Esports Bonus Guide
Introduction to Bonuses at Online Casinos
One of the most exciting parts of gambling at an online casino is the wide and varied array of casino bonuses there are on offer. The great thing about them is that you can extend the amount of time you play without having to deposit additional funds of your own. If you are a newcomer to online gambling, then you’ll need to get the low down on exactly what these bonuses are all about, and how to make the most of them so that you can maximise your winning potential.
You’re sure to have loads of questions about how the bonuses actually work when the bonuses can be claimed, what about the fine print and other rules that must be followed? if you’ve been wondering about any or all of these points, then you are not alone. Our bonus guide is here to explain all of this and plenty of other informative details that will help you become a casino bonus expert in no time at all. And not just that but our guide is written in plain and simple terms so that it’s easily understood by novices and experts alike. Your journey into the world of online casino bonuses starts here now.
Casino Bonus Definition and How it Works
It’s hard to imagine online casinos without bonuses, it’s what sets them apart from other gambling destinations, literally every online casino has some sort of bonus offer. Thanks to the huge number of them to choose from, the casino operators are constantly devising new and exciting ways to lure you to their establishment.
Aside from new bonuses, you’ll find mixed bonuses and even upgrades on the basic packages with additional free spins always a lucrative feature to look out for. Lucky for online casino players, they have so many deals of every description to attract their attention, and in no time at all, you’ll be looking out for the bonuses that will be most rewarding and enjoyable for you to take part in.
Online Casino Bonuses Explained
In a nutshell, a casino bonus is an incentive which gives players a reason to try out different online casinos. It’s also a great way of offering some diversity and excitement to a casino's existing players and to top it off, these bonuses usually give a nice injection of funds to extend your gameplay. It’s basically a win-win for everyone, especially the player.
The bonuses, however, can often seem too good to be true, and that’s because there are some important requirements that must be met in order to receive the full benefit of the bonus. The wagering requirement is the most common caveat to keep in mind that this is going to determine the way the winnings from your bonus are obtained. Attaching a wagering requirement is the casino’s way of safeguarding themselves against potential abusers of the system. Simply put, the bonus has to be played through a certain number of times before any winnings can be converted into withdraw-able money. The ‘certain number of times’ varies from casino to casino however it’s usually anywhere between 30 and 50 times.
Type of Bonuses
They say variety is the spice of life and online casino bonuses have taken this to new heights. There are as many different bonuses as there are types of casino games to play, and not only are the bonuses different in how they work and what they offer, they are often also claimable at certain times of the year which corresponds to special events, seasons, holidays and more. We will take you through the main categories of different bonuses you’ll be able to find, so you can then make up your own minds about which sound best for you.
Although there is a range of criteria into which they can be categorized, we have compiled this list of the eleven most popular and most often found bonuses on online gambling sites. Each of the bonuses will have a full and detailed explanation to put you in the picture!
Welcome Bonus
Also known as the Sign Up Bonus, the Welcome Bonus is probably the most sought after bonus of all. It’s the casino’s way of saying “howdy, thanks for signing up!” It’s geared towards first-time players of the casino and means that players can only take advantage of it once when they first register. They offer a certain number of credits that will increase the amount of gameplay you get straight up. It really is the best way to get familiar with your new online destination, so make the most of it!
Sometimes the welcome bonus is actually a welcome package, which is rolled out over your first 3, 4 or even 5 deposits. This means even more benefits that offer more bonus deals and spins not just once but multiple times. A generous welcome package is a great way to kick-off to a good start.
Deposit Bonus
The more common type of bonus requires a deposit and it is the way a casino can stay ahead of the pack by giving their players and would-be players some great rewards for signing up with their casino. What better way to say “thanks for choosing to play with us, we’ll make it worth your while!”. It’s also a great way to keep loyal customers from straying too far from home.
The great thing about the Deposit Bonus is that your first deposit is often multiplied x2, x3 or even x4 times so the number of credits you get to play with is turbocharged! That said, be sure to check out the terms and conditions of the bonus to find out what the wagering requirement is and what the player needs to do in order to receive their winnings.
No Deposit Bonus
Ordinarily, a bonus can only be claimed when you make a deposit into your casino, however, every now and then you may be lucky enough to come across a No Deposit bonus which means the exact opposite. Unlike in years gone by, they are few and far between these days, because, as the name suggests, No Deposit bonuses do not require the player to make a deposit. They are ideal for players who are new to a particular casino and would like to try their luck without putting their hand in their pocket.
Although they are not as abundant as in the old days, you do still find these little bonus gems, and when you do, it’s the perfect way to get familiar with the new gambling destination and sample the different games they have to offer. In most situations, you are merely required to register at the casino of choice and choose the no deposit bonus to receive the set number of credits so you can start spinning and winning, what could be easier?
This bonus may not require a deposit, but it will still come with the usual wagering stipulation which will dictate how you obtain your bonus winnings. Once the required number of playthroughs are complete, then you’ll be free to make a withdrawal of your winnings.
Extra Spins
Extra Spins, Bonus Spins or Free Spins as they used to be called, is not exactly what the name suggests. They are not actually ‘free’ as they usually form part of a Deposit Bonus which means you have to make a deposit into your account. They also have a wagering requirement which has been mentioned several times with other bonuses, so don’t be misguided by the term “Free Spins” as they are not the same as extra or bonus spins.
One of the benefits of playing with extra spins is that when it comes to trying out a new game, you’ll be able to get the hang of it by having plenty of spins without having to outlay plenty of cash. Only by turning those reels many times over can you really get to know what a new slot is all about. Extra spins give you this opportunity.
Free Spins Bonus
Not to be confused with Extra Spins Bonuses, these are gifts that the casino gives its slot players where they are not required to make a deposit. You can’t get much better than that! These free casino gifts usually form part of a casino promotion and sometimes the free spins are even unencumbered by a wagering requirement. Most free spin bonuses, like almost every other bonus, will have a wagering requirement attached to it, before you can withdraw your winnings.
Free Play Bonus
Now here is a bonus that is sure to appeal to everyone! Some casinos have free play vouchers which can be played on certain games only. The games could be from one category like Table games, classic card games or slot games. The main goal of free play bonuses is to become more familiar with the casino of choice and acquire some confidence before you actually start placing real money bets. There are even jackpot prizes to be won, and depending on the casino, there are many ways of receiving your free play offers.
You’ll be advised of what you need to do to receive your Free Play. Your wins will keep accumulating until the whole free play amount has been played, after which time you’ll be able to receive your wins. There are always added rules to this type of bonus, such as making a deposit before the free plays are granted or once you have made a deposit, you might have to wager 3x prior to receiving the free play. The bonus terms and conditions will clarify exactly what needs to be done to free play bonus voucher.
Cashback Bonus
If you’ve had a bad day at the casino and suffered some losses, then some online casinos will commiserate with you by offering you a cashback bonus to cover some of your losses. A truly noble bonus that helps players feel less disappointed over losing lots of cash!
Cashback bonuses don’t all work the same, some have more restrictions than others, so once again bonus terms & conditions will reveal all. In some casinos, you will be awarded a set amount of money which will be deposited into your account whilst other places will give you cash that can only be used to play on certain games. The other point worth remembering is that there is usually a time limit for the uptake of the cashback bonus, so if you want to take advantage of it, do so without delay before the deal expires.
Reload Bonus
There is no customer like a loyal customer, and that is exactly why reload bonuses are in existence, to reward returning customers for coming back. If a player has already deposited and played at a particular casino, then they are eligible for the reload bonus…. A great way for the casino to say “thanks for coming back!”
As with all bonuses, the bonus terms and conditions are your ‘go-to’ source of reference, as sometimes the reload bonuses are only applicable if a particular payment method is used to make the deposit. It goes without saying that a wagering requirement is usually also part of the deal.
High-Roller Bonus
For those of you out there that like to spend up big, you fit nicely into this category. That’s right, the High Roller Bonus category. I mean let’s face it, casinos like to take care of the players that place high stakes and they do this by offering them special bonuses targeted at the ‘whales’ (gambling term for high roller).
To reward the big bucks spent on games with high betting limits, many casinos offer special bonuses and deals as well as competition or loyalty points. If you fall into this group, then it’s always worth looking for a casino that has generous high roller bonuses, after all, you deserve it!
Referral Bonus
If you have some gambling loving friends who need some advice on where to play, then this bonus could be for you! As with most referral programs, all that is required is that you refer a friend to the casino and if they register and mention you, you’ll be rewarded with a number of credits.
Thanking you by way of a referral bonus is another good way of showing their appreciation for their players. The bonuses, as well as the criteria, often vary from one casino to another, for example, sometimes all that is required is for the player to sign up through you, but in other casinos, they require the new player to not only sign up but also to make a deposit before your bonus is released.
Loyalty Bonus
There’s nothing like a good loyalty bonus or scheme, which is quite easy to come by. Most online casinos offer loyalty bonuses which are quite often unencumbered by the usual restrictions and regulations. There is also strong gamification to loyalty bonuses which results in plenty of good fun!
As the name suggests, loyalty is the key to this bonus, so in order to be eligible for one, you have to be a good and regular player at the casino in question. Sometimes the loyalty bonuses are given out at the casino’s discretion when they deem you a worthy recipient. It’s frequently offered to a player discreetly via private communication but they can also be referred to Loyalty Schemes, Loyalty Programs and even VIP Schemes.
Exclusive Bonus
Exclusive bonuses are like bespoke bonuses which are devised especially for particular members, usually those that are part of a community or affiliate site. These bonuses are more original and pertinent to the group they are targeting so they are usually well worth taking advantage of.
Birthday Bonus
There has to be something good about turning a year older! Well, there is, many casinos will give you a birthday gift in the form of a birthday bonus! However, this is not across the board, you have to be registered at a casino that likes to reward players on their special day.
Like most other bonuses, the deals vary from one place to the other, sometimes you’ll get extra spins, perhaps a coupon code or no deposit bonus, as long as you have already registered and played at a casino that offers birthday rewards, then you'll be eligible to receive them!