The catch with most online slot bonuses is that you have to meet certain wagering requirements before you withdraw any winnings. This means placing bets totalling a predefined multiple of the bonus amount. Wagering requirements typically range from 20 xs to 50x the bonus received. Some players get so caught up in chasing a bonus that they don’t pay attention to the wagering rules. It is a costly mistake. Ideally, you want to find bonuses with the lowest playthrough requirements. It makes it easier to come out ahead in the long run. At a minimum, be wary of bonuses with wagering above 40x.
Maximize free spins offers
Free spins are one of the best types of online slot bonuses. With free spins, everything you win is yours to keep. There’s no wagering requirement to worry about. That’s why it pays to maximize these offers whenever. First, look for slots where it’s possible to trigger more bonus spins during your free spins round. Some slots give you a chance to retrigger more spins with special symbols. It extends the value of the original bonus. Also, seek out free spins that apply to slots with higher volatility and frequent small wins. Low-volatility slots look flashy, but high-volatility ones offer more retrigger potential. It gives you more chances to hit bonus features and rack up wins risk-free.
Review expiration dates and availability
Before jumping on an online slot bonus, take a minute to review the expiration date and availability. Promos with very short timeframes add unnecessary pressure. You want ample time to meet wagering requirements and take full advantage of the offer. Similarly, some bonuses are available only on specific games. Make sure the slots you like to play are eligible before opting in. If not, you risk missing out on the value of the bonus because you use it on your preferred games. The top online casinos indicate expiration dates and eligibility rules for all bonuses. It allows you to make an informed decision about which offers provide the most value. Never opt-in to a bonus unless you fully understand the terms.
Balance bonus play with regular play
While bonuses and promos provide great upside, you still want to balance bonus play with regular play. Why? Well for starters, most online slots have better RTP (return to player) percentages in regular mode. It means better odds of winning over a large sample size of spins. Plus, if you only ever play with bonuses, you’ll miss out when you hit a hot streak and recoup losses. Bonuses usually don’t allow withdrawals until wagering is complete. You want to set aside some bankroll that lets you capitalize on wins at any moment. A good guideline is to allocate 80% or more of your bankroll to regular play, and 20% or less toward fulfilling bonus requirements. It ensures you always have funds to withdraw should you hit a big win.
