Casino Bonuses and How to Benefit from Them

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The enchanting gambling universe on the Internet lets you choose among some of the best online casino games. Many established brick-and-mortar casinos, many of which formerly had their base of operations established in the city of Las Vegas, have made their move online, too. It is not only that you get to play casino games you know and love in a much more varied and engaging setting; you also get free money to wager! Bonuses are a major driving force behind online casinos' explosive growth. The instant gratification players receive before they even start playing has turned thousands of gamblers to the Internet as their betting house of choice. Bodog, among the most respected brands in online gaming today, offers great online casino bonuses; other large networks are also good starting points. In the sea of bonus schemes, it is easy to get lost and confused. Here we review some common bonus types and how to make the best of them.

Before you begin...

Every reputable casino will make their bonus scheme terms and conditions very clear to you. The most crucial point is the wager requirement before cashing out. Normally you have to put the free money you get through thousands of bets before you can withdraw it. This prevents bonus-hunting and also stimulates you to explore different online casino games. Make sure you read the information carefully and also skim through a couple of online casino reviews before you dive into the bonus sea. Our article on claiming casino bonuses is also a good preparatory reading.

No-deposit bonus

This is probably the best bonus you can imagine: you get something for nothing! This one is common for lesser known casinos which aim to attract new clientele. Because you have not deposited anything, it is unlikely that you can ever cash out any of your no-deposit bonus money. It is a great way to get you started, though, and you can explore most games which interest you. If you like what you see, you make your first deposit and this takes you to the...

Matching or percentage deposit bonus

This is the most common bonus which rewards you for the money you put in. Matching bonuses, as their name suggests, double your deposit. Percentage bonuses are far more exciting and can go from 50% to 500%, depending on the casino and its policies. This type of bonus actively stimulates you to put money into your game and rewards you in kind. It often takes progressive shape where your first, second, and third deposit each get a differently sized bonus (e.g. matching, 50%, and 200%, respectively). This progression is also sometimes referred to as a "reload bonus" scheme which rewards your continuous effort.

Loyalty bonus

Online casinos' bonus schemes aim at attracting and retaining new customers, so a special loyalty bonus is very much in order. It normally takes the form of a fixed sum which you get added to your bankroll if you play consistently over a longer period of time (e.g. logging in at least once a week). Although quite small compared to most other bonuses, the loyalty reward is a strong psychological tool which makes players feel truly welcome and appreciated. It is a perfect proof that it is the thought that counts. Additionally, the small extra sum is great to play casino slots with - an inexpensive yet fun game which also has a favourable wagering requirement!

High-roller bonus

Most casino bonus schemes reward regular customers who make modest to average deposits. However, if you are an impulsive player who likes to dive into the game headlong and make a splash, high-roller bonuses are for you. They reward deposits which exceed a certain large sum (e.g. 500 or 1,000 pounds) and take the form a percentage deposit bonus as described above. They are perfect if you want to start out with a big bankroll and explore as many casino games online as you wish. There are even reports that the state of Nevada is thinking of offering online poker beyond the state borders.