Bonus Hunting
If you take some time to check out the online casinos that we recommend you will notice that most of them offer some kind of casino bonus to the new player. Some even reward existing players with ongoing bonuses. Bonus hunting is a common practice among individuals who want to claim free money from online casinos.
Before you try your hand at bonus hunting we recommend that you read the following article. It has some useful tips about maximizing the bonuses you can earn, and also information about restrictions to online casino bonuses.
About Online Casino Bonuses
A bonus from an online casino can come in a couple of different ways. Some casinos offer a no-deposit bonus to players while others offer a matching deposit bonus. A few casinos even offer both.
Bonuses are free cash that you can use to play most of the games in the online casino. If you are lucky and smart, you may be able to use that bonus money you receive to expand your bankroll. There is a small group of players that never made a deposit at an online casinos but were able to build large bankrolls with the bonus money they received.
What is Bonus Hunting?
Some online casino players have made a job of so-called bonus hunting. These players go from casino to casino, claiming as much bonus cash as they can. Some of them focus solely on no-deposit bonuses while others look for the best matching deposit bonuses.
Bonus hunting, also known as bonus whoring, can be a lucrative activity for those who want to put in the time and effort. It does come with some measure of risk which we will explain later. If done correctly, there is no reason why someone could not pick up hundreds or even thousands of dollars to use for online gambling.
Some Bonus Hunting is Illegal
There are some types of bonus hunting that are illegal. One of the most common violations is registering for more than one online casino account at the same site. This practice has become almost impossible today thanks to the verification requirements that are employed by many online casinos.
If you are caught violating the rules of an online casino, the general outcome is that you will be banned and not allowed to play in that online casino again. In some cases there may be even more serious consequences for the player. You may be referred to the authorities, especially if online gambling is not legal in your jurisdiction.
What About Wagering Requirements?
A subject that need to be considered when speaking of online casino bonus money is wagering requirements. These are stipulations that prevent players from withdrawing a bonus offer until they have given the casino a certain amount of play.
The whole point of the online casino giving you a bonus is to entice you to play and keep depositing money. You are of no value to the casino unless you lose in the long run. There would be little benefit for the casino to give someone a $500 bonus if the player immediately cashed it out. The answer is a wagering requirement.
A wagering requirement establishes how much you have to play the bonus money before you can take it out of your account. A 50X requirement is not uncommon. If the online casino gave you $100, you would need to wager that $100 fifty times. That is $5,000 in bets. To put that in perspective you would need to play 5,000 hands of online blackjack at $1 per hand.
It stands to reason that you would want to look for online casinos that have the lowest possible wagering requirement.
Read the Terms and Conditions
Before you decide to sign up with an online casino you need to read all of the terms and conditions. This is where you will find all the information you need to decipher bonus information, wagering requirements, and everything else you need to know.
There should be a link on the main casino website which will give you access to the terms and conditions page. If you have trouble finding this page, that is not usually a good sign. Don’t be afraid to ask questions of your online casino if you can’t find the information you are looking for.
Bonus Hunters Know Which Games to Play
To satisfy that bonus wagering requirement you are going to need to know which games in the online casino give you the best chance to win. We would say that online slot machines are probably not the best idea. These machines have a low payback compared to some table games.
Online blackjack and online craps is probably the best way to go when it comes to value. Both of these games gave a very low house edge, and you can play them online for as little as $1 per hand.
It is possible to Win Money Playing Online Blackjack. Read our Casino Max review, Miami Club casino review , High Country casino review, Cherry Jackpot casino review, or Roaring 21 review to name a few. If you have a winning streak you may also be interested in our guide to cashing out at the online casinos.
A Bonus Hunting FAQ
- How does bonus hunting work?
- Bonus hunting typically involves the following steps:
- Finding online gambling sites with generous bonuses.
- Meeting the requirements to claim the bonus (e.g., making a deposit, using a bonus code).
- Fulfilling the wagering requirements or other terms and conditions to convert the bonus into real money.
- Withdrawing the winnings.
- Moving on to another site to repeat the process.
- Bonus hunting typically involves the following steps:
- Is bonus hunting legal?
- Bonus hunting itself is not illegal, but it’s essential to carefully read and adhere to the terms and conditions of each bonus and the rules of the gambling site. Some casinos and betting platforms may have policies against bonus abuse.
- Can I make a consistent profit with bonus hunting?
- Making a consistent profit through bonus hunting is challenging and not guaranteed. Online casinos and gambling sites implement various measures to protect themselves from bonus abuse, such as imposing strict wagering requirements, game restrictions, and withdrawal limits.
- What are the risks of bonus hunting?
- Risks associated with bonus hunting include:
- Losing your initial deposit if you fail to meet the bonus requirements.
- Being banned or restricted by online gambling sites if they suspect bonus abuse.
- Spending a significant amount of time searching for and meeting bonus requirements.
- Risks associated with bonus hunting include:
- Can I bonus hunt at the same site multiple times?
- Casinos and gambling sites typically do not allow players to repeatedly claim the same bonus. However, you can explore different promotions and bonuses offered by the same site over time.
- What are “sticky” bonuses in bonus hunting?
- A “sticky” bonus, also known as a non-cashable bonus, is a type of bonus that cannot be withdrawn. Players can use sticky bonuses to wager and potentially win, but the bonus amount is deducted from their winnings when making a withdrawal.
- Are there specific games that are better for bonus hunting?
- Some games may have a lower house edge, making them more favorable for bonus hunting. Games like blackjack and certain video poker variations are often preferred by bonus hunters. However, casinos may limit the contribution of these games to wagering requirements.
- Is bonus hunting worth the effort?
- Whether bonus hunting is worth the effort depends on individual preferences, risk tolerance, and the specific terms and conditions of the bonuses and gambling sites. It can be profitable in some cases, but it requires careful planning and adherence to rules.
- How can I avoid being labeled as a bonus abuser by online gambling sites?
- To avoid being labeled as a bonus abuser, always:
- Read and understand the terms and conditions of bonuses.
- Follow the rules and requirements.
- Avoid using dishonest tactics or strategies to exploit bonuses.
- Maintain a responsible gambling approach.
- To avoid being labeled as a bonus abuser, always:
- Why do online casinos offer bonuses?
- Online casinos need to compete for new players. They provide bonuses to entice you to play with them instead of another online casino.
- Do I need to deposit to receive a bonus?
- Not all the time. There are some casinos that give you a no-deposit bonus of a small amount when you sign up.
- Can I bonus hunt for free money with no deposit required?
- You can bonus hunt for small amounts by creating multiple accounts with different online casinos. This method only provides a small amount of money, and most players don’t consider it worth their effort.
Bonus hunting can be a complex and time-consuming strategy, and it’s important to approach it with caution and awareness of the risks involved. Always prioritize responsible gambling practices.
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