Online casinos offer deposit match bonuses frequently. Normally, a new casino will match your first deposit up to a specific percentage. You will receive an additional $200 in bonus money if you deposit $200, for instance. It effectively doubles your playing money.
Most deposit match bonuses range from 50% to 500%. You will receive more bonus money if the match percentage is higher. Most casinos have a maximum amount they will match. There is a common cap of $200-$1000. Additionally, some online casinos will match players’ deposits on their second, third, and even fourth deposits.
Free spins bonuses
Free spins offers are the other big welcome bonus you’ll typically find at online casinos. Rather than matching a deposit with bonus funds, the casino gives you a set number of spins to use on select slot machines. These spins let you play for free, but you get to keep any winnings. The number of free spins typically ranges from 10 to 200 or more. Sometimes they are all awarded at once when you open a new account and make a minimum deposit. Other times, a casino parcels them out 10 or 20 at a time over several days or weeks. This helps keep players coming back. Free spins are usually restricted to certain slot games that the casino specifies. This is a way for them to highlight new game releases and drive traffic to specific titles. Winnings from your free spins are usually subject to wagering requirements you must meet before cashing out.
Comparing the pros and cons
Now that we’ve looked at the basics of deposit matches and free spins, let’s directly compare the major pros and cons of each type of bonus:
Deposit Match Pros
- Doubles or triples your starting bankroll
- Allows you to play any game
- Bonus cash often has lower wagering requirements
Deposit Match Cons
- You have to deposit to get the bonus
- Bonus amount is limited by deposit size
- Can only claim on initial deposits
Free Spins Pros
- Lets you play selected slots for free
- Lower wagering requirements for winnings
- Useful for trying out new slot titles
Free Spins Cons
- You’re restricted to certain games
- The number of spins is limited
- Can only claim the offer once
Deposit matches give you more freedom and dramatically boost your bankroll. But you have to deposit your cash to get the casino bonus. Free spins let you try specific slots at no cost, but the number of spins is limited.
Optimal situations for each bonus
Now let’s look at some examples of situations where one type of bonus might be preferable over the other:
When a deposit match is better
- You want to maximize the starting amount to play with
- You like playing a variety of casino games
When free spins are better
- You want to try out new slot titles risk-free
- You’re on a tight budget and don’t want to deposit much yet
For brand-new players, a deposit match bonus helps take the sting out of initial losses by doubling your bankroll. This gives you more chances to learn the games. Free spins are great for casual slots players who want to try new titles before risking their own money on them.
