The competitive online gambling market means that welcome offers and incentives have become almost an industry standard, and very few casinos can attract new players without offering some sort of bonus. This means that there are plenty of online casino bonuses in Canada, so the trick is not so much finding one, as finding the best in a range of competitive offers.
Evaluating bonuses is complicated by the fact that there are several different types, and factors like wagering requirements, time limits and game exclusions can alter the value and usefulness of a bonus significantly. The first step is to understand the bonus types. After this, it is easier to compare and evaluate the details. These are the key bonus types you might see on offer:
Welcome Bonus
This is the most prominent tool that new casinos use to attract new players. A welcome bonus can be a single bonus, or a combination of offers to create an enticing welcome package. Welcome offers are usually claimed when new players make their first deposit, but some welcome packages may include a no-deposit bonus to reward players for registering an account, or they may include deposit match bonuses across the first three or five deposits that the player makes. Free spins, free bets or cashback may also be included in the package, so a welcome bonus is not really a specific type of bonus. Rather, it is an umbrella term for the first (and often the largest) bonus a new player gets from a casino.
Free Spins
Some new casino sites will give you free spins on their slots games if you sign up for an account. Sometimes you will simply see an offer like "300 extra spins", but new casinos generally combine a welcome bonus with free spins. For example, you might see an offer of "100% welcome bonus up to C$500 plus 50 extra spins". Similar to free online slots in Canada, free spins allow players to enjoy slot games with no financial risk.
No Deposit Bonus
New casino sites are often prepared to offer no deposit casino bonuses in a bid to seize market share from more established rivals. No deposit bonuses tend to be much smaller than their deposit-based counterparts, but due to their risk-free nature, they are a really attractive way to explore a new casino. Basically, they are bonuses that allow you to play slots or table games for real money without having to deposit any of your own cash. There are usually wagering requirements attached, so you would have to play through the bonus several times before actually withdrawing any winnings, but it is possible. The best new online casinos will hope to use the time to impress you with their offering and convert you into a long-term customer.
Loyalty Points
The online casino sector is extremely competitive, and sites know that their rivals are constantly trying to steal their customers. In order to ensure customer loyalty, they offer attractive loyalty schemes to existing customers. You will gain points depending on the amount you play, and these points can be converted to bonus credit or other rewards.
VIP Bonuses
High-rollers will often receive preferential treatment at new casino sites. You will often be rewarded with points, free spins, trips, gadgets, and other prizes if you maintain VIP status at an online casino.
Mobile Only Bonuses
Many of the newest casinos online adopt a mobile-first strategy, and some are specifically designed for mobile use. They sometimes offer bonuses that only apply to mobile users.
Promotions
Many online casinos like to keep customers happy by running short-term promotions on a rolling basis throughout the year. They might be tied to specific events or run on certain days of the week, or they could involve competitions for specific slots. You will be able to receive deposit bonuses, free spins, or the chance to win prizes.
Refer A Friend
The best new online casinos are desperate to grow their customer bases, and they offer existing players a clear incentive for encouraging friends and family to sign up. You will generally receive bonus credits or online free spins on casinos that offer this type of reward. At some casinos, the reward may be a flat rate, while others may vary the size of the reward according to the amount that your friend deposits when signing up. There is typically no limit on the number of friends you can refer.
One key consideration to bear in mind is the rollover requirement attached to welcome bonuses, additional bonuses, free spins and no deposit bonuses. You will have to wager your balance a number of times before you can think about making a withdrawal. You might see a 50x wagering requirement, which means you must turn over the balance 50 times before it is available for withdrawal.
Some casino games count 100% to a rollover requirement, whereas others can count for as little as 10%. If a game counts as 10% and you bet $10 (CAD), only $1 of that will go towards completing your wagering requirement. A 50x rollover requirement therefore essentially becomes a 500x rollover requirement if the game only contributes 10%. You should ideally look for the lowest wagering requirement possible on bonuses. Check the terms and conditions for details of these requirements.
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