For those of you new to online gambling in all its various forms, the vast majority of casinos, poker rooms, sportsbooks and other betting venues offer some sort of bonuses/promotions to new players to entice them to try their place out over the competitors. These can be a great way to start a little ahead of the game (who doesn't like to get free money?) - but can often frustrate new players that are unfamiliar with the 'strings' attached until it's too late.
That's not to say it's not a good idea to take bonuses - just that you need to read and understand the terms you're accepting when you do.
Online casinos normally have what's known as 'play through' requirements, which mean the player has to wager a particular amount on their games (often certain games) before they're allowed to make a withdrawal, or sometimes before the bonus is actually released. This prevents players from simply taking bonuses and leaving without having played, leaving the casino at a guaranteed loss.
| Casino: | Percentage: | Bonus Max: | Visit: |
|---|---|---|---|
| ClubWorld Casino (RTG) | 100% | $777 |  |
| GoWild Casino (Microgaming) | 100% + 35 free spins | $200 | |
| Pure Vegas (RTG) | 100% | $800 | |
| Superslots (RTG) | 100% | $500 | |
| All Star Slots (RTG) | 100% | $787 | |
| Vegas Red (RTG) | 100% | $222 | |
Poker rooms normally release bonuses in small increments the more you play. For every so many hands played, you'll receive a portion of the bonus credited to your bankroll. The higher the limit, the faster it's released.
| Poker Room: | Percentage: | Bonus Max: | Visit: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spin Palace Poker (Prima) | 250% | $50 | |
| PokerStars (Independent) | 100% | $600 | |
| Titan Poker (iPoker) | 200% | $1000 | |
Sportsbooks inevitably have their own specific terms as well no matter what the bonus, however because many sportsbooks offer casino and/or poker games as well through the same account - play-through requirements will vary depending on whether you're just making sports bets or not.
| Sportsbook: | Percentage: | Bonus Max: | Visit: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bodog | 10% | $50 | |
| Bet365 | 100% | $200 | |
Regardless of what you're playing and wherever you should decide to play, be sure to check the bonus terms carefully before accepting them to avoid any cash-out problems. If a bonus is credited automatically to your account that you don't want - talk to customer service before making any bets to have it removed.
