Image Source: Pixabay
Earning rewards for participating in casino games is not a new concept, but in the age of online gambling it is more widely available as a whole host of casino websites aim to attract new players.
If you already have experience of casino rewards programs from visiting land-based casinos, or even if you are entirely new to this concept, it is important to understand that there are some major differences in terms of how these programs are run online.
To bring you up to speed, here is a look at the major distinctions between rewards and bonuses across web-based and physical casinos.
Tangible perks for bricks and mortar players
By their very nature, land-based casinos are able to provide rewards to their most loyal customers that are not directly associated with the act of gambling itself, but rather act to enhance the overall experience of being on-premises.
For example, it is entirely usual for free drinks and snacks to be delivered to players at casinos in Las Vegas and other major gambling hubs. The more you play and the more frequently you visit the casino, the more likely you are to rise up and be eligible for even more perks, such as free accommodation, free transport and even the guarantee of cashback on the cash you wager.
Digital bonuses for online players
In the realm of online casinos, all of the tangible rewards mentioned in a land-based casino context are obviously off the table, because players can be anywhere in the world. This is why the focus pivots to digital bonuses that are directly related to gambling itself.
The question, though, is not do you know how to claim a casino bonus, but do you understand the caveats involved?
Simply put, the online casino sector is so competitive and broad that operators need to go above and beyond to lure in would-be customers and avoid them playing on rival sites. This is where you will see seemingly impractically generous sign-up and loyalty bonuses being bandied about.
One of the best examples of this is the deposit matching rewards that are available both for new and existing players on many sites. While the proportions can vary, plenty of sites will match, double, triple or even quadruple the amount a player puts into their account, effectively giving them ‘free’ cash which can then be used on slots, table games and so on.
These digital bonuses do come with some terms and conditions to keep in mind, which explain why casinos are so willing to throw money at players. At the top of the list is the minimum wagering requirement which is typically attached to any bonus or reward you get from an online casino. Before you can withdraw cash, you will need to have wagered a certain amount of money on the site, usually a multiple of the bonus amount.
Such caveats may seem harsh, but in reality they help to protect operators from people who might just set up an account to net the reward and then immediately pull the cash out without actually spending any money on the site.
Loyalty levels unleashed
It is worth noting that both in land-based and online casino contexts, the rewards for player loyalty tend to be better than any initial bonuses or incentives that might be available to anyone who is a new customer, for obvious reasons. It is better for casinos to keep hold of existing customers than try to win over fresh faces.
As the loyalty of online players can only be rewarded digitally, there are some differences in these schemes, but one common feature is for casino sites to offer more personalized levels of support and assistance to frequent users. This can include having access to an account manager who will be on call around the clock to let you pay in or withdraw cash as necessary.
Of course there are even some reward programs run by online casinos that do involve tangible benefits; it is just that these will of course need to be delivered to your home, rather than provided at a location.
Ultimately there is a degree of overlap between land-based and online casino rewards initiatives, and in every instance it is sensible for players to read the small print and know their rights to make the most out of what they are offered, rather than being blindsided by unexpected caveats that only emerge much further down the line.
HAVE YOUR SAY!!