Online casinos offer a variety of bonuses as a way to attract new players and retain existing ones. These bonuses can provide players with extra money or spins, but they often come with certain terms and conditions. Understanding how these bonuses work, including what wagering requirements are, is key to making the most of them.
Types of Bonuses
Online casinos offer several types of bonuses. The most common are welcome bonuses, which are offered to new players who make their first deposit. Other bonuses include no deposit bonuses, free spins for slot games, reload bonuses for existing players, and loyalty bonuses for players who play regularly.
How to Claim Bonuses
Bonuses are typically claimed by making a deposit, entering a bonus code, or simply by clicking on a link in a promotional email. No deposit bonuses and free spins may be credited to your account without any action required on your part, although this varies by casino.
Wagering Requirements
One of the most important aspects of casino bonuses to understand is wagering requirements. A wagering requirement is the number of times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings made from it. For example, if a $100 bonus has a 25x wagering requirement, you'll need to place bets totaling $2,500 before you can withdraw any winnings made from the bonus.
Game Weighting
Not all games contribute equally towards meeting the wagering requirements. For instance, slots usually contribute 100% towards the requirement, but table games like blackjack might only contribute 10%. This information will be outlined in the bonus terms and conditions at the casino that you play at.
Maximum Bet Limit and Maximum Win Cap
Some casinos impose a maximum bet limit when playing with bonus funds. This means there's a limit on how much you can bet per spin or round when trying to meet the wagering requirements. Similarly, there may be a maximum win cap, limiting the amount you can win using bonus funds.
Bonus Expiration
Most bonuses come with an expiration date, after which the bonus funds and any winnings are removed from your account if the wagering requirements haven't been met. This period varies but can be anywhere from a few days to a few months.
Conclusion
Casino bonuses can provide a great way to boost your playing funds and enjoy more of what online casinos have to offer. However, it's essential to understand how these bonuses work and the terms and conditions associated with them. Always read these before using a bonus to ensure it offers good value and aligns with your playing habits.
With many online casinos, as soon as you make your first deposit, you will receive a match bonus. If you prefer to play without bonus, so you can withdraw at any time without worrying about wagering requirements, simply contact the casino via live chat or email before you start playing any games. Tell them you wish to remove the bonus from your account. Remember that you must do this before you place a single bet or play a spin, otherwise you will likely have to continue with the bonus.