Welcome bonuses are common incentives used by online casinos to attract new players. Also called signup or match bonuses, they offer extra value in the form of bonus funds or free spins to use at the casino.
While tempting, these casino bonuses come with strings attached in the form of wagering or playthrough requirements. You must bet the bonus amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw any winnings on platforms like LuckyWave online.
Check Wagering Requirements
Lower playthrough requirements mean quicker and easier withdrawals. Ideally, you want wagering between 20-40x the bonus amount. Anything above 50x starts getting restrictive.
Also, see which games contribute 100% to playthrough. Slots usually count fully while table games like blackjack may only contribute 5-10%.
Pick the Right Games
Slots tend to have a higher contribution to wagering requirements than other games. So they allow clearing bonuses faster. However, the house edge is also higher on slots than table games.
It’s best to pick slot games with 96-97% RTP if playing mainly to clear wagering. Popular options include:
- Starburst
- Gonzo’s Quest
- Book of Dead
- Bonanza
Use Low Variance Slots
High variance slots can pay out big but have wider swings between wins and losses. Low variance games land smaller wins more frequently, letting you grind out playthrough requirements without depleting your bankroll.
Good low variance slots include:
- Mega Moolah
- Major Millions
- Mega Joker
Bet Strategically
To complete wagering quickly, bet higher amounts per spin. But manage your bankroll and risk carefully. Lower your bets if you run low on funds to still clear requirements without going broke.
Also, use max bet where possible as it unlocks bonus features and higher payouts. This varies across slots but often max bets activate all paylines and bonus rounds.
Withdraw Incrementally
Most casinos let you withdraw even before fully clearing wagering, if you are in profit. So make incremental withdrawals of any winnings made along the way. Don’t leave it all in your casino account risking losses.
Don’t Chase Losses
It’s tempting to deposit more of your own money and chase losses if your bonus bankroll runs dry before hitting playthrough. But this rarely ends well. Stick to the initial bonus funds or you may lose even more.
Compare Multiple Offers
Every online casino runs different welcome offers and bonuses. Compare all options before signing up to pick the best bonus for your style of play.
See which one matches your typical deposit amount for the highest bonus funds. Also check which games count fully towards playthrough. Then use the tips above to maximize the value from that bonus.
Can You Profit Long-Term from Welcome Bonuses?
If utilized correctly, casino bonuses can give you a lot of free play and chances to win real money. But they still favor the house. So it’s not a reliable long-term profit strategy.
Once you clear a signup bonus and withdraw any winnings, you must still contend with the built-in house edge of casino games. Very few players manage to stay profitable for long using bonuses alone.
The best approach is to view welcome bonuses as short-term opportunities to get ahead. Enjoy the extra play time and withdraw any wins quickly. But have a separate responsible gaming budget for entertainment rather than chasing profits.
Final Tips to Maximize Value
Here are a few parting tips to help maximize value from online casino bonuses:
- Track Bonus Progress: Use the casino interface to closely track bonus funds balance and wagering requirements left. This allows managing bankroll and bets accordingly.
- Session Timeouts: Some casinos void unused bonuses if you don’t log in and play for a certain period. Avoid timing out before clearing requirements.
- Verify Games Before Play: Double check which games contribute fully and how much to clearing playthrough. Then plan game strategy accordingly.
- Cash Out Small Wins: Withdrawing incremental slot wins or blackjack profits accelerates building a withdrawable balance.
While not a way to guarantee profits, welcome bonuses certainly offer extra playing time at online casinos. Use the tips outlined here to evaluate and maximize the value you get from signup offers. Doing so will let you stretch bonus funds longer and withdraw more real cash to enjoy elsewhere.