One of the best things about signing up with a new sports betting site or casino is checking out what bonuses are on offer – to get you started and to help you on your journey. Ultimately, gambling bonuses are simply incentives that betting platforms and online casinos use to attract new players and keep their existing ones.
These bonuses come in various forms, from welcome offers to ongoing promotions – and the best ones are designed to enhance your overall betting and gaming experience. Generally, they give you extra money to play with, free bets, free spins or other additional perks that can give you more time to play and more chances of winning.
So, let’s look at the different types of gambling bonuses, how to use them and how they can be used to make your sports betting and casino betting experiences even better…
Types of Gambling Bonuses
First, we’ll take a look at some of the different types of bonuses you’ll come across…
Welcome Bonuses
Sports Betting: Sports betting welcome bonuses generally include free bets or matched deposits for new players – and gambling sites that have enticing bonus packages for new players can give you a great start to your journey. Many of the best will offer all sorts of goodies – free bets (often worth 300% or 400% – sometimes even more), sometimes cash back if your first bet loses – and sometimes match deposit bonuses. These can give you extra time placing bets on the site, with a very real chance of winning money!
Casino welcome bonuses work in a very similar way – and they usually offer newcomers perks like massive deposit matches or free spins. These bonuses can award huge sums of money – hundreds of pounds as well as free spins. These can be excellent for giving you more time to play and to try out different games… but you need to use these carefully as they can come with pretty sizeable wagering requirements – so make sure you can fulfil the wagering requirements in the allotted time if you want to take full advantage of it.
Deposit Bonuses
The bonuses don’t just stop once you sign up – you can also benefit from numerous deposit bonuses during your time at a good gambling site.
In terms of sports betting, deposit bonuses usually reward you with additional funds based on your deposit – and usually come as a percentage of the deposit amount or as additional free bets when you make a qualifying deposit and bet. These aren’t usually as big as welcome bonuses but they can certainly give you better value for money as you play.
Casinos often do the same – with their deposit bonuses looking very similar to their welcome bonuses. Again, these can give you the chance to try out different games and have the chance to win real money. However, as is the case with any bonus, make sure you check the T&Cs… if it comes with extortionate wagering requirements, they may not always be worth your time.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses in both casino and sports betting offer you free bets, money or spins without needing you to make an initial deposit. These bonuses are great as they serve as a risk-free way to explore games or place bets.
Again, they often come with specific terms, including wagering requirements and limitations on eligible games or markets. These are a great way to familiarise yourself with the platform and potentially win real money without using your own funds.
Free Bets/Spins
The very best gambling sites will offer free bets or free spins – which give you the opportunity to place bets or play games without using your own money.
In sports betting, free bets are usually credited to your account upon meeting specific criteria or making a qualifying deposit, allowing you to bet on sporting events. In casinos, free spins can come as part of a welcome package or promotion – and give you the chance to spin slot reels without spending your own money. By taking advantage of these you can check out all sorts of different options that you may not have thought of without risking your own money.
Again, both free bets and spins come with terms and conditions, such as wagering requirements or game restrictions, before potential winnings can be withdrawn – so be sure to check them out.
How Gambling Bonuses Enhance Your Overall Experience
Let’s take a look at how you can use bonuses to enhance your experience…
- More Play Time: Because you get extra money, spins or bets, you can enjoy more time playing – and more time having fun.
- Risk Mitigation: No deposit bonuses can let you explore betting markets or casino games without risking your own money.
- More Winning Potential: Extra money can increase your potential winnings and improve the odds of walking away with a profit.
- Try Out New Markets and Games: Bonuses let you try out new sports markets or casino games you might not have considered before.
Using Your Gambling Bonuses Wisely
However, they can only enhance your experience if you use them wisely… so here are factors to consider before claiming any offer:
- Understanding the Terms and Conditions such as wagering requirements, time limits, and game or market restrictions is absolutely vital to making the most of the offer.
- Properly managing your bonus money by setting betting limits is important. Don’t spend money you weren’t intending to in order to claim a bonus or fulfil the wagering requirements
- For casino bonuses, choosing games with higher RTP (Return to Player) percentages can improve the chances of winning.
- Comparing the offers will help you to choose the most lucrative and suitable promotions.
So, there you have it! Hopefully, you know how you can spot those great bonuses and use them to give you the best sports betting or casino adventure possible!
