Gambling and sports betting are pastimes that have been around for centuries. They still do not lose their relevance, and recently, they have reached a new level with the development of information technology. So, gambling and bets are now much more accessible – you can play from a computer or laptop and your smartphone. All you need is an Internet connection to do this.
And online casinos and bookmakers, unlike land-based counterparts, offer their customers access to various bonuses. Customers are often provided free bets, spins, deposit bonuses, etc.
Below we will discuss the existing bonuses in online casinos and bookmakers and their differences.
Bonuses at Bookmakers
Most often, bookmakers offer bettors bonuses for registration, and they also arrange promotions dedicated to specific events. Here is a list of bonuses that you can find at the bookmaker.
Cashback
In a bookmaker, cashback can have two formats – a percentage return for the funds lost on bets and a return for made deposits. Cashback usually has a minimum wagering requirement compared to other bonuses.
Freebet
You can get a free bet at a bookmaker in several ways: for registration, on your birthday, for participating in a loyalty program, etc.
The main advantage of the bonus is that it can be wagered with one bet. If you win, you take away the prize money. If you lose, you lose nothing.
First Deposit Bonus
This bonus is issued after registration, verification, and account replenishment. The bookmaker often sets the minimum deposit amount with which you can participate in the promotion. This bonus is characterized by a significant wager – from x20 and more. You can withdraw the bonus only when you fulfill the wagering requirement.
Re-Deposit Bonuses
A bonus similar to the previous version is only issued for repeated deposits. Otherwise, the conditions are identical.
Draws and Contests
The standard format is getting points for betting a certain amount. As you earn points, you move up in the rankings. For first place, sports betting sites pay large cash prizes.
Loyalty Program
Reward program for active bettors. You get points for bets, and move up the levels when you accumulate a certain number of points. At each new level, new prizes are given.
Online Casino Bonuses
In online casinos, you will also come across several options for bonus offers. According to the analysis conducted by Wagering Advisors over at https://wageringadvisors.co.uk,there are 5 main variations of popular casino bonuses and promotions.
Welcome Bonuses
Available to players who create an account on the site for the first time. Most often, it is +% to the deposit, and sometimes, additional free spins are issued.
Free Spins
Free spins can be obtained after registration or for participating in other promotions. There are three types of free spins – for a specific game, for games of a certain provider, and for all slots available on the site. The casino administration sets the maximum bet amount and winnings you can withdraw.
Cashback
You can return a certain percentage to your bonus account for each unplayed bet in the casino. Cashback payments are often made at the week’s or the calendar month’s end.
No Deposit Bonuses
You are issued free bonus money or free spins. The main feature is that you will not need to replenish your account to receive it.
Loyalty Programs
As in the case of a bookmaker, you accumulate points for actively playing slot machines and receive various rewards for this.
In the casino and the bookmaker, you can also meet various contests and tournaments, temporary promotions, bonuses for multiple holidays, etc.
Similarities and Differences Between Bookmaker and Casino Bonuses
Bonuses for bettors at a bookmaker’s office and promotions for players at online casinos have a lot in common. Such offers are provided to customers on certain conditions:
- Wager. It is indicated as a coefficient (for example, x10, x25, etc.). The wager shows how much you must spend on bets to claim your bonus. For example, you got a £100 bonus on your first deposit at a casino or bookmaker with an x20 wager. To withdraw this amount, you will need to wager at least £2,000.
- Bonus wagering time. You are given a certain amount of time to wager the bonus. The administration would cancel your bonus if you did not fulfill the conditions before a specific date.
- Bet size/odds (for free spins / free bets). The casino administration can set a specific limit for bets using free spins. Also, in the bookmaker’s office – you can only use free bets on sports betting with a particular coefficient.
Against the background of similarities, there are several differences in bonuses for betters and gamblers:
- Sports bonuses do not require large deposits. Most often, the minimum deposit amount for participation in bookmaker promotion is lower.
- Bookmakers often do not have promotional codes. Most bookmaker offers do not contain bonus codes. You can use the bonus when you register and replenish your account.
- Online casinos have a more impressive set of bonuses. In online casinos, you will find several welcome offers, no-deposit bonuses, special promotions for high rollers, etc.
Bonuses are an essential part of the gaming experience in both online casinos and betting shops. They often help to increase the size of the available bankroll and diversify the gameplay. At the same time, you should carefully study all the similarities and differences between bookmakers and online casino bonuses and carefully read the terms of specific promotions.