The Most Popular Types of Welcome Bonuses

Online casino operators are always cooking up new ways to get and keep players hooked. And one strategy that's always hit the mark is offering juicy online casino sign-up bonuses. But these deals can come in all sorts of shapes and sizes, which can leave new gamblers scratching their heads trying to pick the best one. So, this article breaks down all the common types of casino welcome bonuses you'll find in South Africa and exactly how they work.

What Exactly is a Casino Welcome Bonus in South Africa?

A casino welcome bonus is basically a treat for new players once they've wrapped up the sign-up process. For most of these, you'll just need to make your first deposit and pop in a bonus code (if there is one) to unlock the goodies. Some bonuses might even come your way without you needing to deposit a cent! Whatever the case, the bonus money itself usually can't be withdrawn. You'll need to meet the wagering requirements first before you can cash out any winnings you snagged with the bonus cash.

What are the Best Casino Signup Bonus Rewards for South Africans?

As we've already touched on, casino bonuses and promotions come in all sorts of flavours, and sometimes you'll need to deposit cash, while other times you don't need to put down a cent. Here are the most common welcome promotions you'll likely come across in South Africa:

Match Deposit Bonus

The match deposit bonus is probably the most popular online casino deposit bonus. With this type of welcome deal, the casino usually requires new players to make a minimum deposit before they can claim it. That's likely why it's so widespread in the online gambling scene.

Essentially, this bonus is a percentage of your initial deposit. The match can range anywhere from 50% to 200%, although a 100% match is pretty standard. For example, a casino might offer new South African players a 100% match deposit bonus up to R10,000. Meaning, if you deposit R1,000 of your own cash, you'll get an extra R1,000 in bonus funds, which you can't directly withdraw.

No Deposit Bonus

Some players argue that this is the best casino signup bonus players can find. That's true, considering the players don't need to make a minimum real money deposit to trigger this reward. Gamers must only create an account and enter the welcome bonus code to claim it.

But as good as it comes, this welcome bonus is usually smaller than a deposit bonus. Still, no deposit bonuses offer players a great way to try out new casinos without risking their hard-earned money.

Reload Bonus

Another bonus for new players is a reload bonus. As the name hints, this casino welcome bonus is given on subsequent deposits after making the first payment. The motivation behind this reward is to encourage new gamers to make real money deposits and play.

Because a reload bonus is usually tied to the overall deposit bonus amount, these bonuses are almost identical. However, reload bonuses have lower percentage rates, usually 50% or less. Also, loyal patrons can get reload bonuses on special occasions like holidays and birthdays.

Free Spins Bonus

Free spins are popular bonuses for new players and loyal customers. It's a welcome bonus, primarily for slots. With this welcome reward, the casino will give new gamblers several free spins on particular slot games.

It's vital to remember that free spin bonuses can come as a standalone offer or part of a deposit bonus. Also, players must fulfil bonus terms like wagering requirements before withdrawing free spin winnings. Most casinos offer 20 to 100 spins, although it could be more.

How to Find the Best Welcome Bonus

Casino welcome bonuses can look like free gaming opportunities from a distance. However, it's vital to remember that the biggest bonus package isn't necessarily the best.

Below are some tricks to help players find the best casino bonuses:

• Confirm the wagering requirement: The wagering requirement is a condition that applies to all casino rewards. It's the number of times to play using an amount equal to the prize before withdrawing winnings. The best online casino welcome bonus must have a low wagering requirement. Some casino bonuses don't have any wagering requirements at all.
• Low minimum deposit: Players don't need to break the bank to trigger the casino bonus. Ensure the minimum qualifying deposit is manageable, usually between $10 and $30.
• Extended validity period: This is the duration players have to fulfil the bonus conditions and withdraw winnings. The best online casino bonuses often have extended expiry periods of up to 30 days.
• Slot RTP and variance: If the casino specifies the slot machine to use the free spins on, it's advisable to check the slot's RTP and variance before claiming the reward. A slot machine with a high RTP and low variance makes winning a payout from the bonus easier. The RTP should be anything more than 96%.
• Bet and win limits: Casinos specify the minimum bet and maximum win for the bonus to prevent abuse. With a higher minimum bet limit, players can fulfil the wagering requirements quicker by placing bigger stakes. The win limit should also be as high as possible. Winning $10,000 only to be allowed to withdraw $200 because of bonus terms could be disappointing.

Conclusion

This article has discussed some standard welcome bonus variations at the best online casinos. But always remember that casino welcome bonuses function differently. Some may require a minimum deposit, while others are free to claim if players sign up successfully. But considering the advantages and disadvantages of each bonus, players must choose what works best for them.