When used correctly, casino bonuses can be a gambler’s best friend. However, not all bonus promotions are what they appear to be, with some offers using hidden conditions to undercut the true value of the bonus.
So, it is important to always compare bonuses before accepting any offer from a casino.
Inexperienced players are easily drawn in by large percentage matches that cause them to overlook wagering requirements, game exclusions, and expiry dates. These factors all affect a bonus’s expected value (EV). Comparing bonuses is the smartest option because it makes it easy to find the offers with the highest EV.
Key Factors to Compare (With Examples)
See the table below to learn the key factors to consider when comparing online casino bonuses.
| Factor | Why It Matters | What to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering Requirements | Impacts cashout ability | Low WR is easier to satisfy |
| Bonus % Match | Establishes maximum bonus amount, but bigger ≠ better | Factor in WR to determine EV |
| Maximum Cashout | Caps profit potential | The higher the better |
| Eligible Games | Controls what games you can use funds on | Ensure the games you want to play are bonus-eligible |
| Bonus Duration | Determines how long you must play to meet WR | Long bonus durations are better |
The bonus percentage match is usually the first thing that grabs players’ attention. While this is an important factor, it is far from the only part of the bonus you should consider.
Wagering requirements and the bonus duration are key parts of determining the offer’s EV. The maximum cashout of the offer, on the other hand, determines how much you can truly win with the bonus.
Finally, double-check that the games you want to play will be eligible for the bonus funds you are getting. Slots are usually eligible, but games with progressive jackpots may be excluded. Likewise, table games, including blackjack and roulette, often only contribute a percentage toward the WR.
Practical Examples of Bonus Comparison
Whether analyzing bonuses from the same casino or from different operators, comparing offers is crucial to getting the most out of your bankroll. No deposit bonuses are ideal, but they are challenging to find. Most of the time, you will need to make a deposit to claim a bonus.
The easiest method for comparing bonuses is to calculate the EV of each promotion using the following formula:
Total bonus funds – (total amount bet * average house edge)
Your total amount bet can be found by multiplying your bonus funds by the WR.
1. Crypto-Exclusive vs. Traditional Payment Bonuses
Many of the top casino sites offer bonuses for traditional payment methods as well as crypto-exclusive offers. For instance, DuckyLuck offers the following casino welcome bonuses for members to choose from:
-
- Standard welcome: 500% up to $2,500, 150 free spins, 30x WR
- Crypto-exclusive welcome: 600% up to $3,000, 150 free spins, 40x WR
DuckyLuck offers 150 free spins to all qualifying first-time depositors, so the free spin portions of these offers cancel out. Crypto depositors get a larger match, but at an increased WR. This significantly changes the EV of the bonus offer.
It is also worth noting that the WR for these promotions includes the deposit amount.
Assuming you play slots with an RTP of 96%, the industry average, the EV equations for the above bonuses look like this:
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- Standard: $2,500 – [($3,000 X 30) X 4.0%)] = -$1,100
- Crypto: $3,000 – [($3,500 X 40) X 4.0%] = -$2,600
As you can see, the increased WR significantly lowers the EV for the crypto welcome bonus. However, crypto users also get unique rewards, including a 3% cashback bonus on every qualifying deposit.
2. DuckyLuck vs. Lucky Rebel
You can also use the EV formula above to contrast promotional offers from competing casinos. For instance, let’s compare DuckyLuck’s standard welcome bonus with the new member casino bonus at Lucky Rebel.
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- DuckyLuck: 500% up to $2,500, 150 free spins, 30x WR
- Lucky Rebel: 200% up to $2,500, 50 free spins, 30x WR
Using the above information, we can calculate the EV for each bonus. Also, remember that DuckyLuck’s WR includes your deposit amount, but Lucky Rebel’s does not.
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- DuckyLuck EV: $2,500 – [($3,000 X 30) X 4.0%)] = -$1,100
- Lucky Rebel EV: $2,500 – [($2,500 x 30) x 4.0%)] = -$500
Neither casino’s deposit match has a positive EV, but Lucky Rebel’s is $600 more valuable than DuckyLuck’s. However, DuckyLuck also offers three times as many free spins with their welcome promotion as Lucky Rebel.
3. Wild Casino vs. DuckyLuck
Speaking of free spins, some casinos offer larger free spin promotions in lieu of deposit matches. As mentioned above, every qualifying first-time depositor at DuckyLuck gets 150 free spins. Wild Casino, on the other hand, offers 250 free spins to new members.
Free spin promotions are not all created equal, though. In addition to offering different amounts, Wild and DuckyLuck have different restrictions on how their free spins can be used.
Free Spin Information
DuckyLuck
Wild
Total Number of Spins
150
250
Redemption Rate
50 per day
25 per day
Total Max Win Amount
$100
$100
Games Allowed
Mythic Wolf, Golden Gorilla, and Five Times Win
Varies
DuckyLuck assigns 50 free spins to Mythic Wolf, Golden Gorilla, and Five Times Win. While fun to play, all three slots have an RTP under 96.0%. Wild, on the other hand, assigns 25 free spins to a random slot game every day for 10 days.
Tips for Smarter Bonus Decisions
One of the easiest ways to become a better gambler is to make smart decisions about which promotions to redeem.
The best tips for making smart bonus decisions are:
- Avoid chasing “big” bonus numbers
- Pick a bonus that fits your play style
- Select bonuses that align with your casino payment method
Big deposit matches are great, but they are frequently used to hide bonus terms and conditions that are not player-friendly. So, the size of a deposit match should not be the only factor you consider when comparing bonuses.
Also, it is crucial to pick bonuses that fit your play style. This includes choosing a promotion with funds that can be used on your preferred games. You should also consider the expiry date of the bonuses, as casual gamblers typically struggle to meet WR on offers with a short shelf life.
Finally, only redeem bonus offers that line up with your preferred payment and withdrawal options. Using unfamiliar banking methods increases the chances of making a mistake. Changing payment styles also opens you up to new fees and different withdrawal limits.
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