Casino players love bonuses. The psychology of it makes sense, and even if you don’t want to call it psychology, you wouldn’t turn down a free offer or a sale. We’re naturally attracted to offers where we receive something more than we give.
And the data proves it. A study by the UK’s Gambling Commission stated that 31% of online gamblers felt an urge to play more when they were offered a casino bonus, with 65% of players receiving some form of bonus or gaming offer in the previous 12 months. Some of the most common offers include:
- Free bets
- Free spins
- Sign-up promotions
- Deposit matches
They’re an excellent way for iGaming platforms to attract new players and keep players loyal. There are thousands of online casinos, and that amount of competition is driving platforms to find new ways to keep players engaged. Without a doubt, bonuses and offers are one of the best ways to do it.
Read on to learn how casino bonuses work and what to look out for.
How Casino Bonuses Work
The idea of casino bonuses is simple, but the actual bonus to process depends on the type of offering. Not all casino bonuses are the same.
Whatever the type of bonus, there’s some sort of “exclusive” incentive offering for each player, typically resulting in them being able to play without paying (initially) or with double their deposit.
Types of Bonuses
The most common type of bonus is a welcome bonus. And the varieties of welcome bonuses are endless. One of the most common is giving players credit so they can play without depositing anything initially. In our opinion, this is one of the best methods for attracting new players because it feels like a low-risk, no-commitment option. You’ll see this referred to as a no-deposit bonus.
Some platforms will ask for an initial deposit, but they’ll match it. So, for example, an online casino might ask that players deposit $10, and the casino will put an additional $10 in their account, giving them a total of $20 to spend.
Free spins on slot games are also popular. With this, the bonus funds or winnings from free spins aren’t free cash, but there’s a potential to win free money. Players should look for slot games with a higher return-to-player (RTP) for a better chance of winning something from a free spins bonus.
Wagering Requirements
Sometimes, bonuses come with wagering requirements. They might ask for 5x, 10x, 15x, or 20x, applying to the bonus or the bonus and deposit combined.
Players should always check which, as a requirement, counts both the deposit and bonus, effectively doubling the amount of deposit required.
Why Casino Bonuses Work So Well
You have to ask, why wouldn’t casino bonuses work so well? They attract new players and create a loyal community in a highly competitive market.
Since the late 1990s, online casinos have used bonuses as “essential tools” for customer acquisition and retention (ENV Media). A generous-sounding sign-up offer or free play incentive can catch the attention of players and get them to register on a site.
In fact, promotions have been credited with helping transition many gamblers from physical casinos to online platforms. The fact that they offer extra value and reduce the perceived risk of trying a new digital experience, and of course, the convenience of playing anywhere and on the go, makes it no surprise that online casinos are now so popular.
From the player’s perspective, bonuses improve the online gaming experience and augment their winning prospects. It’s that urgency and exclusivity that keep players coming back.
What to Look Out For When Using a Casino Bonus
The first thing anyone will suggest is to do the boring thing and read the fine print. Casinos are usually transparent and generous with their welcome bonuses, but sometimes some terms and conditions mean that, despite being given a free spin, players will have to deposit some money before they can cash out a bonus. There’s usually a section in the small print that details the wagering and withdrawal requirements.
Sometimes, there will be time limits on the bonuses. Again, this information will be in the terms and conditions.
Players should also check which games count toward the wagering requirement.
Most bonuses apply to slots, which usually count 100%. For table games or live dealer games, note that bets on those may only count partially: for example, 10–20% or not at all.
And, probably the most annoying for players, there’s a cash-out limit with a maximum withdrawal or winnings cap. This is especially common on “free” no-deposit bonuses or free spins.
How to Find The Best Casino Bonuses
Naturally, players want the best and most lucrative casino bonuses. Some of the top ways to find the best casino bonus include:
- Look for low wagering requirements (preferably none)
- Compare the terms and conditions
- Use reputable, licensed casinos
- Match the bonus to preferred playing styles (there’s no point playing games without enjoyment)
- Always look out for promotions
The concept of casino bonuses is simple. You’ll always understand how they work from the terms and conditions, and there are plenty of choices to find one that suits your playing style. Look out for the casino bonuses that you’ll get the most back from.
