Online Casino Bonus Reviews

What We Consider When Reviewing Online Casino Bonuses

When reviewing casino bonuses we consider several key factors that can help you assess their value and suitability. Here's a breakdown of the elements you should focus on:

1. Bonus Type and Terms: Identify the type of bonus being offered, such as a welcome bonus, deposit bonus, or free spins. Review the terms and conditions, including wagering requirements, minimum deposit, maximum bonus amount, and any restrictions or limitations.

2. Bonus Value: Evaluate the overall value of the bonus by calculating the percentage match or the number of free spins offered. Consider whether the bonus is competitive compared to other casinos in the market.

3. Wagering Requirements: Assess the wagering requirements, which determine how many times you need to wager the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. Lower wagering requirements are generally more favorable.

4. Game Contributions: Check if certain games contribute differently towards meeting the wagering requirements. Some casinos may exclude certain games or give them a lower contribution rate, which can impact your ability to clear the bonus.

5. Time Limits: Take note of any time limits associated with the bonus. Some bonuses have an expiration period, requiring you to meet the wagering requirements within a specific timeframe.

6. Bonus Codes: Determine if a bonus code is required to activate the bonus. Make sure to provide accurate and up-to-date codes for your readers if applicable.

7. Additional Promotions: Explore whether the casino offers ongoing promotions, loyalty programs, or VIP rewards that can provide long-term value beyond the initial bonus.

8. Payment Methods: Verify which payment methods are eligible for the bonus. Some casinos exclude certain payment options from bonus eligibility.

9. Reputation and Trustworthiness: Consider the reputation and trustworthiness of the casino offering the bonus. Look for licenses, certifications, and player reviews to gauge the reliability and fairness of the casino.

10. Customer Support: Assess the quality and availability of customer support services. A responsive and helpful support team can enhance the overall casino experience.

By thoroughly examining these aspects, you can provide comprehensive and insightful reviews of casino bonuses, empowering your readers to make informed decisions.

Bonus Types and Value

The main bonus that most players look for is the welcome bonus, which typically comes in the form of a matched deposit. You can boost your initial deposit amount with free bonus credits! These credits can be used on all casino games, before being withdrawn, once the wagering requirements have been met. 

Reload bonuses work in much the same way; only they are tailored towards current members and tend to be a little lower. No deposit bonuses are also relatively small, but you don’t need to deposit any cash to collect them. 

Other bonuses include VIP schemes, whereby you can collect points every time you gamble and then convert these points into prizes, and cashback bonuses, which act like gambling rebates. These bonuses are not exclusive to one another. The very best online casinos have multiple types of bonuses. 

They offer all new players a welcome offer, feed them regular reload bonuses and free spins, invite them to join a loyalty scheme, and then advance them toward VIP offers and cashback offers when they attain that coveted “VIP” status.

Wagering Requirements

Also known as playthrough rates, wagering requirements must be met before a bonus can be withdrawn (except for VIP schemes and cashback offers). However, all games aren’t treated equally where these requirements are concerned. 

For instance, many online casinos will count slots as 100% toward your wagering requirements, which means £1 wagered takes you £1 closer to your goal. However, many virtual table games can count for as little as 10% of this amount, and some live casino games don’t count at all. 

Internet review sites are awash with frustrated players complaining about spending hundreds of pounds on casino games, only to realize that none of that money counted towards their wagering requirements. Understanding which games qualify is critical, as is knowing which games will help you meet your goal. 

High RTP slots are best for meeting wagering requirements, but you should also look or games with high volatility. These games pay out infrequently, but they trigger massive wins when they do, which is good news when you have a sizeable balance to clear. So, keep your stake steady and play some high volatility, high RTP slots until you hit that target. Alternatively, increase your stake and play some low-volatility slots instead.

The Importance of Bonus Terms

Most online casinos are not out to lie and cheat. However, they do include Terms and Conditions that may seem like a trick for players who are not familiar with these bonuses. It’s imperative, therefore, to understand how these terms work and pay close attention to them. 

For instance, most players don’t realize that welcome bonuses often exclude specific deposit options. Debit cards are nearly always included, but countless sites exclude Skrill and Neteller from their offers. In contrast, others reject payments made through bank transfers. 

For players who typically rely on these payment methods, it can be a bit of a kick in the teeth when they learn that their deposit was made in vain. They don’t receive the free credits they were expecting.