Promotions Explained
Competition!
The online casino industry is very competitive. Because of this, to attract new customers, online casinos run special promotions from time to time. Below, we have listed some of the most popular. We tell you what they mean and how to go about taking advantage of them.
Free Welcome Bonuses – No Deposit
Free welcome bonuses are trendy tools that many online casinos offer new visitors to their websites. But be careful, check to see if the offer includes the words “no deposit.” If it does that is all well and good. If it doesn’t, you could be asked to make a deposit before being able to use your free welcome bonus.
Free welcome bonuses vary in size. They could be $/€/£10, $/€/£20 or more. Whatever the limit, you can play some of the games they offer (only those indicated on the website) until you have exhausted the value of the bonus.
Any winnings that come from bonus plays are usually paid out in bonus points rather than cash. Whoever offers the bonus may also impose restrictions on how any free bonus play winnings are used.
What are matched bonuses?
A matched bonus is an offer whereby the online casino promises to match the value of your first deposit $/€/£ for $/€/£. So, for example, if your first deposit is $/€/£50, the casino will add another $/€/£50 that won’t cost you a penny. In effect, you have $/€/£100 in total with which to play.
The only thing to be aware of with matched bonus offers is that the bonus is not normally accessible until you have used up all your initial deposit. It makes sense. If casinos didn’t impose this restriction, everyone would just use up the bonus and disappear into the sunset.
What are free spins?
Free spin offers are usually tied into a specific game. It’s a way that casinos can not only attract new customers but promote a particular game as well.
When you zero-in on free spin offers you need to check out whether they are tied into a deposit bonus or not. If they are, they are not technically free. You do, however, get their value-added to your account once the deposit has been paid.
If your luck is in and you win on a free spin (no deposit) you will be paid out in bonus money, not real money. Also, the pay-out amount of free spin wins is normally capped at $/€/£100 – sometimes a little more.
What are free bets?
Free bets, like free spins, are offered by many casinos and sportsbooks to attract new customers. They are nearly always tied into first making a deposit. As with free spins, any money you win with free bets is capped.
To access free bet winnings, the casino or sportsbook will usually impose a ruling regarding how many times you have to wager your deposit and bonus amount before you can withdraw the money.
The opportunity to try new games for free
There is an old saying that there is no such thing as a free lunch, so it’s always worth checking the small print; in other words the terms and conditions. But bear in mind that a lot of free offers are not really about getting something for nothing. They are more about checking out the quality of the casino, its user-friendliness and its security standards as well as trying games you haven’t played before for free.
