How Sign Up Bonuses Work

Sign up bonuses are commonly referred to as welcome bonuses or welcome offers. When surfing the net for a new online casino, it can be overwhelming as there are different signup offers available.

Often players jump right in and sign up at an online casino because the Welcome Bonus seems to be a generous amount. Before signing up you need to be aware of what claiming bonuses entails as they may not be that generous.

Andy Professional Gaming Editor

Understanding the Sign Up Bonus

Welcome bonuses are the online casino’s way of attracting new players, and many of them are lucrative. They can assist in kick-starting your online gambling with an extra cash boost.

Sign up bonuses are often not a one-time offer as some online casinos extend their bonuses over several deposits which is excellent as it sees your bankroll go further.

A welcome bonus matches your first deposit by a certain percentage which allows you to play for longer due to the cash percentage boost, commonly referred to as – Match Bonuses.

Match bonuses are the most common of all Sign Up bonuses which are offered by a majority of online casinos.

Wagering Requirements can be the straw that breaks the camels back. They can become costly and leave you playing for longer than anticipated and exceed your budget as you try and meet the casinos wagering requirements.

Before signing up also check the online casino’s deposit options because often depositors using Skrill and Neteller are not eligible for the Sign Up Bonus.

What is a Sign Up Bonus?

A Welcome Bonus is the “carrot” that online casinos dangle enticing new players to Sign Up at their casino and make their first deposit.

Different percentages match the first deposit, and often Free Spins are added to the mix. Some casinos have three or more Match Bonuses as their Sign Up package.

For example, if the offering is a 100% Match Bonus up to $300 and you deposit $300 the online casino will match your deposit with an extra $300 so you will have a bankroll of $600. In most cases, the 2nd and 3rd deposit bonuses will have lower percentage offers.

As a result, you still receive a cash boost to keep you playing with more cash on hand. A typical Sign Up Bonus looks as follows:

  • 100% Match Bonus up to $500 on your First Deposit.
  • Minimum deposit: $20.
  • Wagering Requirements: 30x (bonus+deposit).
  • Bonus Code: Enter the Bonus Code if applicable to claim the signup offer.

Each sign up offer has preset terms and conditions, read them carefully so you understand what’s required in relation to wagering requirements.

Usually players try and withdraw a portion of their winnings prior to completing the wagering requirements, only to have the winnings confiscated.

What are the Wagering Requirements?

Wagering requirements are a necessary evil when it applies to most Casino Bonuses offered by online casinos. The reason for wagering requirements is to prevent early withdrawal, and of course, the casino also has to make money.

The wagering requirements ensure you roll your money over several times, and it ranges between 25x and 60x. Read more about wagering requirements.

Casino Games to play when meeting Wagering Requirements

There are restrictions on which games and the percentages they contribute toward the signup bonuses wagering requirements. Generally, slots, scratch cards and keno contribute a 100% towards the wagering requirements.

Furthermore, other games vary in percentage contributions. Therefore, it’s essential to read the online casinos Terms and Conditions.

Tips When Selecting A Sign Up Bonus:

  • Check location restrictions.
  • Check wagering requirements.
  • Are their Bonus Codes?
  • Accepted Payment Methods.
  • Withdrawal restrictions.
  • Game percentage contributions.
  • Read Terms and Conditions carefully.

What Not To Do:

  • Be cautious claiming high bonus offers as they can have higher wagering requirements.
  • Never assume you will automatically receive a Bonus.
  • Don’t withdraw your funds unless you are sure you have met the prescribed wagering requirements.
  • Check on the validity of the bonus as you could forfeit bonuses if you do not claim them within the specified time frame.

Conclusion

Sign Up Bonuses can be a lucrative proposition for players if chosen carefully. Claiming signup bonuses enable players to test certain slot games and get a feel for the online casino.