New players are always being attracted to online casinos. Bonus offers are one of the most common promotional tools they use, including signup bonuses for new players and reload bonuses for existing players.
A reload bonus is an incentive offered to existing casino players to encourage them to make another deposit. It usually involves a percentage match on the deposit amount. For example, a 50% reload bonus up to $200 would give you a $100 bonus if you deposited $200. A redeposit bonus works similarly, rewarding players for making additional deposits after the initial signup bonus. The main difference is that redeposit bonuses are offered after a player has already taken advantage of the welcome bonus.
These promotions give players additional funds to play with on top of their deposited amount. It gives the illusion that they’re getting “free money” from the casino. Getting extra money from the house sounds like a sweet deal. But as with any casino promotion, there are restrictions attached to these bonuses that tip the scale back in the casino’s favor. The most important thing to note is that bonuses rarely come without wagering requirements. It means you have to bet an amount a certain number of times before you cash out any winnings. The industry standard is around 30x to 40x the bonus amount.
So a $100 reload bonus with 35x wagering would require you to place $3,500 in bets before cashing out. The bonus will be gone by the time you meet the playthrough requirement.
- Only slots count 100% towards wagering
- Table games like blackjack only count 10% or 20%
- Bonus funds can’t be withdrawn directly without playing through
- Bonus is valid for a limited time, such as 7 days
Casino bonuses are designed to get players to spend more, not to give them an edge.
Can bonuses ever give you an edge?
While it’s rare, there are some scenarios where bonus funds could give you a slight mathematical edge against the house.
- Bonus with very low 5x wagering requirement. If the playthrough is low enough, you come out ahead.
- Bonus on live dealer games. Some live games have low house edges, so a bonus offsets it.
- Bonus with no maximum cashout limit. If you hit a big win, you keep your profits.
- Non-sticky bonus. You can cash out the best casino bonuses amount directly if you win big early.
- Bonus on skill-based games like blackjack or video poker. Your skill determines whether you have an edge.
Just be selective about which bonuses you go for, and always read the fine print first. Only take ones with wagering you think you are clear with your bankroll and playing style.
