First time making a wager at an online casino? Nowadays, it’s not hard to find a user-friendly platform with a great range of games and lucrative odds. However, some platforms are better than others. User experience and gaming choice go a long way, but if you want to really edge the odds in your favor, it’s worth looking for the best bonuses. From no-deposit welcome bonuses to VIP and loyalty schemes for high rollers, there’s no shortage of ways to make your money go further.
If you’re looking to play at the best casino Ontario has to offer or explore new betting venues, our bonus lowdown lays out everything you need to know.
An Overview of Betting Bonuses
The online gambling market is in a great place at the moment. In 2022, the industry was worth approximately $61.5 billion. By 2030, the sector is forecast to be worth more than $154 billion. While returning customers make up a sizable share of the market, it’s new players that are really driving growth. One of the biggest lures for first-time players is welcome bonuses.
No-deposit bonuses tend to be the most attractive perk for new players. Once you’ve created an account, most platforms will offer you a small bonus to get you started, without you having to part with any of your own money. No-deposit bonuses are typically small and usually come in the form of free spins for slot games or a modest cash allowance. More recently, no deposit bonuses have been offered with time limitations. You can use your allowance to wager on whatever you want to, but you’ll need to do so within a tight timeframe.
Matched deposit bonuses are also popular. If you’re lucky, you’ll stumble upon a platform that will agree to match 100% of what you deposit to your play account. However, you’re more likely to find casinos offering 50% matched deposit bonuses instead.
Other Bonus Types
Many operators will also offer short-term promotions to keep customers coming back for more. Sometimes this is a marketing ploy to draw attention to a newly-released slot game or virtual poker experience. You may also find yourself treated to special perks on your birthday. Check your inbox on the big day itself to see if you’re entitled to any free spins.
Are you a loyal customer? VIP players are treated particularly well by online operators. High rollers are often honored for their loyalty in the form of exclusive bonuses and invites to events organized by the operator. Do you tend to play on mobile? You’e not alone. In the United States, around 70% of gambling revenue comes from mobile. Now that more operators have dedicated mobile sites and apps, you’ll find a growing number of mobile-specific bonuses to take advantage of.
Too Good to Be True?
They say there’s no such thing as a free lunch and this logic applies to casino bonuses as well. Before thinking you’ve got a pot of free money to play with, always read the terms and conditions attached to your bonus. You may be limited by your geographical location or the currency you’re using to place wagers. Furthermore, you’ll almost always need to meet high wagering requirements to withdraw any money you make. Finally, most bonuses can only be spent on wagering on certain games.