Different Types Of Casino Bonuses And Who They’re For
Online casino bonuses come in two primary flavours: free ones that don’t require a deposit and those you must deposit to get. In this section, we’ll explain how free and deposit bonuses work and explore all the fascinating bonus sub-categories you should know about.
Free Bonuses
Free bonuses, commonly known as no deposit bonuses, are primarily designed for new players who want to try out a casino without risking their funds. These bonuses are an excellent way to explore a new casino platform, test its various games, and get a good feel for the general vibe.
Casinos will also offer no deposit bonuses to their existing customers or VIPs as a token of appreciation for their continued loyalty.
Two main types of no deposit bonuses are available, no deposit free spins and no deposit bonus credits.
- No Deposit Free Spins: These free spins can be used on a single slot game. Sometimes you might get to choose between a couple of slots, but this is rare.
- No Deposit Bonus Credits: These are free credits added to your casino account that can be used to play a variety of slots. Although some casinos might allow you to use them on some non-live games, they’re usually restricted to slots.
Here’s how these two free bonus types compare side by side:
| Attribute | No Deposit Free Spins | No Deposit Bonus Credits |
|---|
| Usage | Eligible on one or two slots | Eligible on a selection of slots |
| Main Purpose | To try out a specific slot at a pre-set wager per spin | To test out multiple slots with varying wager amounts |
| Typical Bonus Amount | 10 to 50 Free Spins | $5 to $25 Bonus Credits |
| Wagering Requirements | Applied to spin winnings | Applied to the bonus amount |
| Ideal For | New and loyal slot fans | New and loyal casino fans |
Deposit Bonuses
Making a deposit at an online casino will open up a range of lucrative bonuses that will appeal to several types of players.
Here’s who they’re for:
- Players Who Used Up Their Risk-free Bonus: They’re ready to invest their own money to receive a reward that’s superior to any no deposit bonus, enhancing their overall gambling experience.
- Real Money Players: They appreciate the extended playtime and additional entertainment value that cash bonuses offer them.
- Loyal Players: These players deposit and play frequently, seeking out bonuses to maximise their winning returns.
All deposit bonuses operate on the same basic principles. You get rewarded for adding real money to your online casino balance. That said, there are a few deposit bonus variations based on specific player groups or user intents that you should know about.
The differences among these bonuses are primarily in how they are advertised, with varying bonus percentages and maximum amounts being the main distinguishing factors. Here’s a breakdown of the main types of deposit bonuses you’ll encounter at online casinos right now.
Match Bonuses
Match bonuses are a common type of promotion where an online casino matches a percentage of your deposit with bonus funds. For example, a 100% match bonus on a $100 deposit would give you an additional $100 in bonus funds, totalling $200 to gamble with.
The term ‘match bonus’ is a widely used standard in the online casino industry and can refer to both deposit sign-up offers and regular promotions for existing casino players.
The actual bonus percentages and maximum amounts you’ll receive vary greatly depending on the type of promotion. Welcome bonuses might offer a higher percentage and larger maximum amount, while regular reload bonuses offer a lower percentage.
- New casino players who want to deposit and gamble with an additional bonus balance right away.
- Players that have used their free sign-up offer and want to keep playing at the same casino.
- High rollers who are only interested in gambling with large bonuses.
- After using your initial no deposit or free sign-up bonuses and wanting to continue playing.
- When making your first deposit, to maximise initial playtime and potential winnings. The welcome offer is the largest match bonus you’re likely to ever receive.
- If you plan to make a substantial deposit to take advantage of a high-value bonus.
- Wagering Requirements: The bonus amount typically needs to be wagered a certain number of times before it can be withdrawn. For example, a 30x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus means you need to bet $3,000 before you can withdraw your winnings.
- Game Restrictions: Match bonuses can usually be used on most games, including slots, table games, and live dealer games. However, contributions to wagering requirements may vary by game type.
- No Win Limits: Generally, match bonuses do not have win limits, allowing you to potentially win and withdraw large amounts which makes them very appealing.
- Eligibility: Available to both new and existing players, depending on the promotion specifics.
Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses are offered to players who’ve already signed up with a casino and made their first deposit. The main idea is to ‘reload’ your account with additional funds to keep gambling.
These bonuses typically have lower bonus percentages and max amounts than their welcome match bonus counterparts. You can expect to find reload bonuses of between 50% and 100%, with maximum given amounts ranging from $20 to $150.
Reload bonuses are often offered weekly or monthly or tied to specific promotional events. Check the promotions section of your online casino account to see if you can easily boost your next deposit.
- Existing players who have already signed up with a casino and made their first deposit.
- Regular players looking to extend their playtime with additional funds.
- Players who value ongoing promotions and bonuses.
- If you’re making deposits after your initial sign-up bonus has been used.
- During special promotional periods or events to boost your deposit value.
- To boost your bankroll regularly and maximise your gambling time.
- Wagering Requirements: The bonus amount must be wagered a certain number of times before withdrawal. For example, a 25x wagering requirement on a $50 bonus means you need to bet $1,250 before you can withdraw.
- Game Restrictions: Reload bonuses can generally be used on most games, but contributions to wagering requirements may vary by game type.
- Eligibility: These bonuses are available to existing players who have previously made deposits, designed to encourage continued gambling and loyalty
Cashback Bonuses
Cashback bonuses are based on match bonuses, but instead of crediting bonus funds upfront, these bonuses are credited once a specific action has taken place.
The cashback bonus percentage you’ll receive can be calculated based on:
- The total amount you wagered within a set timeframe.
- The total amount you lost (net losses) over a certain period.
- The total deposits you made within a specified timeframe.
Although cashback bonuses offer lower returns compared to a stack of bonus cash from a reload bonus, they often come with significantly lower wagering requirements. This gives you a good chance to meet the conditions and withdraw your cashback funds as real money.
- Players who regularly deposit and play.
- VIP players who require an added incentive to continue their investment with the casino.
- Players who prefer not to deal with bonuses, high wagering requirements and win limits.
- When seeking to cushion your losses over a certain period.
- As a regular player looking for ongoing rewards.
- If you’re part of VIP or loyalty programs offering cashback incentives.
- Retroactive Credit: The bonus funds are credited after the qualifying period or action, such as weekly losses or monthly play.
- Low Wagering Requirements: Often easier to meet than those of typical match bonuses, making cash back bonuses attractive.
- No Win Limits: There are often no restrictions on how much you can win and withdraw from cash back bonuses.
- Eligibility: Cashback bonuses are commonly offered to VIP players or as part of loyalty programs but can also be available to regular customers.
Bonus Packages/Welcome Offers
Bonus packages or welcome offers are designed to attract new players to make their first deposit by offering fantastic value in a single package. These bonuses typically feature substantial match percentages, often coupled with a significant number of free spins.
- New players looking to maximise their initial casino deposit.
- Players who want to get the best value from their first few deposits.
- Players who want to use large bonuses and free spins to explore a casino.
- When making your first deposit after exhausting any no deposit offers.
- When you want to kickstart your casino journey with a significant boost.
- When looking to maximise your gambling time and win potential from the outset.
- Generous Match Bonuses: These offers usually include staggering match percentages ranging from 100% to 400%, with maximum amounts reaching up to $2,000. This means your initial deposits can be substantially increased, giving you a larger bankroll to play with.
- A Set Of Free Spins: In addition to the match bonus, hundreds of free spins are often included, which can be used on selected slot games to enhance your gambling experience further. These are either given out in one go, or in batches every 24 hours.
- Subsequent Match Bonuses: It’s common for welcome packages to reward you over your first three or four deposits. This multi-tiered approach ensures you stay engaged with the casino and get better value over a more extended period.
No Wager Bonuses And Free Spins
No wager bonuses and free spins are among the most sought-after bonuses for online casino gamblers due to their simplicity and player-friendly nature. The ability to cash out winnings instantly, without any wagering requirements makes them highly attractive but also pretty rare.
- Players who value the ability to cash out winnings instantly.
- Loyal players that the casino trusts and sees as valuable.
- Players looking for simple bonuses without complex wagering requirements.
- When you want immediate access to your winnings without the hassle of meeting wagering requirements.
- As a reward for consistent play and loyalty at the casino.
- When offered as part of a special promotion or loyalty program.
- Rarity and Risk: No-wager bonuses are not commonly offered due to the high risk involved for casinos.
- Low Win Caps: These bonuses often have relatively low win caps, limiting the maximum amount that can be withdrawn from bonus winnings.
- Loyal Player Offers: No wager bonuses are mainly offered to loyal players who consistently deposit and gamble, thus generating a steady profit for the casino.
Refer-A-Friend Bonuses
You can find refer-a-friend schemes at some online casinos, but they are not as common as other bonus offers. These programs reward you for bringing new customers to the casino via a unique referral link. You receive a reward if your friend uses the link to sign up and makes a deposit.
Referral bonuses usually consist of a few free spins or a small bonus credit, making it an easy and rewarding way to benefit from your social circle.
- Players with friends interested in joining the online casino.
- Loyal players looking to share their favourite casino with others.
- Players who enjoy additional bonuses and want to capitalise on their personal network.
- When you have friends who are interested in signing up at an online casino.
- To take advantage of extra rewards while helping friends get started gambling.
- Anytime you want to earn bonuses without making an additional deposit yourself.
- Eligibility: Both the referrer and the referred friend must meet the casino’s requirements, such as minimum deposit amounts and sign-up criteria.
- Bonus Activation: The referral bonus is usually activated only after the referred friend completes their sign-up and makes a qualifying deposit.
- Wagering Requirements: Any bonus received through a refer-a-friend scheme will likely come with wagering requirements that need to be met before you can withdraw them.
- Usage: Bonuses gained from referrals can typically be used on a variety of games, but specifics will depend on the casino’s terms.