The online casino industry has undoubtedly been one of the biggest success stories of the past couple of decades.
Where it was once the case that land-based venues dominated the sector, online casinos are now all the rage.
Gambling operators have expertly leveraged modern technology to their advantage, creating immersive sites that keep players engaged for hours on end.
The shift towards playing casino games online has created an extremely competitive marketplace, which has been beneficial for players across the world.
One of the biggest advantages of playing online are the casino bonus and promotional offers used by operators to attract new customers and retain existing ones.
These not only help gambling firms build up their customer database, but also provide players with a golden opportunity to boost their bankroll.
We take a closer look at casino bonuses and promotions, and explain the best ways to benefit from taking advantage of them.
How to claim online casino bonuses
Before we assess the different types of bonuses and promotions, it is important to understand how to claim them and what to look out for.
Claiming bonuses varies between different operators, but generally runs along these lines when you first open an online casino account.
- Visit an online casino and sign-up for an account.
- Enter your bonus code and make a qualifying deposit.
- Start playing with your bonus funds.
- Meet the wagering requirements to access any winnings.
Most leading casino operators also require you to verify your account before making an initial withdrawal, but this is generally a quick process to complete.
Casino bonuses often have terms and conditions attached to them, which require you to ‘play through’ the bonus amount before unlocking your winnings.
Players should always read the small print before signing up with an online casino to make sure that the wagering requirements are not too restrictive.
Types of casino bonuses & promotions
There are several types of casino bonuses and promotions, each of which are designed to improve your chances of making a profit.
The offers vary between different operators, but generally fall into one of the following categories.
Welcome bonuses
Also known as a sign-up bonus, this type of offer is issued when a player first opens an account with their chosen online casino.
These are often matched bonuses on your first deposit, with the operator topping up the amount you pay into your casino account by a pre-determined percentage.
In many cases this will be a 100% bonus, meaning that your initial deposit is doubled. Some operators roll their welcome bonuses out to subsequent deposits.
No deposit bonuses
‘There’s no such thing as a free lunch’ is a popular phrase communicating the notion that it is impossible to get something for nothing.
However, some online casinos dispel that theory by offering new players no deposit bonuses to entice them into playing on their sites.
These allow players to get familiar with different casino games and have the added bonus that you can keep any winnings if you meet the wagering requirements.
Free spins
Many casino players prefer online slots to table games, which is why most operators use free spins bonuses to lure them onto their sites.
This type of deal is often bundled up with matched deposit bonuses, although some online casinos stick to offering free spins for slots players.
Many online casinos also award free spins to existing customers to reward them for regularly playing slots. This is generally done either weekly or monthly.
VIP clubs
The leading casino operators offer regular players the opportunity to join VIP clubs where they can take advantage of a range of exclusive bonuses.
In addition to cashback and free spins, some casinos offer VIP players incentives such as electronic gadgets, prize draws or the opportunity to attend in-person events.
The best online casinos assign VIP players with the own account manager, who has the authority to offer promotions that are not available to non-members of the club.
The benefits of casino bonuses and promotions
Regardless of the type of bonus or promotion you receive, they provide you with an opportunity to get more value for the money you spend at an online casino.
For offers such as sign-up bonuses or free spins, you are effectively handed a better chance of keeping your bankroll in the black.
As we alluded to earlier, high roller casino bonus also give you the opportunity to familiarise yourself with the site and get to grips with the different games.
Whether you are a newbie or experienced player, this is a great way to try and make a profit without risking any of your own hard-earned cash.
While the wagering requirements on some bonuses can be a little restrictive, many operators strive to ensure that you have a realistic chance of unlocking any winnings.
Regular players also benefit massively from casino promotions, with cashback deals, reload bonuses, free spins and VIP programmes amongst the ways they are rewarded.
All of these types of offers are not only designed to be advantageous to players, but also serve an important purpose for the casino operator.
Ultimately, they are in business to make a profit, and can only achieve that if they build and maintain a strong customer database.
By advertising bonuses and promotions, online casinos can boost engagement with existing customers and build relationships with new players.
Casino bonuses & promotions – The final word
From the player’s perspective, taking advantage of casino bonuses and promotions is a no-brainer.
They demonstrate that the operator values your custom and give you the perfect opportunity to significantly boost your bankroll.
Paying attention to the terms and conditions attached to the offer is hugely important, as this will tell you how likely it is that you will unlock any winnings.
Always remember – if a deal looks too good to be true you should probably swerve it. Stick to the most trusted casino brands for the best results!
