Online Casino Bonuses and Promotions

What Are Online Casino Bonuses?

Online casino bonuses are promotional incentives offered by casinos. The extra value they provide gives players more opportunities to extend their playtime and increase their winnings.

These bonuses come in 10 common types to suit different playing styles, such as welcome bonuses, payment method bonuses, VIP bonuses, and more. For now, check out our online casino guide for more information and scroll for 6 tips to utilize your bonus.

6 Tips to Get The Most Online Casino Bonus

Six tips to remember: select your strategy and game variance, assess the wagering requirements, and only focus on bonuses you can realistically complete. Also, keep an eye out for yearly or seasonal promotions.

1. Decide on Your Strategy

To use the bonus effectively, you must first confirm which games you can use it on. Look for phrases like “Eligible for slots only” or “Live dealer games contribute 10%,” then focus entirely on that exclusive game to ensure all your bets count toward the requirements.

Next, divide the total required bets by the number of days the bonus is valid. For example, when a $50 bonus requires $1,000 in bets within 10 days, you must wager $100 per day to stay on track.

Try no-deposit bonuses for risk-free casino play. Win real money without depositing, but expect lower withdrawal limits.

2. Pick The Right Slot Variance

Variance determines how often a game pays out and how large the payouts are:

• Low-variance games (e.g., Starburst, Twin Spin, Aloha! Cluster Pays): These titles pay small amounts frequently, often between 0.5x to 5x your bet.
• Medium-variance games (e.g., Gonzo’s Quest, Book of Dead, Thunderstruck II): Payouts range from 1x to 20x your bet, with occasional higher payouts.
• High-variance games (e.g., Dead or Alive, Jammin’ Jars, Bonanza): Payouts are up to 1,000x, but consistent victories are rare. Players typically go through long stretches without wins.

To identify and pick the variance, check the casino’s description of the game or look up reviews on trusted sites like PeakyCasino.

Or, check for clues in the gameplay if the variance is not listed. For example, low-variance titles have simple features (e.g., players register to get bonuses), while high-variance often comes with massive payouts and complex bonus requirements (e.g., players must create consecutive cluster wins).

3. Assess The Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements tell you how much you need to bet before you can withdraw winnings. For example, a 20x wagering requirement means you must wager $2,000 to receive a $100 bonus.

Always calculate the total wagering amount to assess whether the bonus is achievable for you. Note that different game types (slot, blackjack, keno, etc.) have different requirements.

For instance, slots typically contribute 100%, meaning a $1 bet equals $1 toward the total. Meanwhile, blackjack contributes less (3 to 5%), so you must bet 3x to 5x more to make the same progress.

4. Check The Rules and Validity

Each bonus comes with a set of rules that you must follow to keep the bonus and winnings. Three key points to check include:

• Validity period: Bonuses have an expiration date between 7 and 30 days. For instance, a $100 bonus with a 7-day validity means you need to meet the wagering requirement within that time.
• Regional restrictions: Location is another factor to consider. For instance, this bonus is not available to players from Sweden or Germany. Check carefully if your region is eligible.
• Winning cap: No-deposit bonuses often limit how much you can withdraw. A common example is “Maximum cashout $100”, meaning you can only withdraw up to $100 even if you win more.

So, always read the terms and rules before participating. Also, track your gameplay throughout the entire process to confirm you are still meeting the eligibility requirements within the validity period.

5. Select Only Bonuses You Can Fully Use

Claiming multiple bonuses at once makes it challenging for you to meet all the requirements. Instead, focus on the ones that fit your playing habit and available time only. Skip the bonus and look for one with better terms if the requirement is too high for you.

For example, a $10 no-deposit bonus with a 10x requirement ($100) is much easier to complete than a $500 deposit match with a 50x requirement. So go for the no-deposit bonus if you have limited time. On the other hand, for those playing frequently, the larger deposit match is worth the effort.

6. Keep An Eye on Seasonal Offers

Seasonal promotions offer better bonuses than regular promotions, such as higher deposit matches, extra free spins, or lower wagering requirements.

These deals are available during holidays or events, like Christmas or the World Cup. However, they have short time windows, so claim them as fast as possible.

Consider subscribing to the casino’s newsletter or checking their promotions page regularly. Plus, it’s important to learn the 10 common types of casino bonuses below so you can make the most out of them.

10 Types of Online Casino Bonus Offers

Ten types of online casino bonuses: Welcome, payment method, no-deposit, reload, VIP, referral, no-wagering, free spin, loyalty program, and cashback. Each comes with different criteria.

1. Welcome Bonus

A welcome bonus is the most common offer for new players when they create an account and make their first deposit. It matches your deposit by a percentage (such as 100% or 200%), giving you extra money to start playing.

For example, when a casino offers a 100% bonus up to $200 and you deposit $100, you receive an extra $100. As a result, you have $200 in total to play with.

Good for: First-time players looking to increase their initial bankroll.

2. Payment Method Bonus

This bonus encourages players to use specific payment methods like PayPal, Skrill, or Bitcoin. When you deposit using these methods, you receive a small additional bonus.

Suppose a casino offers a “15% bonus on Skrill deposits.” That means you get an additional $30 if you deposit $200 via Skrill.

Good for: Players who use alternative payment methods. 

3. No-Deposit Bonus

The no-deposit bonus gives you free credits or spins just for registering (no deposit required). It’s a risk-free way to try out the casino and win real money. However, any winnings are subject to a cap (e.g., $100 maximum withdrawal) and often have wagering requirements.

Good for: New players who want to experiment with the games without spending money.

4. Reload Bonus

A reload bonus rewards existing players for making additional deposits. Casinos typically offer a 50% reload bonus up to $100, which can be weekly, monthly, or tied to special events like Christmas or Thanksgiving.

For example, you get an extra $100 if you deposit $200. Although the percentage is smaller than welcome bonuses, you can claim a reload bonus multiple times.

Good for: Regular players who deposit frequently.

5. VIP/High Roller Bonus

These bonuses are for players who deposit and wager large amounts of money.

VIP players often receive bigger bonuses, cashback, faster withdrawals, personal account managers, and exclusive gifts. For example, they can get a 100% bonus up to $5,000 or 20% cashback on losses over $1,000.

Good for: Big spenders who want better rewards and faster service.

6. Referral Bonus

To get a referral bonus, you must invite one friend or more to join the casino (e.g., by sharing a referral link with them). You might get extra money or free spins if your friend signs up and makes the first deposit. The reward increases as your friend continues depositing.

Good for: Players with friends interested in online casinos.

7. No Wagering Bonus

The no-wagering bonus lets you withdraw your winnings directly without wagering requirements. For example, when you win $50 from free spins, it’s yours to keep. Unlike other bonuses, you do not have to re-bet your winnings two or more times.

Good for: Players who want simple, hassle-free bonuses.

8. Free Spin Bonus

Often part of a welcome bonus or a special promotion, this bonus gives you 3+ free spins. Winnings from these spins are either wager-free or added as bonus funds and could require wagering (e.g., 20x).

Note that free spin bonuses only apply to slot games, like Gold Digger, Jackpot 6000, Mega Joker, etc., not other types like blackjack or roulette.

Good for: Slot players who want to experiment for free. 

9. Loyalty Program

Loyalty programs reward regular players with points for their bets. Every wager earns points: for instance, $1,000 in bets earn 1,000 points, which can be redeemed for $10 or free spins. Higher loyalty tiers (e.g., Silver, Gold, Platinum) unlock better rewards.

Good for: Long-term players who bet consistently.

10. Cashback Bonus

The bonus refunds a percentage of your losses over a specific period (usually a week). Suppose you lose $200 during the week, and the casino offers 10% cashback; you get $20 back in that case.

Unlike other bonuses, cashback is based on your losses, not your deposits or wins. It serves as a safety net for unlucky gaming sessions.

Good for: Players who bet frequently and want recovery for their losses.

Besides these 10 main bonus types, check out other casino promotions below.

Other Casino Promotions

Casinos go beyond traditional bonuses to offer six other types of creative promotions, including:

• Giveaways: Opportunities to win tangible rewards, such as smartphones, tablets, luxury vacations, or branded merchandise.
• Community jackpots: Collective prize pools where every player contributes a small amount with each bet. Once the jackpot is triggered, it’s shared among participating players.
• Cash reloads: Recurring offers where the casino matches a percentage of your deposit, such as 20% or 50%, up to a limit.
• Promotional tournament entries: Online casinos host tournaments, such as Casombie’s Monthly Race or PlayAmo’s Slot of the Week, where players compete for leading positions. Promotional entries provide discounted or free access to such events, meaning players can participate without additional cost.
• Seasonal/themed promotions: To excite new and current players, casinos roll out limited-time promotions tied to holidays (e.g., Christmas and Halloween) or major events (such as the Super Bowl).

Decide which bonus or promotion you like, then follow the next steps to submit the code.

How to Submit Casino Bonus Codes

To redeem a casino bonus with a code, log into your account, then navigate to the cashier page to enter the code or choose your desired bonus, and claim the reward.

Step 1. Sign up and Log in

Existing players simply log in to access the promotion. Otherwise, complete the registration process and verify your account if you are new to the casino.

Step 2. Go to The Cashier Page

Next, go to the cashier or promotions section of the site. Look for a field where you can enter your bonus code — or select the bonus you want to claim from the menu dropdown.

Step 3. Activate The Chosen Bonus

Finally, confirm your selection to activate the offer. Double-check the terms and conditions associated with the bonus to ensure you meet the requirements, such as wagering requirements or regional restrictions, for claiming and using it effectively.

What Are The Terms & Conditions in Casino Bonuses?

Every casino bonus comes with terms and conditions relating to eligibility, wagering requirements, minimum deposits, and bonus stacking:

• Wagering requirements: Bonuses require you to wager the bonus amount (or the deposit and bonus combined) 2 or more times before you can withdraw any winnings. For instance, a 30x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus means you must wager at least $3,000.
• Eligible games: A bonus is not available to every game type. For instance, free spins are limited to slot titles, while table games contribute less or not at all toward wagering requirements.
• Minimum deposits: Deposit-based bonuses require a minimum deposit to qualify, often ranging from $10 to $50.
• Non-stackable offers: Casinos allow only one bonus to be active at a time. You must use up or forfeit any previously claimed bonus before activating another.

Additionally, remember to calculate the wager amount and EV (Expected Value) carefully to choose the best bonus. Check out the simple guide below!

How to Calculate An Online Casino Bonus

To calculate a casino bonus, determine the total bonus amount, total wager, and house edge and then follow this formula: The Expected Value (EV) = Total Bonus Amount – (Total Wager x House Edge) [According to TheSportsGeek].

Step 1. Calculate The Total Wager Amount

Suppose the wagering requirement applies to both the deposit and the bonus. Follow this formula:

The total wager amount = (Deposit + Bonus) x Wagering Requirement

Example:

• Deposit = $100, Bonus = $100, Wagering Requirement = 30x
• Total wager required = ($100 + $100) x 30 = $6,000.

Step 2. Factor in The Casino’s House Edge

The house edge is the casino’s advantage over players. Slots typically have a house edge of around 4%, while table games like blackjacks are lower.

Let’s say you plan to wager on a slot game with a 4% house edge:

• House edge on $6,000 wager = $6,000 x 4% = $240.

Step 3. Calculate The EV

EV reflects how much value the bonus provides after considering the house edge:

EV = Total Bonus Amount – (Total Wager Amount x House Edge)

Back to the previous example:

• Bonus = $100
• Total wager = $6,000
• House edge = 4%
• EV = $100 – ($6,000 x 0.04) = -$140.

The bonus has a negative EV, meaning you can lose $140 on average when claiming and playing through this bonus.

Step 4. Consider Other Factors

Before making a final decision, keep in mind that not every game contributes equally to the wagering requirement.

For instance, slots usually count 100%: when you bet $1 on a slot, the full $1 counts toward the rollover. Meanwhile, games like blackjack, roulette, or poker only contribute 10% or less. Only $0.1 counts toward the wagering requirement if you bet $1 on blackjack, for example.

Also, bonuses restrict the maximum amount you can bet (e.g., only $5 per spin or round). Violating the max bet rule results in the casino voiding your bonus and any winnings tied to it.

FAQs about Online Casino Bonuses

References

1. Find The Value Of A Casino Bonus (TheSportsGeek)