Online Casino Bonuses Explained

Casinos have been giving out bonuses for many years as part of their promotional efforts to attract new customers or as rewards for loyal patrons. Las Vegas casinos and other "brick and mortar" casinos give bonuses usually in the form of comps that players can redeem for gifts and freebies.

Online casinos, on the other hand, don't have the ability to provide comps just like those in land-based casinos, so they compensate through other means. Online casinos are usually more generous than offline casinos in giving away bonuses because they have higher operational expenses.

So instead of gift items and hotel accommodations, online casinos give additional credits which can be redeemed for cash later on. It is important to know the types of online casino bonuses and what they can do to your bankroll.

The most common type of online casino bonus is the sign-up bonus. The sign-up bonus is meant for new players to entice them to deposit money and start playing. The player first signs up for an account and then makes an initial deposit, after which the online casino adds a corresponding number of credits. Sign-up bonuses can be as high as 100% of the player's initial deposit, which means that a $100 deposit will get a $100 bonus.

Another type of online casino bonus is the loyalty bonus. Loyalty points are awarded to the player depending on the length of time played and the number of credits consumed. The loyalty bonus serves as a reward for the continued patronage of a loyal online casino player.

There is also what is called a no-deposit bonus. In this type of online casino bonus, new players don't have to deposit money to get a bonus. A player must follow certain terms and conditions to get the no-deposit bonus.

An important thing to remember about online casino bonuses is the fact that they have certain conditions that must be met before they can be converted into cash and withdrawn from your account. Some online casinos require players to play out a certain amount of money before they qualify to withdraw their bonuses. So before you sign up for an online casino, read first their terms and conditions regarding bonuses and other incentives.

In comparing online casino bonuses, look for ones that offer the best value for your money. For example, a $100 sign-up bonus may look more attractive than a 75% bonus. However, if you make an initial deposit of $200, then a 75% bonus is bigger than the $100 instant bonus because the former gives you an additional $150 instead of the $100 with the latter.

A good online casino bonus should not be the only reason to choose an online casino, but a good bonus will increase your bankroll so that you can play more and have more chances to win. Be sure, though, to do your math and know the conditions first so that you get the best value for your money.