Importance of Bonuses and Promotions

Choosing an online casino is a process that all new players have to go through. Beyond doubt the most important factors that beginners need to look at are the licensing jurisdiction, the independent auditor and the software provider. However even after selecting these three, the player will be left with numerous online casinos to choose from.

The online casinos powered by the same online gaming software provider tend to be similar in layout and more so in the online casino games offered. It is the bonuses and the promotions offered by the online casino that distinguish it from others using the same software provider. Therefore it is important that beginners are able to recognize which bonuses and promotions will be more suitable to their pattern of wagering. The welcome bonus is an apparent distinguishing factor. Three facets of the bonus need to be considered. One is the upper limit to the bonus, the second is the percentage of the deposit offered and the third is the number of deposits on which the bonus is applicable. Players who are looking to make a small initial deposit need not go for a bonus with a large upper limit because they will never reach that limit. They should look for the highest percentage of the deposit on offer because that will give them greater leverage. If new players feel committed to the online casino then they can locate one with a multi-tier welcome bonus so that they can reap the benefit over a greater number of deposits.

Beginners must also realize that it does not make sense to give too much weight to the welcome bonus in the selection process. It is after all a one time affair. Players must look at what is offered in the reload bonuses, loyalty points and wagering requirements because these factors will affect them on a continuous basis. Players who plan to deposit once a month should look for an online casino with monthly reload bonuses whereas players who plan to deposit more often should find one with weekly reload bonuses. New players should also estimate at what VIP level they are likely to be placed in various online casinos and compare benefits offered at those levels. Benefits offered at VIP levels they are not likely to reach are irrelevant.

Bonuses have to be examined in conjunction with wagering requirements. Often attractive bonuses may be couched with stringent wagering requirements. The following factors need to be considered when looking at wagering requirements - play through requirements, whether these include both the deposit and the bonus or only the bonus and country specific conditions that could apply.

Many online casinos offer promotional events like special online tournaments and lucky draw prizes. Others stick to the basic bonuses and offer little else. Usually online casinos that are high on promotions offer comparatively modest bonuses. Therefore based on his temperament the beginner may have to make a choice between the two. If he is a serious wagerer interested only in battling with the online casino then better bonuses is a preferable choice. However if the player likes to compete with other players or is interested in the exotic prizes that many of the online casino promotions offer then he must opt for a casino stronger in promotions.

This article simply outlines the different aspects of bonuses and promotions that need to be considered. No template can be provided for the evaluation. Players have differing needs and therefore would emphasize different criteria.

• Tools
• Print
• e-Mail
• digg
• del.icio.us
• StumbleUpon

Cryptologic Over Poker - (Added October 16, 2010)

Cryptologic Bonus Video Poker - (Added October 8, 2010)

Cashing Out at Online Casinos - (Added October 1, 2010)

Caribbean Stud Poker Strategy- (Added September 24, 2010)

The History of Blackjack - (Added September 17, 2010)

Rock Music Themed Online Casino Slot - (Added September 7, 2010)

Transparency Builds Online Casino Reputation - (Added September 3, 2010)

All American Video Poker - (Added August 27, 2010)

Unique Roulette Variants - (Added August 20, 2010)

Understanding Probability, Odds And House Edges - (Added August 13, 2010)

Branded Super Hero Slot Games - (Added August 6, 2010)