2019-12-27
416
5 min read
What Kinds of Casino Bonuses Exist and Whom They Are for
Bonuses are the first thing we notice when looking for an online casino and what players want the most. And casino bonuses are a really great tool to play longer and win more. But in an effort to attract more new players and keep the number of registered ones, online casinos try to surpass each other in the generosity of offers, and it is easy for players, especially those who are not very experienced, to get lost in them. In addition, some of these tempting proposals appear not what they seem.
Due to my extensive experience in the gaming industry, I am well versed in the intricacies of the casino operation and can see all the pitfalls clearly. I have got my own method of choosing and rating bonuses, and I will gladly share it with you.
All kinds of casino bonuses can be divided into two main groups — bonuses for new customers and bonuses for existing ones.
The most useful links based on players feedback
Bonuses for new players can be deposit or no deposit.
- Deposit Bonus, also known as Welcome bonus, Welcome package, or Sign-up bonus, is given to a player only once by each casino just after signing up and making the first deposit. A Welcome package usually consists of Free spins bonus, or Match deposit bonus, or both of them.
- Free spins bonus is a certain number of spins that must be wagered a set number of times on a specific slot machine before the winning can be withdrawn.
- Match deposit bonus means matching your first deposit or several (up to five) first deposits by a set percentage up to a certain amount.
- No Deposit Bonus is given by some casinos as the only welcome offer or as a part of a welcome package. It can be a set number of free spins or a small amount of money (£ 5–10 as usual, rarely more, up to £ 30).
Besides impressive amounts and lots of free spins, these bonuses have specified conditions, sometimes quite tough ones. To make sure you want to get the bonus and can do this, read carefully the casino’s Terms and Conditions (T&C), especially unit Bonuses. Below, I’ll tell you what to pay particular attention to.
Staying with the same casino is also rewarded, moreover, not once, but permanently — daily, weekly, monthly, etc.
- Reload bonus is a match deposit bonus offered by some casinos to those players who have already made a deposit.
- Cashback bonus means that players can have a certain part of their losses back on their accounts for withdrawal or further betting without any additional conditions.
On the top of this page, you can see the daily updated list of the sweetest reload and cashback bonuses available at the best casinos right now.
- VIP bonuses offered by online casinos that have VIP programmes are numerous and vary from a casino to a casino. Usually, they include exclusive match deposit and cashback bonuses, gifts, prizes, participation in tournaments, lotteries, etc.
You can find out everything about all bonuses for existing players searching the casino’s Promotions.
How to Choose the Bonus that Suits You Best
The bonuses listed above have been chosen according to my own preferences. You can try these bonuses, or you can choose any others on this page — those that are most suitable for your purposes.
Use bonuses to the maximum benefit
First, use the filters to pick the kind of bonus you need. Then use the sorter to select the bonus trait that corresponds your goal:
If you want to continue earning, but you have already used the best bonuses from my list, then use the sorting by Latest bonuses - you have not seen these bonuses yet!
Do you want the biggest bonus multiplier? Then sort the bonuses by Top bonus% This will allow you to bet much more money than you deposit.
Are you willing to risk significant sums of money for a really big win? So bonuses from the list sorted by Biggest bonus value can attract you.
Check all the bonus conditions taking six simple steps
Now, you have chosen a bonus. Everything looks great, but don’t rush to сlaim it immediately. Besides hundreds of pounds, spins and amazing percentages written in big, bright letters and numbers, there are some other things you should consider. All these things are in the casino's Terms and Conditions(T&C).
T&C are generally similar at most casinos but differ in the details (in which the devil is, as it’s known). Something that is good for one player can be unacceptable for another. That’s why I always say: reading T&C is a must, nobody but you can decide what is right for you.
Now I'll explain to you in detail what exactly you have to check. I know, searching T&C is not as funny as gaming. But if you don’t do this, you might be really disappointed as a result.
Step 1. Check wagering requirements
To the table of contents
Wagering requirements, or WR, is one of the main bonus rules. It means that the bonus must be wagered a definite number of times before it is considered cleared. Only then your deposit, bonus funds, and winnings can get to your fund or bonus account (see step 6).
WR refers to both bonus spins and bonus money and generally ranges from 10 to 70. In one Welcome package, bonus money WR might be the same as Free spins WR but, as usual, it is less.
And there is one more thing you have to clear up: if WR only based on the bonus amount or (that is much worse) it is based on the bonus sum plus your deposit sum.
Step 2. Study deposit and bet limits
To the table of contents
To be eligible to claim the bonus, you don't have to deposit the whole sum announced, but you must deposit not less than a set minimum. But remember, in this case, the bonus amount either won’t be maximal, it will correspond to your deposit.
Minimum and maximum bets can be set as a fixed amount or as a percentage of your bonus. Anyway, the max bet doesn’t have to be too low, or wagering big amounts may appear long and boring.
Step 3. Review game limitation
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With the most casinos, the number of games to wager free spins is usually limited to one, two, or (quite rarely) three slots.
The list of games allowed to wager bonus funds is much longer and includes not only slots but some table and even live games. However, lots of games are often restricted and betting bonus money on them is forbidden. You have to see the list of restrictions.
Step 4. Check out banking method restrictions
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Some casinos don’t allow to deposit for claiming bonuses via certain payment methods, although these options are available for any other deposits. Often these are e-wallets such as Skrill, Neteller, etc., sometimes PayPal.
Step 5. Find out time restrictions
To the table of contents
One of the important bonus parameters is the period during which your bonus remains valid. You must complete the wagering requirements until the set time expires; otherwise, you will lose your bonus and winnings. Wagering a big bonus sum or number of spins can take much time. So the validity time of 7-30 days is good, but if it is shorter (24 to 72 hours) it is acceptable only in the case of a small bonus.
Step 6. Clear up if the bonus is cashable or non-cashable
To the table of contents
It is crucial to understand how you can cash out the bonus. It depends on whether the bonus is cashable or uncashable.
If the bonus is cashable, you can withdraw all the funds — your deposit, bonus money and your win. It is possible as soon as you have cleared the bonus.
In the case of a non-cashable bonus, after you have met WR, you can cash out only your deposit and profit. Bonus amount gets to your bonus account and is used for further betting.
Only after evaluating all the parameters of the bonus and their optimal combination, you can say whether this bonus is good. And there is one more reason for reading T&C carefully: if you break any rules, it can be considered abuse, and, therefore you can miss the Bonus, lose your winnings, and even get your account cancelled.
If you can't find all necessary information (or most of it) in the casino’s T&C, or it is unclear or confusing, you’d better look for a bonus somewhere else.
How to Claim an Online Casino Bonus
Now, when you have already opted and valued the bonus, just claim it! It is very easy at Stroke-of-Luck.
Play Only at Proved Casinos, Stay Away of Blacklisted Ones
The best and easiest way to play is to choose bonuses and, therefore, casinos from my list. I tested and evaluated them all thoroughly and even meticulously. If you want to play at some other casino, don’t forget to :
- make sure the casino is not on my Blacklist;
- use my guide on testing online casinos to check if the casino is reliable and whether the other casino features (such as game choice, mobile version, payment options, and customer service) meet your requirements.
Conclusion
To the guide
I am sure that most players, just like me, adore bonuses. Some players, so-called bonus hunters, love them so much that they manage to play (and win!) using mostly bonus money and spins and spending minimum of their own funds. As for me, bonus hunting is more work than fun.
Therefore, I prefer and advise my players to choose only thе bonuses that best suit our goals, those that allow not only to increase our deposits but also get more pleasure from favourite games.
So, choose the sweetest bonuses from my list, enjoy gaming and, of course, win a lot.
Good luck!
