling you to play anywhere at any time, whether in an office, on a bus, or while queuing at the store. With mobile gaming also comes mobile casino bonuses tailored to mobile users, who can claim them through an app or browsers. Casinos ensure the user experience is similar across all users, with the process of claiming mobile bonuses also seamless and a replica of those using desktops and laptops.
The table below differentiates mobile and regular bonuses:
Mobile Bonus | Regular Bonus |
---|---|
It might be exclusively for mobile app users. | Not limited to mobile users. |
It offers more flexibility to claim them while on the move. | It restricts you to when you can claim them, especially for PC users. |
Casinos may tailor better rewards to encourage more app downloads. | A wider range of promotions. |
Exclusive bonuses are only accessible through the mobile app or browser. | Bonus values may not be great at times. |
Like gaming providers, online casinos use different banking methods, including debit/credit cards, e-wallets, prepaid cards, online banking, and bank transfers. These options may also partner with the online casino to offer special and exclusive bonuses to members who transact with the option. Conversely, some casinos may place a term on the restricted banking options for casino bonuses. It is common with Neteller and Skrill, where some online casinos restrict their use for those who wish to activate a bonus.
The common bonuses you can expect for banking methods include:
Cryptocurrencies are the latest inventions in the casino banking section. They have quickly risen for their decentralized nature, where no mediators are involved in transactions. In addition, they boast several highlights where you can expect secure, anonymous, and speedy deposits or withdrawals. There is a decent selection of cryptocurrencies, including Bitcoin, Ethereum, Bitcoin Cash, Litecoin, Dogecoin, TRON, and Tether.
Today, we have many cryptocurrency casinos, and after signing up, you can claim cryptocurrency bonuses. These bonuses range from regular welcome bonuses to daily, weekly, and weekend bonuses, reload, loyalty, and cashback bonuses. While you can access them in standard fiat currency, you can also access them in preferred cryptocurrencies, mostly BTC. The process of claiming these bonuses is similar to usual bonuses. But you must review the terms & conditions to ensure you get the fine details, like minimum deposit, max cap limit, wagering requirements, and time validity.
Some online casinos go a notch higher to offer game-specific bonuses. These are bonuses designed for specific game titles. Mostly, these are new games, and online casinos use such bonuses to market them.
These bonuses are themed on select slots, where you deposit and receive bonus money or free spins to spin them. In other cases, they can be games themed on special occasions, like Halloween, Christmas, or New Year’s Eve. Most online casinos have these bonuses under tags like ‘Game of the Day.’ For example, the bonus would be on the Sweet Bonanza slot. The terms may include depositing a minimum of €10 to get 50 free spins to play the game.
Several modern online casinos combine a sportsbook section for sports lovers. Besides accessing sports events on sports like football, cricket, hockey, basketball, and volleyball, you can access tailored sportsbook bonuses. These bonuses may range from a sign-up bonus for newbies, a reload bonus for existing ones, and sports-specific bonuses like UEFA Champions League bonus, Euro 2024 bonus, etc. Claiming these bonuses will be simple, but meeting requirements may involve wagering on events with odds higher than a set value.
Live casino lovers can also have their tailored bonuses at some online casinos. These are bonuses tailored for live casino games. They include live variants of blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and poker games, with the addition of game shows like Dream Catcher, Mega City, Deal or No Deal, and MONOPOLY. These bonuses may include sign-up and regular bonuses like reload, loyalty, cashback, and VIP. Remember, the eligible games for meeting wagering requirements for these bonuses will be the live casino games.
These are bonuses designed for Roulette games. These games include the likes of European Roulette, 10p Roulette, 3D Roulette, American Roulette, and French Roulette. While they are rare, you can find bonuses tailored for these games. Claiming them will be simple: deposit the set limit to activate the bonus and play the qualifying games.
These are bonuses designed for Poker games. Such games include Caribbean Stud Poker, Texas Hold’em, Casino Hold’em, Oasis Poker, Aces & Faces, Deuces Wild, and Omaha Hi-Lo. They are also rare, but some poker casino sites offer them. To claim these bonuses, you must identify the qualifying games, deposit funds, claim the bonus, and play them.
While bonuses may be enticing and mouthwatering, they hold a few drawbacks. The table below breaks down the highlights and the few drawbacks:
Pros:
Cons:
On the highlights, casino bonuses allow you to try new games and familiarize yourself with the casino, thanks to the increased bankroll. With increased bankroll comes increased gameplay sessions, where you stand to win prizes. More importantly, bonuses offer a chance to win without the risk of spending your money. Finally, you may claim bonuses with no deposit required.
On the downside, casino bonuses may come with strict terms & conditions, making it hard for you to maximize. For example, they may come with high wagering requirements and a limited time frame to meet them, rendering the bonuses almost useless. In addition, these bonuses may come with game restrictions, making you play games that may not interest you. For example, free spins offers can be exclusive to specific slots, restricting you to a few you may not like.
While you will find reputable and sometimes established online casinos, more are coming up with attractive bonus offers worth looking out for. It is essential to check the licensing information before engaging with any casino, new or established. As you will notice, new casinos also have regular bonus offers, with the difference being that they might be more generous to attract new players within the site.
The common bonuses to expect at new casinos include:
Casino bonuses are there to enhance your gambling experience through the bonus funds and extra spins they provide. But to maximize the value, you must devise a few strategies. Here are some tips to employ:
You can also employ a few bonus hunting techniques to boost your experience. These tips should help you out:
Every day is an evolving day in the casino industry. As the industry evolves, so do every aspect of online casinos, including online bonuses. So, with the current trends, how do we foresee the future regarding bonuses?