Choosing The Best Casino Bonus For You
With a seemingly endless list of casino bonuses available NoDepositFriend.com, knowing which one to choose is an important decision to get right. Within each lies a distinct set of terms and conditions which dictate the likelihood of you cashing out a profit. This guide delves into how to use these terms to pick out the best offer for your preferences. We’ll also analyse the different bonus varieties on-hand and provide expert tips on how to win real money.
Why Bonus Consideration Is Needed
Picking the best casino bonus is not simply plucking out the biggest and boldest offer on display. The true worth of any offer is found within the T&Cs as they directly affect your overall gameplay experience, as well as the potential for winning real money.
By choosing a lacklustre or meagre offer, this may even diminish your appetite to claim future offers – something that would be a real shame due to the wealth of incredible welcome bonuses available on our site.
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Although some bonuses are better than others, remember that each one has been tested thoroughly to guarantee it provides fair terms and decent value. Likewise, every casino you find has obtained a proper licence from a reputable gaming authority, ensuring you of a safe gaming platform.
Types of Casino Welcome Bonuses
There are two main categories of casino bonus available for new players – those which require a deposit, and those which don’t.
Let’s take a look at their main differences:
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are automatically credited to your account when you sign up through a link available on NoDepositFriend.com.
You are granted either bonus cash or a batch of free spins to play on eligible casino games.
They provide an excellent chance to test out the casino for free, as well as convert the bonus into real cash winnings.
Due to their complimentary nature, relatively strict terms and conditions will be applied.
Deposit Match Bonuses
Deposit bonuses are credited upon making an initial qualifying deposit when registering a new account.
Your deposit will be matched by a set percentage in bonus cash. You may even be granted some free spins on top.
They boost your initial starting balance with a potentially large amount of bonus cash to use on a variety of casino games.
The terms for deposit bonuses are often more favourable, providing a better chance for you to cash out real money.
Can I Withdraw My Bonus Immediately?
Withdrawing your bonus directly into your bank account isn't an option unfortunately. That would be the casino simply giving away free money! First, you’ll need to satisfy the wagering requirements – a stipulation that forces you to bet additional amounts before a withdrawal becomes possible.
How Casino Bonuses Are Awarded
Casino bonuses are most commonly credited in two ways – as bonus cash or free spins.
Here’s the key elements of both:
Bonus Cash
Bonus cash credits your account with a set amount of funds playable on any eligible casino game. You have the flexibility to switch between games as you wish, as well as alternate your bet level.
The wagering requirements are attached to the bonus amount itself. For example, with a USD10 bonus and 35x wagering requirement, this would entail USD350 worth of additional bets to convert your bonus balance into real money (USD10 x 35).
Free Spins
You receive a set quantity of free spins to enjoy on a specified slot game. Each spin has a fixed value, typically set at the lowest available denomination in the game of USD0.10 or USD0.20.
The wagering requirements are attached to the winnings accrued once all the spins have been played. For example, winning USD5.50 with a 30x wagering requirement would need USD165 worth of additional bets (USD5.50 x 30).
The Significance of Terms and Conditions in Bonus Comparison
Of course, a USD100 bonus presents better value than a USD50 bonus on the surface and it’s natural to be initially drawn to the higher offer.
However, in many cases, the true value of the bonus is dictated more by how certain terms and conditions are implemented. This is because they reflect the actual chance you have of cashing out real money winnings.
To help you analyse the most important T&Cs, here are the most important clauses to look out for:
Wagering Requirements - The Key Indicator of Bonus Value
A casino bonus holds no authentic value until it becomes eligible for withdrawal. This is why wagering requirements should take precedence when assessing different bonus offers, mainly because they serve as the crucial indicator for doing so.
You should prioritise low wagering requirements first and foremost, even if this means accepting a lower bonus value.
The following scenario shows why:
- USD100 bonus with a 40x wagering requirement.
- USD25 bonus with a 25x wagering requirement.
While Option 1 offers a larger bonus sum, it necessitates a hefty USD4,000 in total wagers before the bonus is converted into real money. Alternatively, Option 2 requires only USD625 worth of total bets, despite the bonus amount being smaller.
Game Eligibility - What Games Can You Play?
Casinos only permit bonus wagering on certain game categories. Whilst slots and instant wins are generally allowed across the board, others may prohibit live casino, tables games and the likes of video poker and keno.
Likewise, certain slots may also be restricted due to their high payout mechanisms – i.e. jackpot slots or those with a very high volatility rating. Playing any of these ineligible games can see your bonus forfeited by the casino.
Therefore, doing some preliminary research into which games are eligible can really pay off once you start working towards the wagering requirements. If the terms allow you to play more favourable games (i.e. those with a higher short-term RTP) then these offers should be prioritised.
Game Weighting - How Best To Complete Wagering Requirements
Game weighting is designed to counteract the payout potential of certain games with high winning probabilities. To do so, it reduces the contribution these games make when you are working towards the wagering requirements.
Live casino games are one such category. For example, they may be designated a 10% weighting, meaning that just USD0.10 is deducted for every USD1 bet placed. In contrast, the majority of slots will contribute the full 100% of your spin level.
Therefore, you should assess the weighting allocation the casino has imposed upon certain game categories. For instance, if they have given a more favourable weighting to live dealer and table games (i.e. anything above 20%), these are offers you should prioritise.
Game weighting is often overlooked by players when it comes to selecting their preferred bonus. Studying it can really help you to complete the wagering requirements in a more efficient manner – something we explain in our full game weighting article explains more.
Withdrawal Limits - Assessing the Cap
Withdrawal limits specify the highest sum you can withdraw upon satisfying the wagering requirements. If you win more than this amount, any excess will be forfeited by the casino team when you come to cash out.
So, although a USD200 no deposit bonus might appear appealing, its true worth is considerably diminished is the withdrawal cap is merely USD20. Conversely, a USD30 bonus could end up being more valuable if the cap is USD100.
You should scout around for withdrawal limits at the higher end (i.e. USD100 or above), although should remain more lenient in relation to no deposit bonuses. A cap of USD50 still presents decent value in this sense.
Key Takeaways
- Give preference to bonuses with reasonable wagering requirements, ideally below 40x. You can be more lenient with a generous no deposit bonus, however.
- Seek out offers that allow you to wager your bonus on a variety of games, including the likes of keno, scratchcards, table games and live casino.
- Dive into the game weighting details for eligible games and preference casinos which offer more favourable weighting on high RTP games.
- Choose bonuses with generous withdrawal limits. A limit below USD50 can be somewhat restricting, while anything exceeding USD100 exceeds the industry standard.
Deposit Bonus Terms and Conditions
Wagering Requirements - Match Deposit Considerations
When it comes to match deposit bonuses, there's a distinctive factor to take into account regarding wagering requirements. Certain casinos incorporate the deposit amount into their calculations, thus increasing the amount you need to wager before cashing out.
To help you visualise how this transpires, here’s an example of a 100% match bonus with a 30x wagering requirement:
- You deposit USD20 and receive an additional USD20 as bonus cash.
- You would then need to wager the bonus (USD20) and the deposit (USD20) together, multiplied by the wagering requirement (x30), which equals USD1,200.
In contrast, if the deposit amount is excluded from the calculation as it usually the case, the wagering amount would only be USD600 (USD20 x 30). Therefore, it's imperative to review the terms for any mention of this clause and explore alternative offers in this scenario.
Deposit Percentage - Boosting Your Bonus
Match bonuses determine the bonus cash you receive based on your deposit, represented as a percentage. Common examples include 50% or 100%, although certain casinos extend their offers up to 200% and higher.
For example, a 150% deposit match on a USD50 deposit would provide an additional USD75 in bonus funds, resulting in a total of USD125 to play with. If you want to start off with a relatively small deposit, finding the highest percentage possible is the optimal approach.
Maximum Reward - Limits to Consider
Match deposit bonuses also come with a limit on the bonus funds you can claim. This limit varies from one casino to another and is an additional factor worth contemplating. For players who are prepared to make a substantial first deposit, you should opt for bonuses with a generous maximum reward.
Minimum Deposit - Entry-Level Opportunities
For those who might be hesitant about committing a significant initial sum, 'minimum deposit' casinos offer an ideal solution. These platforms enable you to claim a bonus with a relatively modest deposit, often hovering around the USD10 mark. In rare cases, you may even come across low deposit casino bonuses from as little as USD3 or USD5.
Key Takeaways
- Only pick deals that require wagering of the bonus amount – not the bonus and deposit combined.
- A generous match percentage is a valuable aspect if you’re looking to make modest deposits while optimising their gaming experience.
- For high-rollers or VIP players, a bonus offering an extensive maximum reward takes precedence, regardless of the match percentage.
- Be on the lookout for bonuses that are claimable with minimal deposits if you have reservations about the initial outlay.
Free Spins Bonus Terms and Conditions
Free Spins - Assessing Bonus Value
When dealing with free spins, you should consider the overall value of the bonus in monetary terms. This is achieved by multiplying the quantity of free spins by the value assigned to each spin.
For example, 50 free spins with a value of USD0.10 per spin, would equal a total bonus value of USD5. On the other hand, 30 free spins with a value of USD0.20 per spin would equate to USD6. Which deal you prefer comes down to personal preference.
Game Selection - Maximising Your Gains
The casino designates the specific slot game where your free spins are allocated. With different options to choose from, it’s advisable to pick a game which increases your winning chances. Likewise, some casinos offer their free spins on multiple slots – thus increasing your options.
A key factor to take into account is the game's maximum win potential, i.e. the biggest multiplier win you’re able to achieve. For example, Starburst has a max win of 500x whilst Book of Dead awards up to 5,000x!
Game Mechanics – RTP and Volatility
Return-to-player (RTP) and volatility are key factors to consider. With a fixed number of free spins to play, the ideal game is one with a high RTP rating (above 96%) combined with a mid-high volatility level. With a bit of luck, this can yield substantial returns on your spins.
When it comes to wagering your free spin winnings, it is worth switching to a low volatility game with the highest RTP possible. This is done with idea of preserving your balance for long enough so that the wagering requirements can be completed.
Slot Volatility – A Crash Course
Let’s get straight into it… The volatility of a slot game serves as an indicator of its risk level, dictating the frequency and magnitude of payouts. Slots with low volatility tend to offer frequent but relatively modest wins, whilst high volatility slots can provide substantial payouts, albeit less frequently.
Key Takeaways
- Assess the overall worth of the free spin package by taking into account the value of each spin.
- Scout around for offers where you can either play the free spins on a selection of games, or a single slot with a high payout potential.
- Consider game mechanics when it comes to picking the initial slot, as well as wagering your free spin winnings.
- We look at casino game RTP and volatility in our dedicated guide, providing expert advice on how they affect your gameplay.
Bonus Battle
To help you decide which bonus is best for you, here’s a showdown of the two main types you can claim at NoDepositFriend.com.
Battle 1: Free Spins vs Bonus Cash
When looking for a no deposit welcome bonus, you’ll only be able to claim one offer per casino. The choice here comes between free spins or bonus cash, both offering the chance to win real money with no financial risk involved.
Free spins are assigned to a particular slot at a fixed value, restricting your flexibility somewhat. Although more freedom comes when wagering your winnings, there’s no guarantee you will have won a decent amount in the first place.
Alternatively, bonus cash provides you with more freedom right from the get-go. You can take your pick from any (eligible) casino game and can adjust your bet level as you see fit. It provides a better way to strategise your gameplay.
Result: Bonus Cash. Although there’s certainly no harm in playing free spins to test out a casino, and you may win a large sum after playing them through, we’d say bonus cash is more ideal owing to the instant flexibility it offers.
Battle 2: No Deposit vs Deposit Bonuses
No-deposit bonuses grant you free access to an online casino in real-play mode. Nonetheless, bear in mind these bonuses come with certain limitations and often involve rather stringent terms and conditions.
You can usually expect wagering requirements in the range of 40x - 50x with a no deposit offer. Match deals typically reduce these requirements to around 35x, plus, often eliminate withdrawal limits altogether.
In addition, the value of deposit bonuses can be exceptionally generous, offering both bonus cash and free spins bundled in one enticing package. The possibility of claiming multiple bonuses on subsequent deposits also adds to their allure.
Result: Deposit Bonus. While we have a great fondness for no-deposit bonuses, it's impossible to overlook the incredible value that deposit match bonuses bring to the table, especially with their elimination of withdrawal restrictions.
Conclusion
When assessing casino bonuses, it is important to dig deeper than the values you see advertised on the surface. While the eye-catching promotions can be initially enticing, delving into the terms and conditions should really take precedence. By taking this step, it allows you to narrow down your choices and enhance your prospects of securing real cash winnings.