Casino bonuses: what they are and how to make the most of them

Online casinos are typically known for offering various bonuses to attract new players and provide player rewards. Bonuses enhance the gaming experience, but more importantly, allow you to win without spending too much of your own money. Knowing about the bonuses available will help you make informed decisions whether you are new to gambling, or an established player.

Welcome bonuses

Welcome bonuses are generally the first incentive a new player would encounter when registering for an online casino. Most of the time they relate to your first deposit, but they can come in the form of bonus funds or free spins. This bonus type gives you extra value to play the platform and spend more time playing while hopefully giving you extra winning chances early on.

Free spins

Free spins are typically offered as part of welcome packages or ongoing promotions. They are a favorite among slot lovers, as they allow players to test new games without spending their own funds. In fact, free spins are among the most popular bonuses on the web, because they give the opportunity to try out online slots for free and thus choose the one that best suits your needs. For those interested, you can consult the list with highly recommended free spins, promoted by Oddschecker, one of the most popular comparators in the online gaming industry. These promotions can be game-specific or spread across multiple titles.

Bonuses with or without deposit

Most casinos usually have bonuses available (with deposit or free). Deposit bonuses are generally a percentage of the money you put in the account. Free bonuses are provided when you create the account. These are risk-free options to use in place of your valuable money and a great way to use a site when they are used with the  latest slot releases. Just remember, that these bonuses have terms of use, including how much they can be wagered and payout limits.

Cashback

Cashback bonuses are used to help players mitigate losses by returning some of that money back to the player during a predetermined period. Cashback bonuses are valued by regular players because of the possibility to receive some compensation after experiencing losing streaks. When paired with careful bankroll management, cashback bonuses highlight the ability and importance of saving while continuing to play. Cashback bonuses have a range of conditions, including amount and frequency with a casino or player activity.

Fidelity bonuses

Fidelity bonuses, also known as loyalty bonuses, reward players who play regularly with a casino’s offering. Casinos may provide a structure for the bonus system using a points system or a tiered VIP levels approach (i.e., Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze, etc.) with bonuses having one criteria: the more you play, the greater the value of the rewards. In addition to cash bonuses, the perks provided by casinos may include a higher percentage in promotional offers, faster withdrawal times, or a dedicated account manager.

Referral

Referral bonuses are earned by referring friends to sign up and play at an online casino. The reward is earned when a referrer signs up and places a qualifying deposit. The exchange can come in the form of bonus funds or free spins among other support. This is a win-win-win situation for all involved, including the new player, who is encouraged to play and continue playing to earn further incentives to play, while also establishing the growth of a community of players around a platform.

Limited-time bonuses

This kind of bonus consists in special promotions that may occur regularly or only for select seasonal periods. Some of the promotions can include daily spins, weekly cashback deals and holiday-themed events. These bonuses generate excitement and offer players a reason to log in more. Since they are available for limited periods it is important to act quickly so players can take full advantage of the bonuses.