One of the standout stories of the 21st century has undoubtedly been the massive boom in popularity of online casino games.
Previously viewed as an activity for rich and famous people, iconic games such as roulette, blackjack, and poker have crossed firmly into the mainstream.
Advancements in technology have been a key driver for this, allowing operators to create immersive online casino sites for desktop and mobile devices.
This new landscape means that players are no longer obliged to visit brick-and-mortar casinos, but can play their favourite games at a time and place of their choosing.
The shift towards online casinos has created a hugely competitive marketplace and operators have to work hard to build and retain their customer database.
This generally manifests itself in vibrant advertising campaigns that provide players with the opportunity to claim lucrative offers if they play on a particular site.
We take a closer look at why it is important to choose a casino that offers bonuses, promotions, free spins and other enticing deals.
Introducing casino bonuses
Casino bonuses can come in many different forms including matched deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses, reload bonuses, free spins, VIP schemes and cashback deals.
One of the most common types is a welcome bonus when you first sign-up for an account with an online casino.
In some cases, you will need to make a deposit to receive the bonus, while other operators may reward you simply for registering on the site.
Most welcome bonuses are available once, although some casinos offer reload bonuses when you make subsequent deposits.
Free spins bonuses are also hugely popular, giving players the opportunity to play different slot games without spending real money.
It is worth noting that casino bonuses often change during the year, with operators often offering more lucrative deals during quieter periods for the business.
However, the top casino brands always have offers available and it is important to choose these rather than play on sites that do not value your custom.
Casino bonuses boost your bankroll
Regardless of whether you are a new or existing player, casino bonuses give you the opportunity to significantly boost your bankroll.
For instance, let’s say that your chosen casino is offering a 100% matched bonus when you make your first deposit on the site.
If you made a $50 deposit the casino would match this amount by rewarding you with another $50, thus giving you $100 to play with.
The additional bonus money cannot be withdrawn straight away, but must be ‘played through’ a specified number of times.
Any winnings you accrue during this period can be withdrawn back to your original payment method once you have met the wagering requirements.
This process not only gives you the chance to make a profit without spending your own money, but also allows you to familiarise yourself with the site.
Before playing games with your bonuses, make sure that you read the terms and conditions attached to them so you fully understand how they work.
Bonuses allow you to try different games
Try your luck at poker with casino bonuses – Image via Pexels
Another major advantage of bonuses is they provide players with the opportunity to test out different casino games on the site.
Most bonuses are not restricted to a single game type, meaning you can use them to play table games such as poker, blackjack, roulette and more.
If you are a complete newbie to online casinos, this is an excellent way to get to grips with how each of the games work without risking your own money.
For anyone who is more familiar with casino games, bonuses allow you to hone your skills before wagering real money.
Some bonuses such as free spins are obviously applicable to just one game type – slots – but you can generally use them to play different titles.
This not only gives you the chance to find a slot game that you enjoy playing, but also offers the possibility of scooping a bumper jackpot.
As with other casino bonuses, free spins generally come with wagering requirements that you must meet before you can withdraw any winnings.
Casino bonuses reward regular players
The best online casino operators recognise the importance of rewarding existing players for playing games regularly on their site.
Before signing-up with an online casino, make sure that you check out what type of rewards are available for frequent players.
Some operators offer cashback deals, where you will receive a percentage of what you stake on the site during a specified period.
Reload bonuses are also commonplace, while many online casinos run refer a friend schemes that reward you if someone you recommend signs-up for an account on the site.
This latter promotion is a superb way to boost your bankroll and can give you a significant amount of money to play with if you refer enough people.
VIP programs are another reward that people can receive if they play casino games regularly and these can be extremely lucrative.
The rewards include cashback, free spins, special prize draws and gadget giveaways, while some sites even offer VIPs the chance to travel to luxury in-person events.
Casino bonuses & promotions – The final word
Whether you are a newbie or an existing player, always remember that your chosen online casino should value your custom.
Choose a site that offers bonuses that have fair wagering conditions attached to them, thus improving your chances of unlocking your winnings.
If a casino bonus or promotion looks too good to be true, do not be lured in without carefully checking the small print in the terms and conditions.
Sticking with respected casino brands is unquestionably the best way to take advantage of casino bonuses and promotions. Most importantly of all, have fun!
