Getting the most out of online casino bonuses takes some insider knowledge and clever strategies. As a savvy player, you want to make the bonus funds and free plays work for you rather than just giving money back to the casino. This guide shares pro tips to help you maximize casino promotions so you can extend playing time, understand tricky “fine print” terms and hopefully cash out more winnings.
Hunt Down the Best Bonus Offers
Signing up at a few different online casinos means more welcome bonuses upfront and more promos coming your way later. Typical offers include:
- Match bonuses – The casino matches your deposit up to a certain percentage. A 100% match on a $100 deposit scores you $100 in bonus cash.
- Free chip bonuses – No deposit is required to get extra money for playing. A $20 free chip lets you play risk-free.
- Free spins bonuses – Get a set number of spins to play designated slot games, like 20 free spins on Starburst.
To find the hottest bonuses on websites like VegasNow Online Casino, browse affiliate review sites that compile and compare offers across many real money gambling sites. Maximize signup bonuses by taking advantage of multiple promotions across casino brands, but just be sure to read the fine print on playthrough requirements beforehand.
Understand Bonus Wagering Requirements
The biggest catch with casino bonuses is higher wagering requirements, also called “playthrough demands.” This means you must wage a certain amount before you can cash out bonus wins.
For example, you may get a $100 deposit bonus with 30x wagering. This means you need to place $3,000 in bets before you can withdraw any money won with bonus funds.
Typical wagering requirements range from 20x to 50x the bonus amount. Be prepared to spend time playing casino games to “unlock” your ability to withdraw bonus money and associated winnings.
Use Bonus Funds on Games With Better Odds
Every casino game has a built-in mathematical house edge that gives the casino better odds long term. But some games are still better than others when it comes to bonus wagering time.
Choose games like blackjack, video poker, baccarat, or craps where skilled play can shrink the house edge. Avoid “sucker bets” on things like Big 6 Wheel that have high house edges near 30%.
Also consider low volatility slots and table games. The gameplay lasts longer so you can slowly chip away at wagering while minimizing losses against the house edge.
Take Advantage of Free Chip Promos
A free chip bonus equates to risk-free play money as no deposit is required. These instant bonuses usually range from $10 to $50 in value. Some online casinos offer free chips just for signing up while others give them away to encourage activity after time away.
The key opportunity with free chips is to try to score wins without personally losing money out of pocket. Even if you don’t cash out winnings from the free funds, any amounts left can be used to extend play after the bonus expires.
Review Expiration Rules Before Playing
All casino bonuses come with an expiration rule attached, usually given as a timeframe. This is the window you have to meet the associated wagering requirements.
A $100 deposit bonus may have a 5-day expiration period. This means if you don’t bet the minimum $2,000 expected over five days, whatever bonus money is left is taken back by the casino.
Pay attention to expiration rules attached to any bonus funds so you know what target you need to reach and by when. Don’t let money just sit there idle or you lose out!
Game the System a Bit
Gambling sites ultimately want to reclaim bonus money they give out. As a smart player, you want to game the system to hang onto these funds and any associated winnings for as long as possible.
Some clever ways to maximize value from bonuses:
- Only bet enough to slowly meet playthrough rules, cashing out small wins along the way
- Let your balance ride after clearing a bonus instead of withdrawing right away
- Use small portions of any uncleared bonus money left to fund future play
Getting the most from casino bonuses requires clever strategy and vigilantly working through wagering demands. But put in the time and effort, and you can stretch gambling dollars further. Use these insider tips to maximize promotional offers so more casino money stays in your pocket.
