Understanding the different casino bonus types for Australian players

You can be forgiven for not knowing all the ins and outs of casino bonuses, but they have the potential to completely change how you look at online gaming. As long as you play sensibly, they can help you score bigger bonuses while also reducing any potential losses.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the most popular bonuses that casino and gaming fans should be aware of so you can make more informed decisions the next time you log on for a game of poker or blackjack, or a spin of a simple three-reel slot.

Welcome bonuses

A welcome bonus, also known as a signup bonus, can work in a few different ways depending on the casino, whether that comes in the form of a matched deposit, freebies (such as free spins) or a combination of both. A good example of how this would work is a new customer having their initial $100 deposit matched by the casino upon creating an account, although they may then be required to wager this ‘free’ money X number of times before they can withdraw it, which helps reduce abuse.

No deposit bonuses

No deposit bonuses work a little differently in that they don’t require players to deposit a set amount of money upon creating their account, making it a relatively risk-free way for beginners to try the platform before committing any serious money. Again, this can come in the form of free spins or cash bonuses that will need to be wagered a certain number of times – it’s still a handy option that is particularly appealing to new players.

Free spins bonuses

A free spins bonus is typically tied to specific slots, meaning players will only be able to play for ‘free’ on games chosen by the casino, but this is nonetheless an effective incentive for casinos trying to entice new players. The value can vary from one casino to another and may need to be wagered several times before any winnings can be withdrawn, but is certainly worth considering.

Cashback bonuses

Cashback bonuses are an interesting incentive for casinos as they can work in several ways, from returning a percentage of a wallet deposit in the form of bonus funds or even paying back a share of losses over a fixed period, helping to lessen the impact of a particularly bad run of luck. This can help players play for longer without needing to spend any additional money, giving them time to find their groove again.  

Reload bonuses

Reload bonuses differ in that they’re aimed at existing players with the intention of encouraging them to continue playing with them rather than trying another casino. They work by rewarding players for making further deposits to their account and can be tied to seasonal events or specific games. They typically have a lower value than the new player offers but are often enough to increase retention.

VIP schemes and loyalty bonuses

VIP schemes offer exclusive bonuses to players who have shown that they’re frequent spenders at a casino, often providing access to special tournaments and games, as well as bonus funds to be used on specific games being promoted by the casino. They may work on a points system or have different tiers, encouraging players to continue playing in order to unlock better rewards.

Game-specific bonuses

Casinos in Australia and further afield often have game-specific promotions that encourage players to try games they might not usually have played online, such as poker, blackjack, roulette or live dealer games. Online slot machines, colloquially known as ‘pokies’, often feature in this type of bonus, coming with free spins or enhanced odds, encouraging players to try and win a fixed or progressive jackpot.

Important things to keep in mind

When trying to get the most out of online casino bonuses, players should keep a couple of things in mind to avoid potentially missing out entirely or spending more than they initially planned:

Check wagering requirements and bonus conditions

Players should always check what the minimum wagering requirements are for specific casino bonuses, as some bonuses, for example, may require a set number of spins to be played before winnings can be withdrawn. These bonuses may also have expiry dates, at which point the freebies may no longer be valid and players will instead begin to play with their own account balance.

Understand potential risks and the importance of responsible gambling

Reputable casinos will always display the terms and conditions of bonuses on their websites, so if something catches your eye, do your research before fully committing. By having a responsible approach, you can form a healthier relationship with gambling and avoid falling into any negative habits, such as spending more than you budgeted or playing at unsociable hours, which could then impact your personal or professional life.

Conclusion

For Australian casino and gambling fans, we’d always recommend taking the necessary time to fully understand the available bonuses to ensure that you’ve checked for specific inclusions and exclusions. If there’s a bonus for a game type that you’re not fully familiar with, don’t feel that you need to spend money just to avoid missing out – trying new games is fine, but remember to take your time and only play games you’re genuinely interested in.