Top Online Casino Bonuses
Introduction
Welcome to Wizard of Odds, your most trusted resource for all things gambling-related. While you are here, we’d like to draw your attention to online casino bonuses and highlight the top promotions available through our platform and our associated "Wizard" sites. Whether you're a high-rolling or casual betting slot lover, a table game player with well-defined strategies, or even a video poker pro, we have the perfect bonus to enhance your gaming experience.
While not everybody uses them, bonuses have become an important part of the online gaming experience. These promotions are not just seductive offers to attract new players, they can also be valuable tools for maximizing your gambling dollar if you know how to read them and shop for the offers that are best suited for your gambling style and your goals. At Wizard of Odds, we understand that navigating the labyrinth of bonuses available today can be overwhelming if you try to do it by yourself. With that in mind, we have curated this comprehensive guide and some invaluable tools to help you find the best online casino bonuses - bonuses that are tailored to your specific gaming preferences and your goals as a player.
Our website has built a reputation over the decades as the most trusted resource for all your gambling needs. Our reputation was not built overnight but with hard work, a steady hand, and insights the gambling public had never seen before, all in one place on a site that continues to grow today. Our loyal readers trust us to provide accurate, important, unbiased, and up-to-date information. As part of our service, we carefully review and rank the best online casinos and the best bonuses so you can make informed decisions and get the most value out of your gaming dollar.
When it comes to bonuses, there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Players have different preferences and playing styles, and what works for one person might not work for another. That’s why we offer a wide range of bonuses that cater to the wants and needs of almost every kind of player. Whether you enjoy the roller coaster ride of high volatility slots or slots with mellow hills and valleys, or if you prefer to grind out your bonus play on high RTP tables and video poker games, we have something for you.
About our interactive bonus database tool…
The interactive database tool on our site is designed to help you find the best bonus based on several parameters. This powerful tool allows you to filter bonuses by type, game preference, and other critical factors such as banking options, casino ratings, and those available in your country, ensuring that you find the perfect promotion. For instance, if you prefer cashable bonuses where anything won on the bonus (and the bonus itself, if remaining) can be cashed out once the playthrough requirements are met, you can easily filter for those. Once you have applied the filters you feel you need, you can begin to sort the lists according to a variety of criteria including our default setting but also by wagering requirements, the bonus amount, the freshest offers, and more.
Below, we’ll take a deep dive into the top online casino bonuses available today but you can use the tool at any time. We keep the database fresh with the largest network of ranked and rated casino operators on half a dozen or more sites, so be sure to stop back by often to find new offers or apply new criteria to your own personal bonus curation.
… a few words on wagering requirements
We’ll go into the subject in more detail later but for now…
It's important to understand that different games like slots or blackjack will have different wagering requirements you’ll have to meet in order to complete the bonus terms and conditions. Slots typically have higher wagering contributions, usually 100%, while table games and video poker often contribute far less towards the wagering requirements. Pay attention to details like wagering requirements and any minimum or maximum cashout thresholds before you make a decision.
While it’s not always imperative to read the casino reviews, we strongly suggest you at least take a glance at some of the top-line data on our review pages as well as ratings on the casino provided by other trusted portals. At a glance you’ll be able to see where the operator is licensed, what the banking options are, and how long it takes to be paid when you win among many other things. Our reviews also offer in-depth information about the game providers, and the games offered as well as specific details of each bonus to help you make an informed choice.
We’d also like to mention that while some casinos on our list are Wizard of Odds APPROVED, others do not bear the Seal of Approval. Nevertheless, we believe all the casinos listed are safe and fair, and operate with integrity. For more information on Wizard of Odds APPROVED Casinos, you can follow this link.
Understanding the different types of bonuses and their potential value can significantly enhance your online gaming experience. Cashable bonuses are easy to understand, but other types of bonuses, such as sticky and phantom bonuses, can also provide tremendous value to players. Brandon James discusses these bonuses in detail on our list of top bonuses for the quarter, which you can explore, here and again here.
Whether you are a seasoned gambler or a newcomer to the world of online casinos, Wizard of Odds is here to guide you through the maze of online casino bonuses. The resources and tools you will find here are designed to help you find the best bonuses and make the most of your gambling experience. So, explore our site, use our interactive database tool, and discover the top online casino bonuses tailored just for you.
Top Online Casino Bonuses
- Slots
- No Deposit
- Blackjack
- Roulette
- Video Poker
- Craps
- Baccarat
- Sic Bo
- Casino Spins
- Dragon Tiger
- Parlor Games
- Poker Games
Types of Online Casino Bonuses
The various types of online casino bonuses offer unique benefits and cater to different types of players. Understanding the differences between these bonuses can enhance your online gaming experience. In this breakdown, we provide insight into the most common types of online bonuses, helping you understand what to expect and how to select the best ones for you.
Cashable Bonuses
Cashable bonuses are the most straightforward and player-friendly type of bonus. When you claim a cashable bonus, any winnings you end up with from playing with it, and the bonus value itself can be withdrawn. There can be other terms and conditions that might get in your way such as a minimum withdrawal amount, but that’s not usually the case with this type of bonus. Cashable bonuses are one of the most popular types because they are easy to claim, easy to understand, and they can offer more value to the player than some other types.
Pros:
- Withdrawable Winnings: Winnings along with the value of the bonus can be cashed out.
- Simplicity: Easy to understand and calculate possible returns.
Cons:
- Higher Wagering Requirements: These can often come with higher wagering requirements.
Example: The operator might offer a 100% match bonus up to $500 that is fully cashable, allowing you to withdraw both the bonus and any winnings after fulfilling the wagering requirements.
Sticky Bonuses
Non-cashable bonuses, commonly known as sticky bonuses, are different from cashable bonuses because the bonus amount cannot be cashed out. Instead, it goes into your account for betting purposes only, with any winnings from it being withdrawable once you complete the wagering requirements and any other terms and conditions. These bonuses can be larger than their cashable brethren and might attract players looking for a bigger boost to their bankrolls.
Pros:
- Larger Bonus Amounts: These offers can be higher than cashable bonuses.
- Extended Playtime: Allows longer gameplay sessions and more chances to hit a jackpot.
Cons:
- Non-Withdrawable: The bonus amount itself cannot be withdrawn.
- Complexity: Terms and conditions can be slightly more complex.
Example: A welcome bonus might be a 200% sticky bonus up to $1,000. So, if you deposit $500, you’ll get $1,000 in bonus funds to play with for a total bankroll of $1,500. However, only your winnings can be withdrawn, not the bonus itself. If you have a balance of $2,500 when the bonus is completed you can only cash out $1,500, leaving $1,000 (the bonus funds they let you play with) behind.
Phantom Bonuses
Phantom bonuses are similar to sticky bonuses but with a key difference: the bonus amount disappears from your account once you request a withdrawal. These bonuses are designed to keep players engaged by providing a significant boost to their initial bankroll, but the bonus itself vanishes upon cashout.
Pros:
- High Bonus Amounts: Can be very generous.
- Increased Betting Power: Provides more funds to play with initially.
Cons:
- Disappearing Bonus: Bonus vanishes upon withdrawal.
- Potential for Confusion: This can be confusing for new players and individual casino rules can confuse any player.
Examples: You might claim a 150% phantom bonus up to $750. You deposit $500 and get a $750 bonus. Once you withdraw, the $750 bonus is removed from your balance. Some operators may take the bonus back as soon as wagering is met even if you are still playing.
Match Bonuses
Match bonuses are the most common. With a match bonus, the casino matches a percentage of your deposit. Match bonuses can vary in percentage and maximum amount, making them flexible and appealing to a wide range of players. Welcome bonuses are usually match bonuses of 100% or more, sometimes accompanied by extra spins under separate terms. We’ll look at extra spins in more depth below.
Pros:
- Bankroll Boost: This can give you twice as big of a bankroll or more.
- Versatile: Bonuses are offered in different percentages and amounts, so it's important to know their value before agreeing to the terms and conditions. These conditions can encumber your deposit and potential winnings until you fulfill the requirements.
Cons:
- Maximum cashout provisions: Overly generous match bonuses may have max cashouts to help the operator limit financial risk.
- Game Restrictions: Mostly available for slots play but some other games may be allowed with higher wagering requirements.
Examples: You might take a 100% match bonus up to $500. If you deposit $250, the casino will meet your deposit with another $250, giving you a total of $500 to play with. You might only be able to play slots and the wagering requirements might be quite high if there is no maximum withdrawal limit.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses (NDBs) are great for new players because they give you a risk-free way to try out a casino as well as new games. No deposit bonuses do not require a deposit. Instead, the casino grants you a small amount of bonus funds to play with and you can win real money without putting your funds at risk. We offer an in-depth guide to no deposit bonuses here, and a complete guide to our no deposit codes with direct access to an interactive database tool here.
Pros:
- Risk-Free: No risk to your own funds.
- Great for Beginners: Lets new players try out different casinos to win real money.
Cons:
- Low Bonus Amounts: Typically smaller than deposit-based bonuses.
- High Wagering Requirements: They can come with strict playthrough requirements.
Examples: You might claim a $20 NDB by signing up at a new casino. You can start playing right away without making a deposit. After meeting the wagering requirements and satisfying any other terms and conditions tyou can cash out the maximum allowable amount.
Casino Spins
Casino spins or extra spins (referred to in some markets as “free” spins) are bonuses that allow players to spin a specific slot machine a certain number of times at a fixed stake. These bonuses are often awarded as part of a welcome package or as a reward or promotion for existing players. Free spins can lead to real winnings, which are usually subject to wagering requirements and almost always to a max cashout provision, rarely more than $100.
Pros:
- No Risk: Allows you to play slots without spending any money.
- Real Winnings: Winnings from free spins can be withdrawn after meeting wagering requirements.
- Quick to complete: You can often get into and out of this type of bonus quickly unless you go on a winning streak.
Cons:
- Game Restrictions: Limited to certain slots with the game chosen by the operator.
- Wagering Requirements: Winnings are subject to playthrough requirements.
- Low Monetary Value: Extra spins cashouts are rarely worth more than $100 and usually less.
Examples: You might be offered 50 extra spins on a well-known slot as part of a welcome package. The terms including wagering requirements and max cashout are usually separate from the match bonus part of the welcome package. Casino spins are also found in our no deposit bonus codes as a standalone offer for new customers or depositing players.
Understanding the different types of online casino bonuses including their upsides and downsides can help you make well-informed decisions and supercharge your gaming experience. Explore the options, use our interactive database tool, and find the perfect bonus to enhance your next online gambling session.
Other Bonuses
There are other types of bonuses available and we’ll look at cashback, exclusive bonuses, and loyalty programs in a moment - but for now, let’s go deeper into wagering requirements as they affect nearly every type of bonus out there.
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements (WR) are also sometimes known as playthrough or rollover requirements. They are conditions set by online casinos that dictate how many times you must wager the bonus amount (or the combined deposit and bonus amount, or rarely just the deposit amount) before you can withdraw any winnings. Wagering is a critical part of any bonus offer and the term can make or break the potential value of almost any bonus.
Understanding Wagering Requirements
When you claim a bonus, you can't just withdraw the funds, they have to be earned. Operators impose wagering requirements to make sure you engage with the platform before cashing out. To be realistic they are also designed so that most players simply will not complete the conditions because each time you roll the required amount over, you are exposing it to the house edge, the math that ensures casinos always win in the end if you keep playing. Some players will find some luck and win enough extra that the increased bankroll will be able to absorb those losses and still have a little or a lot left to cash out.
Wagering requirements are usually written as a multiple of the bonus amount or the deposit plus the bonus amount.
Example:
- Bonus Only: If you have a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you need to wager $3,000 (30 x $100).
- Deposit + Bonus: If you deposit $100 and receive a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement on the total amount, you need to wager $6,000 (30 x $200).
Some casinos offer players a bonus with no wagering requirements - these are rare, found only in certain markets for the most part, and are usually either a small bonus, a bonus with a max cashout cap, or both.
Game Contributions/Weighting
Different games count towards meeting wagering requirements differently. Slots usually contribute 100%, while table games and video poker usually contribute a lot less. For instance, if a game contributes 50%, only half of your wagers count towards the requirement, effectively doubling the wagering requirements.
Contribution Examples:
- Slots: 0-100% but usually 100%
- Roulette: 0-20%
- Blackjack: 5-20%
- Video Poker: 5-20%
Understanding game weighting is critical to plan a strategy or simply to know ahead of time if you want to debate the time and effort needed to beat a bonus.
Tips for Meeting Wagering Requirements
- Choose High-Weight Games: Focus on playing games that contribute 100% towards the wagering requirements. such as slots. The volatility of slots also gives you a chance to make a big enough win or two to absorb the house edge eating away at your bankroll as you complete the wagering requirements. Stay away from any slots that only contribute 50% or less than 100% these will be found in the bonus terms or general terms and conditions if they exist.
- Manage Your Bankroll: Spread your bets to avoid running out of funds before meeting the requirements.
- Read the Terms: Always read the bonus terms and conditions to understand game contributions and other restrictions. A single hand played on a forbidden game or a single spin at too high a stake on slots can tank your bonus and any winnings.
Cashback Bonuses
Cashback bonuses are a popular type of promotion that gives players a percentage of their losses back over a certain amount of time. These bonuses may allow you to recoup losses and they can always extend your gameplay. The vast majority of cashback bonuses of any real value are only awarded on losses related to bonus-free deposits. If the terms are amenable there is no reason to not claim or accept a cashback bonus.
How Cashback (Non-Sticky) Bonuses Work
Cashback bonuses are awarded based on your net losses over a certain period of time, usually daily, weekly, or monthly. The operator will credit a percentage of these losses back to your account either as cash or bonus funds with terms.
Examples:
- Daily Cashback: Get 10% of your net losses back every day.
- Weekly Cashback: Get 15% of your net losses back every week.
- Monthly Cashback: Earn 20% of your net losses back every month.
Advantages of Cashback Bonuses
- Risk Limiting: Cashback bonuses help reduce the impact of losses, giving you more chances to win.
- Extended Gameplay: With some of your losses returned, you can play longer.
- Flexibility: Cashback bonuses often come with fewer restrictions compared to other bonuses. However, be sure to read the terms because cash back and a free chip by any other name are not the same thing.
Common Restrictions
Wagering Requirements: While some cashback bonuses are credited as cash, others come with wagering requirements, game restrictions, bet limits, and a host of other encumbrances.
Eligible Games: Not all games may contribute to the cashback calculation. Check the terms to see which games are eligible for rebates and which games you can play with your cashback bonus.
Time Frames: Cashback is typically calculated over specific periods, so keep track of these to maximize your returns. While some operators automatically credit your account at the end of the calculation period, others require you to request or otherwise activate the funds.
Tips for Claiming Cashback Bonuses
Check the Terms: Always read the terms and conditions to understand the specific rules and restrictions.
Track Your Losses: Keeping track of your net losses can help you gauge how much cashback you can expect.
Compare Offers: Different casinos offer different cashback percentages and conditions, so compare them to find the best deal. This can be one of the most valuable or least valuable type of bonus, depending on your goals and especially the offer’s terms.
Exclusive Bonuses
Exclusive bonuses are special promotions we negotiate with online operators to offer our visitors. They aren’t open to the general public and must be claimed through our site by clicking the appropriate link.
How Exclusive Bonuses Work
Our exclusive bonuses can come in various forms, such as higher match percentages, extra spins, no deposit chips, or lower wagering requirements. They are only available through the specific affiliate link. We design them with the operator to give our visitors better deals than standard offers. Our
Examples:
- Higher Match Percentage: Instead of a standard 100% match bonus, an exclusive bonus might offer a 150% match.
- Extra Casino Spins: Exclusive bonuses can include additional spins on top of the regular offer you would find if you visited the casino from a search engine link or another site.
- Lower Wagering Requirements: Our exclusive bonuses might have lower wagering requirements, making it easier to beat the bonus and withdraw winnings.
Advantages of Exclusive Bonuses
- Better Value: Exclusive bonuses often provide better value than standard offers.
- Enhanced Benefits: Additional perks like extra free spins or lower wagering requirements.
- Unique Offers: These bonuses are unique to our site and not available directly from the casino.
Common Restrictions
- Our Links: Exclusive bonuses must be claimed through specific links we provide on this site. Our bonus ranking algorithm often places them at or near the top of the list.
- Wagering Requirements: Exclusive bonuses still come with wagering requirements, but some are lower.
- Limited Availability: These bonuses are usually only available for a limited time or to a limited number of players before we pull the offer.
Tips for Claiming Exclusive Bonuses
- Use Our Links: Always use the provided links to claim our exclusive bonuses.
- Read the Terms: Make sure you understand the terms and conditions, including wagering requirements and any restrictions.
Loyalty Programs
Loyalty and “VIP” programs are designed to reward regular players with exclusive benefits, bonuses, and personalized services. They are part of the operator’s retention program, designed to encourage brand-specific play and to add value to your overall gaming experience.
How Loyalty Programs Work
In most cases, you’ll earn points for every wager you make. The points are accumulated and can be redeemed for various rewards when you have generated enough comps. As time goes by and you accumulate more points, you can advance through different tiers of the loyalty program, unlocking additional benefits the higher up the ladder you climb. VIP programs can be a little different, they are usually invitation-only and offer even more exclusive perks.
Examples:
- Point Accumulation: Earn points for every dollar wagered.
- Tier Levels: Progress through tiers such as Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum based on the number of points you earn.
- VIP Invitations: Receive an invitation to join the VIP program based on your wagering activity.
Advantages of Loyalty and VIP Programs
- Exclusive Bonuses: Access to special bonuses and promotions not available to regular players directly from your host or the program itself.
- Personalized Services: Dedicated account managers, faster withdrawals, and personal offers such as entry into sweepstakes, or even all-expense paid trips or gifts.
Common Restrictions
- Wagering Requirements: Bonuses and rewards from loyalty programs can come with wagering requirements.
- Activity Requirements: Players may need to maintain a certain level of activity to stay in higher tiers. Some programs allow you to maintain status once you reach a tier while others calculate status at certain intervals, usually monthly.
- Invitation-Only: True VIP programs are usually by invitation only and not available to all players. The level of deposit or volume of wagering can be quite high.
Tips for Maximizing Loyalty Programs
- Understand the Program: Read the terms and conditions to understand how points are earned and redeemed. Don’t chase the next tier level by playing outside your budget constraints.
- Engage with Account Managers: For VIP players, stay in touch with your account manager to make the most of personal offers and to open the door to more.
Choosing the Best Bonus for You
With so many different kinds of bonuses available, choosing the best one can be a challenge. Here are some tips to help you select the best bonuses based on what you want and how you play.
Game Style and Preferences
- Slot Players: Look for bonuses with extra spins or high match percentages.
- Table Games: Look for offers with lower wagering requirements and favorable game contributions/weighting for table games or video poker.
- Casual Players: No deposit bonuses and smaller match bonuses with lower wagering requirements, even if they have max cashouts might be most appealing.
Know the Wagering Requirements
- Lower Requirements: Bonuses with lower wagering requirements are generally more favorable. However, this element can be offset by lower maximum cashouts in some cases.
- Game Contributions: Choose bonuses where your preferred games contribute towards meeting the requirements in a meaningful way. A bonus with a 500x playthrough, low bet limits, and a large bonus cap might take longer to complete than the time you have to play before the bonus expires.
Flexibility
- Cashable Bonuses: Opt for cashable bonuses if you prefer the ability to withdraw both the bonus and winnings. Balance the decision with other elements such as wagering requirements and whether there is a maximum allowable win limit from the bonus.
- Game Variety: Select bonuses that can be used on a wide range of games if you like to play more than just slots. Make sure you know how to track wagering progress.
Check For Exclusive Offers
- Enhanced Value: Look for exclusive bonuses on our site with high match limits, extra spins, and other benefits.
- Lower Requirements: Our exclusive bonuses can have lower wagering requirements, making them easier to clear.
New Casinos
Extraordinary Limited Time Offers
When a new operation opens its doors they often open extraordinary bonus offers as well to attract new players. You are most likely to hit the trifecta of a large percentage match, low wagering requirements, and unlimited win potential on a bonus offered by a new casino. These offers typically begin to shrink as the operator establishes brand presence and the initial recruitment goals are reached - eventually leveling out to fall in line with other state-of-the-industry offers.
Conclusion
While we haven’t covered every conceivable type of online casino bonus it’s easy to see that there are a lot of variables to consider and most likely no “one size fits all” perfect bonus for everybody. Understanding the possibilities and limitations should help you envision the combination of elements that most closely resembles your ideal bonus. Of course, that ideal can and will change depending on your goals at any given time.
Whether you want to hunt down the highest possible cashout with the lowest wagering requirements from a no deposit bonus using our NDB codes, or find a welcome offer that allows play on video poker or roulette, our interactive database tools can help you filter and sort for just the bonus you are looking for.
Since bonuses introduce significant changes and additions to the basic gambling contract, it’s imperative to read and understand the bonus terms and conditions before committing to an offer.
Between your newfound or refreshed knowledge and our massive database of bonus offers you can access through interactive tools, you should be able to find the best bonus offers available anywhere to anybody today. Now you can maximize your winnings, enjoy a more engaging gaming experience, and make the most of the bonuses offered by online casinos.