When it comes to online casinos, one of the first things new players are immediately attracted to are the bonuses on offer. Seasoned players already know that these can literally make or break your experience, so picking wisely is the only way to go. To avoid getting catfished by these bonuses, we thought about putting this guide together that will help you differentiate between a fantastic deal and one that’s less favourable.
For this reason, we’d recommend taking your time. It’s better to analyze a casino bonus than just go for the first (supposedly) good deal you come across. Remember, NoDepositFan.org is constantly updating its site with new no deposit bonus codes, so it’s not like you’re gonna be missing out on anything!
What Are Casino Bonuses?
Before we talk about good and bad bonuses, it’s important to understand what these are and the way they work. Designed to be used as promotional material in the online casino world, these bonuses come in different shapes and sizes as we’re about to see.
What’s consistent however is that these bonuses will vary significantly between one operator and another, and understanding the specifics for each type is what’s going to get you the best bang for your buck.
Popular Casino Bonuses Explained
- Welcome Bonus – this is usually the casino’s most generous offer and often includes a match deposit and/or free spins.
- Free Spins – this type of bonus allows you to play real money games for free with the chance of winning withdrawable funds.
- Cashback Bonus – rather than focusing on wins, this type of bonus returns a percentage of your losses on a daily, weekly, and sometimes monthly basis.
- Reload Bonus – this bonus can be claimed by players who have already received their welcome offer and usually include deposit bonuses and/or free spins.
- No Deposit Bonus – this is one of the rarest bonus types available because it is not triggered by financial transactions.
- VIP / Loyalty Bonuses – some casinos like to go a step further by treating returning players to VIP and loyalty programs that allow them to accumulate points and exchange them for exclusive gifts and cash rewards.
How to Spot a Great Casino Bonus
Landing a casino bonus that’s as good as it looks can be tricky sometimes, but there are a few elements you’re able to look out for that should give you a pretty good indication whether the bonus in question is worth opting in for.
The T&Cs are Transparent
One of the first indicators of a good casino is easily accessible and clear terms and conditions. Online casinos that appear to be restrictive or elusive with this information tend to be a major red flag, which is why we always recommend browsing through the casino’s T&Cs before committing to sharing your personal or financial information. Key points to look out for:
The Wagering Requirements are Fair and Achievable
Like we’ve just mentioned, wagering refers to the playthrough you’re subject to before you’re able to convert that bonus into real money and make it yours. While a wagering requirement of around 30x is relatively standard, anything over 50% is significantly harder to achieve. In general, reasonable wagering refers to anywhere between 25 and 40x with a timeframe of at least 30 days to complete.
The Bonuses are Flexible
Another green flag for good casinos is when their bonuses allow flexibility in the way they can be used. A great example of this would be free spins that can be claimed on different slots rather than a specific title, or a bonus that can also be applied to live casino or sportsbook for example.
The Operator is Reputable
What other players are saying about the casino is another determining factor of the quality of its bonuses. Trusted, licensed casinos that receive positive reviews are more likely to offer bonuses that are transparent and fair.
Spotting Bad Casino Bonuses
Now that we’ve covered all the things to look out for when spotting a great casino bonus, here are a couple of telltale signs of a bad one instead.
The Casino is not Licensed in Your Jurisdiction
Firstly, since you are going to be sharing sensitive information, including banking details, then you’re always going to want to make sure the casino you’ve picked out is legal to play in your country.
The Payment Methods Seem Unusual
Always be wary of casino bonuses that refer to obscure or unpopular banking options as their preferred choice of payment. Good online casinos will always present a healthy choice of methods and allow you to choose freely among them.
The Payout Potential Feels Low
Casino bonuses that offer very low payouts or capped max wins irrespective of how the game sesh turns out are ones to be aware of. These margins could make it difficult to fully benefit from the bonus.
The T&Cs or Wagering Requirements Seem Unclear or Unreasonable
The same elements that could make a bonus one of the best you’ve ever come across could be the same that make you steer clear from one. If the bonus terms aren’t clearly explained, or if it’s really hard to get hold of them on the site – run. If the wagering requirements are over 50x and you’ve got less than 25 to 30 days to fulfill this request – run. And lastly, if the bonus feels too restrictive (e.g. can only be played on one game) and this doesn’t suit you – run.
Conclusion: Before Opting In
Like we’ve seen in this article, casino bonuses can be a great way to increase your bankroll or gametime, but they do not always live up to their expectations. By understanding the key elements and recognizing what to look out for, you’ll be able to start telling a good casino bonus from a bad one relatively easily in no time.
Whether you’re simply looking to enjoy a couple of free spins or try a couple of new games out using a casino bonus, always make sure that you’ve opted in for a bonus that’s issued by a reputable casino, has fair terms and conditions, and the wagering requirements feel achievable for a player of your level.
Also Read: Are Online Casinos More Profitable Than Land-Based Casinos?
