Learn all about welcome bonuses for slots players online
When it comes to choosing your next online casino, it's really important to take a look at the different bonuses on offer. A bonus can be a good way for slots players to give their bankroll a gentle nudge upwards but, before you enter any details, it's a good idea to make sure you're clued up the different types.
If you are just signing up to a new casino, you'll be eligible for a welcome bonus. But once that has cleared, you can take advantage of reload bonuses, free spins, and access to a loyalty program or VIP scheme. In this guide we'll take a closer look at the kinds of casino bonuses you can expect to find - you'll be a casino expert in no time.
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PLAY NOWA casino bonus is a way for a gambling site to encourage new players to join and help them kick things off to a good start. More importantly, good bonuses keep players gambling without the need to go hunting elsewhere.
In many cases, a deposit is needed to access a bonus scheme. However, some sites offer no deposit bonuses which simply require a valid log in. If you are a slots player, you will find plenty of offers that are right for you. And most bonuses allow 100% of your gameplay to contribute towards the total. Let's take a look at the different types.
Virtually all online casinos offer at least one bonus. A welcome bonus is normally more generous in terms of matched cash than other offers. However, regular gamblers can still take advantage of ongoing promotions.
Welcome Bonus: A welcome bonus is reserved for new players who haven't yet made a deposit. Getting started is simple: when you open an account, either sign up using a unique bonus promo code or enter one when you make your first deposit.
Often with a welcome bonus the casino matches your deposit 100 or 200%, up to a certain amount of money. There is a catch, though: you will have to meet the wagering requirement first. This is usually somewhere between 20-50x your deposit, within a specific timeframe. Pick one that suits your budget and always read the small print.
Free Spins: Free games on popular slots are sometimes an added extra to a welcome bonus. You may receive 20-30 free spins to use on a choice of slots. Any winnings are banked and only released once a wagering requirement is met.
Reload Bonus: A reload is sometimes offered after your first deposit. This will have a smaller maximum limit and match percentage than your welcome bonus. They typically add a set percentage to every subsequent deposit you make.
No Deposit Bonus: Some casinos offer players the chance to earn free cash without loading up their account. Players may get a day to play on any eligible games and win free cash. Any winnings must be gambled back through the casino for it to be released. A few sites also offer free cash to players where ALL winnings made are kept. There is no need for a wagering requirement.
Refund on Losses: Weekly promotions are a good way to keep players coming back. Some offers include a 'money back' promise: any losses on a given night on slots or table games are refunded to the player.
VIP/Loyalty Scheme: Regular customers can join a loyalty scheme and earn regular bonuses. These can include monthly reload match offers, free spins, and faster payouts. VIPs can also earn special prizes like invites to big sporting events and a personal manager.
Most loyalty programs have strict playing requirements. You will need to demonstrate you are gambling regularly enough to stay on a particular level. The more you gamble, the more 'player points' you will earn. If you stop playing regularly, you will be moved to a lower level on the program.
Most casino bonuses have a playthrough or wagering requirement attached. This is the amount the player has to gamble in order to have their winnings released.
In a deposit bonus, the wagering requirement is a usually a multiple of the total deposit. For example, a wagering requirement of 30x on a deposit of $100 would mean the player has to gamble 30 x $100 = $3,000, in order to win back the $100 bonus. Different games contribute different percentages towards the playthrough requirement, so it's always a good idea to check before you the bonus terms and conditions before playing.
In a no deposit bonus, like free spins, the playthrough requirement is placed on the amount of winnings. Let's say you win $100 on free spins, and the wagering requirement is set at 50x. To have the cash released, you will have to gamble $5,000 (50 x $100) on the casino. It's always best to understand what you'll need to play through first before choosing what sort of bonus you'd like to take advantage of, as some are more lucrative than others.
Most casino games count towards a bonus. However, it's important to check the bonus terms before you start gambling. Every casino is different, and not all games count towards the relevant wagering requirements.
In general, the higher the house edge, the more the game will be eligible toward a bonus. For example, most video slots are 90-100% eligible. Table games like roulette and blackjack will often only contribute around 5-20%.
You'll find a list of contribution rates on the promotions page. Make it a priority to check this page before you sign up to your casino of choice.
Players don't always have to make a deposit to earn a bonus. A no deposit bonus lets you win cash without whipping out the debit card, which is perfect for those looking to play for fun or practise a game first.
No deposit bonuses work in two ways: as free spins on slots, or as a free play offer. In a free spins bonus, the gambler has a set number of spins to play on selected slots. This is a great way to get a feel for a game, especially if you're new to gambling. Once you've used your no deposit bonus you might find you're ready to start funding your bankroll and begin playing for real money.
The best online casinos are able to offer all sorts of bonuses to players these days. Competition is so tough that casinos are constantly improving their offers to gamblers. That means it's vital to shop around for the best deals. Here's a comparison of the typical casino bonuses you're likely to find in 2024. Casinos can vary in the maximum deposits or wagering requirements, so it's important to check first.
| Bonus Type | Deposit Needed? | Match Percentage | Available to New Players? | Wagering Requirement | Min/Max Deposit |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit Match | Yes | 50-200% | Yes | 25-50x | 25.00-2000.00 |
| Free Spins | No | 100% | Sometimes | 30-50x | n/a |
| Reload bonus | Yes | 25-50% | No | 25-50x | 25.00-500.00 |
| No Deposit Bonus | No | 50-100% | Yes | 25-50x | n/a |
| VIP Scheme | Yes | 50-100% | Sometimes | Various | Various |
| Free Bets | No | n/a | yes | n.a | n/a |
While all casinos offer gambling bonuses, not all are created equal. Some will offer a 100% welcome bonus with free spins up to $2,000, while another will offer 50% up to $500 and no free spins. One casino's loyalty program will offer super fast cashouts but has an unrealistic maintenance level. Another VIP scheme, meanwhile, will only start once you have earned 1,000 player points and may offer nothing to new customers. It's important to shop around and work out the best option for you.
One final word of warning: don't fall foul of bonus abuse. If a casino thinks you are using the site only to earn free bonus cash before moving on, you face the risk of being banned. Bet sensibly, earn the best bonuses, and make the casinos work for you. Our team of experts only recommend the best bonuses for players in 2024. So, check out our list of top sites, find the bonus that you like the most, sign up and start spinning for some real cash prizes today!
