Slot Machine Signup Bonuses

When you first look at online slot deposit bonuses, they all look very much the same. Casinos will offer you a percentage bonus on top of your first deposit as an incentive to get you to join. They are hoping you enjoy their games and become a long-term player. It is only when you delve into the terms and conditions of these bonuses that you start to see how big the differences are between the best and the worst bonuses out there.

This article covers all the key points associated with slot deposit bonus deals, explaining how they work from the perspective of the players. First of all, I have introduced these bonuses and the fierce competition between casinos which created them. After that the details are examined which make these bonuses different from each other. This includes play-through and whether the bonus can be cashed. There are often added extras alongside the main bonus – these are covered at the end of this page, along with a note on the importance of ongoing offers.

Slot Deposit Bonus Basics

The first thing to keep in mind is just how competitive the different casinos are when it comes to attracting new players. You are the one ‘holding all the cards’ when it comes to choosing a casino, and it can be worthwhile spending a little time comparing the deals to make sure you have the best possible rewards for your play.

A basic bonus works like this, you’ll be given a 100% match on your first deposit, and will need to wager this a specified number of times before it is considered cleared. The wagering requirements can differ markedly. Once you have done this you can withdraw any winnings, and depending on the casino you may also be able to withdraw the bonus cash.

Some bonuses are spread across several deposits, and different percentages – ranging from 25% to 200% – are also found. While big headlines attract the eyes, most of us are depositing smaller amounts. This makes the play-through criteria and other terms more important than the overall size of the bonus offer.

Details of Slot Deposit Bonuses

There are several details you should check before you go ahead and make your deposit. If you like to mix in other casino games with your slot play, then you’ll need to check the rules regarding these. Some casinos put weightings on different games, for example counting Blackjack at 25% of play-through. Others will have terms which can void your bonus if you play the wrong game while you are clearing it.

The single biggest factor differentiating bonuses is the play-through or wagering requirement. These can vary from 20x to 50x or even more of the bonus amount. Note that some casinos count your deposit and the bonus amount together, while others only count the bonus.

Finally, you need to check whether the bonus is cashable. Some bonuses are removed from your account as soon as you make a withdrawal. Others cannot be withdrawn, though will remain in your account for future play – while the very best can be withdrawn alongside any winnings you have accumulated. This information will be available in the bonus terms and conditions, and does make a big difference to the quality of a casinos bonus offer.

Extras Offered Alongside the Main Bonus

You’ll rarely find a bonus without some extra incentives nowadays. These can vary considerably in size and potential profits. Some casinos will offer you completely free cash to try the games before you even deposit. These deals are usually heavily tied down with terms, for example limiting what can be withdrawn or specifying a huge play-through requirement.

Free spins are another common incentive to go with your deposit bonus. Casinos are happy to offer these as a way to get you checking out their latest slot games. Again, you might need to play-through any winnings a specified number of times. You’ll also find slot tournament entries offered at some casinos, or spins on a live-dealer casino too.

Factors That Matter More Than Bonuses

As you will have learned from this article, the overall size of the bonus is just one criteria and not even the most important factor in deciding which offer to take. After you have looked through the terms, there are still more general factors to take into account.

The reputation of the casino is a major one. You need to make sure your casino is licensed and has a great reputation for fast payouts. I also like to see solid evidence that regular / loyal players are looked after very well. Incentives like reload bonuses, regular promotions, happy hours, free spins and tournament entries are all important. If your site has a player loyalty scheme on top of all this, then that is also an excellent sign.