People, we’re funny beings, aren’t we? We sort of get swayed by first impressions more than we probably should. A good handshake, a nice smile, the smell of a new car. It all matters. Online casinos? They understand this whole psychology. That’s why they always offer welcome bonuses.
These welcome bonuses are essentially promotional goodies that casinos dish out to new players for just signing up for their platforms. Think of it as the casino rolling out a red carpet just for you. But, like any promising start, there’s always a bit more under the surface. These bonuses come in all sorts of flavours, with different rules.
Basic Structure of Welcome Bonuses
A casino welcome bonus, most of the time, it’s a deal where a casino matches a slice of your first deposit, up to a certain point. You’ve probably seen it: “100% up to $200.” What that means is, if you put in $200, the casino throws in another $200 of their own bonus cash. Suddenly, you’ve got a double to play with.
In some places, they stretch this out. You might get a “Welcome Package”; something like “Up to $1,000 over your first three deposits.” Maybe it’s 100% on the 1st one, then a bit less, say 70% and 30% for the 2nd and 3rd. They’re trying to keep you interested.
What is a good bonus percentage often boils down to what’s common out there and what suits how you play. Anything over 100% for that first deposit is usually seen as pretty decent. Though sometimes those mega-high percentages have stricter rules.
No Deposit Bonuses
Now, before you even think about reaching for your wallet, some top casinos will give you a little taster, a freebie, through what they call a no deposit bonus. These are small gifts. You just sign up, and maybe 10 euros in free play or 20 free spins on that one slot appear in your account, but you will need to check the rules.
How much is a good bonus when it’s a no deposit one? Well, even 20 euros or so, it can give you a decent little run around the games, especially if you’re smart about top no deposit bonus offers. A good place to start is https://automatenspielex.com/online-casino-bonus/20-euro-bonus-ohne-einzahlung, where you’ll find up-to-date info on the latest deals with €20.
Wagering Requirements
Here’s the bit where the music changes slightly. The catch with welcome bonuses is something called the wagering requirement. Fundamentally, wagering requirements define the number of times your bonus funds must be played through before any associated winnings can be withdrawn as cash.
So, if you grab a $80 bonus and it has a 30x playthrough requirement, you’re going to have to make $2,400 worth of bets. Bets, not necessarily wins or losses. It sounds like a mountain to climb. But with some games, they pay back a good chunk over time, so you could get through it.
Still, it means you can’t just deposit, get the bonus, and run off with the cash. That’s not how they roll.
Bonus Terms Worth Examining
Beyond those wagering bits, there are other things in the small print that can trip you up. Maximum bet limits, for instance. Often, you can’t bet more than, say, $5 a spin when you’re using bonus money. Try to, and you might lose the bonus.
Time limits should also be checked. Lots of bonuses don’t last forever. You might only have a week, or maybe 30 days, to meet all the rules. Game restrictions, too. Sometimes they say, “no playing this game or that game with bonus funds.”
What is a good bonus amount really depends on your own playing style and how much you usually deposit. A $50 bonus for someone putting in $50 is pretty solid.
How to Maximise Your Welcome Bonus
You get a welcome bonus when you sign up at pretty much any online casino these days, but getting the best takes a bit of thought. First off, if your budget allows, try to deposit enough to get the full whack of the bonus. If it’s “100% up to $200” and you only put in $50, you’re kind of leaving free money on the table, aren’t you?
And those terms and conditions, you really, really should read them. Knowing the wagering, what games count, and how long you’ve got, it helps you make a proper plan. If you love playing roulette but the bonus only counts for slots, well, maybe that bonus isn’t your cup of tea.
