Beginners' Guide To Casino Bonuses Online

Internet casino bonuses are a great way to boost your bankroll and win more cash from the gambling site! Bonuses vary in size, but most casinos offer the chance to win a little free cash when you sign up.

And whether you're a small-stakes gambler or a high roller betting thousands, there's a promotion for you. Let's take a look at the common promotions and bonuses you'll find at any of our top-rated casinos in 2017.

Getting Started: Welcome Bonuses

When you join a casino online, you will be offered the chance to double or even treble your first deposit. After registering, make an initial deposit and "opt in" to the welcome bonus promotion.

The offer will be clearly displayed: perhaps the casino will match your deposit 100% up to £500 maximum or spread the bonus across five separate deposits (e.g. 100% up to £200, 50% up to £100, and 50% up to £250).

Watch out for the wagering requirement when you activate the bonus. This is a multiplier attached to your deposit you must meet before claiming the bonus cash.

Example: An online casino offers a welcome bonus worth 100% up to £400. Checking the bonus terms, you notice the wagering requirement is 30x. You make a deposit of the maximum, £400, and start playing eligible slots and table games. For the casino to match your deposit, you must wager 30 x 400, or £12,000. Of course, you may also end up losing your deposit entirely, so it's important to pick the right games.

No-Deposit Bonuses And Free Spins

If you want to try out a bonus without risking any real cash, you can try a no-deposit offer. As it sounds, there is no need to load up any cash to access the bonus. You may be offered a little free cash (£5-10) to try out on slots and table games. Winnings are either paid into your account, or there may be a small wagering requirement attached.

Free spins are great for slots fans. You will receive a set number of spins to enjoy on a popular video slot. Any "winnings" must then be wagered before being released to your account.

Ongoing Promotions: Reload Bonuses

Once you're past the welcome bonus, casinos want to keep you playing. They do this by offering lots of ongoing promotions and special deals.

Weekly or monthly reload bonuses are great for regular players. They work like welcome bonuses but are usually a lot smaller. Simply deposit £20-100 and get it matched 50% by the casino. Again, there may be strict eligibility and a wagering requirement attached. 

Players can, from time to time, claim cashback on losing bets at roulette and blackjack. These offers tend to run during special seasonal promotions.

Slots Leaderboards and Tournaments

If you want to take on your fellow casino players, slots tournaments are a great way to test your skills. Play the selected slot and make the most over 20 consecutive winning spins. If you beat your fellow competition players, you will top the leaderboard and scoop the cash.

Tournaments are also held on online roulette and blackjack at some casinos. They work in a similar way - make the most "winnings" over a series of games and share out a prizepool when hitting that leaderboard.

Some tournaments work like 'last longest' games. If you are placed in the top 300 earners during a first round, you'll progress to the next level. This continues until the last few players are left and share the prize cash.

Seasonal Specials & Prize Raffles

Christmas is a great time for online casino players. You will find 'advent'-style promotions where free spins, special reload bonuses, and free cash are awarded every day.

Raffles or prize draws award casino tokens or gifts to real-money players. To earn a raffle ticket, you'll need to gamble at least £5/10, with draws taking place every day.

Joining A VIP Or Loyalty Programme

If you gamble a lot, and regularly, a VIP programme might be for you. Loyalty schemes are usually available to all players, and all it takes is a deposit to get going. As you play games, you will earn points (e.g. 10 player points for every £1 wagered). The more points you earn, the higher up the VIP tier you will go. Check the VIP lobby before you start as tiers and requirements can vary.

The higher up you go, the more benefits you can claim. You might earn healthier reload bonuses or cashback on losing spins. As you reach the top tier, you will earn invites to sporting events or parties, and you might get access to a VIP manager who can sort out tailored bonuses just for you.

It's always important to check the maintenance requirements. If you are on the second VIP tier, for example, you will have to earn enough points that month to "maintain" your level. Fail in doing that and you will drop down a tier.

Picking The Right Bonus For You 

Whatever you choose, make sure it's the right bonus for you. Checking the Terms and Conditions is a good idea to make sure you understand how the bonus works (this link will be clearly displayed on the bonus page).

Remember, most slots contribute 100% towards a deposit bonus, but some titles - like progressive jackpots - may be excluded. Table games can vary in terms of eligibility, with roulette and blackjack often contributing only about 5-20%.

This is usually down to the nature of the bets. After all, it's easy to just bet on Red or Black in European Roulette and "play through" a deposit bonus like that. Casinos are wise to the move, however, and will severely restrict the way the bonus is worked off.

Pick a good, reliable site, and know what games you want to play. That way, you can spend months accessing and activating the best bonuses and promotions on the net.

Casino Bonuses FAQs

What Is An Online Casino Bonus?
A casino bonus rewards players for gambling a set amount of cash on the site. The more players gamble, the more bonus money they can claim.

Can Anyone Claim One?
As long as you make a real-money deposit, and deposit using an eligible banking option, you will be able to access a bonus promo.

What's the Most Popular Casino Bonus Available?
Welcome bonuses reward new players for making a first deposit. The initial sum can be matched 100% by the casino in return for gambling 30-50 times the deposit amount. Other bonuses include prize draws, cashback on losing bets, or slots tournaments.

How Much Money Can I Earn?
Casinos vary, but a welcome bonus of 100% up to £100-£1000 is common. Players may also get given free spins to enjoy on selected slots. Slots leaderboards or raffles can award physical prizes like gadgets or holidays.

How Do Free Spins Work?
Free spins require no money from the customer. After a set number of spins, players will have to 'play through' their winnings 20-30 times in order to claim them.

What Are Slots Tournament Bonuses?
A slots tournament or leaderboard is a common bonus at many casinos. Players have a day or two to make as much cash as they can in a given slot. Alternatively, they may have to register 20 consecutive winning spins. The more you "win" the higher up the leaderboard you will go.

Can I Join A VIP Or Loyalty Scheme?
Yes. Most casinos run a loyalty programme that rewards regular play. The more you gamble, the more player points you will accumulate. Regular, monthly play will help players acquire more points and move through the bonus "tiers".

What Benefits Can VIPs Get?
High rollers have access to sporting events and parties, as well as faster cashouts and access to personal managers.

How Fast Can I Get My Bonus Cash?
If you trigger a special bonus, money earned will usually be released in instalments into your gambling account within a month.