Online casinos have boomed in popularity over the past few years, with millions of people using them to play roulette, blackjack, poker, slots and more.
Advancements in technology have transformed the industry, allowing operators to develop immersive gaming websites and mobile apps.
People can now play their favourite games on a 24/7/365 basis – a factor that has contributed massively to the success of online casinos.
In what is undoubtedly an extremely competitive marketplace, operators must be creative when it comes to attracting new customers or retaining existing ones.
There is a vast array of casino bonus offers available online and it would be important that you take advantage of them when visiting an online casino.
Read on as we take a closer look at some of the most popular types of casino bonuses and promotions, and explain how to claim them.
No Deposit bonuses
No deposit bonus offers have become increasingly prevalent in recent years as operators search for innovative ways to attract new players to their sites.
No deposit bonuses are a great way to play your favourite online casino games without spending any of your hard-earned cash.
They also allow you to test out games that you have never previously played, giving you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with their features.
Any winnings you accrue can be withdrawn once you have met the wagering requirements, which generally require you to ‘play through’ the bonus amount a specific number of times.
Welcome bonuses
All the leading online casino operators offer new players welcome bonuses when they sign-up for an account and make their first deposit, we recommend to keep yourself informed and read some news for new offers.
Commonly known as matched deposit bonuses, these give players the opportunity to obtain additional funds to play with when they first join a casino site.
This type of bonus is usually restricted to a player’s initial deposit, although some operators have extended the deals to second, third and even fourth deposits.
Matched bonuses are generally structured as a percentage of the first deposit. For instance, a 100% bonus on a £50 deposit would effectively give you £100 to play with.
Much like no deposit bonuses, there are likely to be terms and conditions attached to matched bonuses that you must meet before any winnings are unlocked.
Free spins bonuses
For anyone who loves playing slots games, free spins bonuses are a great way to try and boost your bankroll at an online casino.
Operators often bundle free spins with matched deposit deals, while others offer them as a standalone bonus when you sign-up for an account.
Many online casinos also offer free spins to existing customers to reward them for being a regular player on the site.
Free spins bonuses are a great way to familiarise yourself with slots, allowing you to test out different games to find something you like.
Even if you use free spins and win nothing, you have still had the opportunity to enjoy the excitement of playing online slots.
Refer a friend bonuses
Many online casino operators run refer a friend schemes with a view to increasing the number of players on their sites.
These types of promotions allow existing customers to boost their bankroll by recommending a casino to their family or friends.
If someone opens an account following a recommendation, the customer will receive a bonus which will generally be a cash payment.
Most operators limit the amount of refer a friend bonuses they offer, although this can often be up to 20 new casino players. Be sure to tell your friends about the benefits of live dealers at online casinos.
These are a great way to grab some extra cash which you can use to play the games or withdraw to your bank balance.
VIP promotions
When you become a VIP player at an online casino you become part of an exclusive club were special bonuses and promotions are available.
These often include loyalty rewards such as cashback or free spins, and are designed to reward you for playing regularly at an online casino.
Some operators host special in-person events such as weekends in Paris and Christmas parties, giving you the opportunity to mingle with fellow VIP players.
Prize draws are another common VIP bonus, giving players the opportunity to win gadgets, designer goods, trips to concerts and more.
VIP players are usually assigned to their own personal account manager, who has the authority to award bonuses and promotions based on how often you play on a site.
How to claim online casino bonuses
Regardless of which online casino bonus or promotion you use, it is imperative to understand how to successfully obtain them.
Claiming casino bonuses may vary between different operators, although the process generally follows this format.
- Sign-up at an online casino.
- Enter the appropriate bonus code if requested.
- Make a qualifying deposit.
- Start playing online casino games.
- Meet the wagering requirements to unlock any winnings.
- Withdraw your winnings or keep playing on the site.
As mentioned earlier, it is important to familiarise yourself with the terms and conditions attached to your chosen online casino bonus.
These may include minimum or maximum deposit limits along with wagering requirements you need to fulfil to unlock any winnings.
Online casino bonuses and promotions – the final word
For anyone considering playing at an online casino, taking advantage of bonuses and promotions is a great way to boost your bankroll.
They can give you the opportunity to test out the different games for free, or reward you for being a loyal player on a particular site.
The best way to take advantage of casino bonuses is by signing up for accounts with different operators, which will give you loads of free money or spins to play with.
