When playing online pokies, it's quite usual to claim a casino bonus or pokies free spins bonus when you deposit. Online casinos give players casino bonuses for a couple of different reasons.
Of course, when online casinos give the bigger and better bonuses, then they are of course wanting to be competitive and attract you to play in their casino rather than one of their competitors, as business is business after all.
But, online casino bonuses are also designed and offered to give you more casino money to play with in the casino, which would in turn give you more time and entertainment playing casino games.
On this page, we explain all the different types of online casino bonuses you can expect whilst playing online pokies at the best casino sites. Also, we have recommended the top Australian online casinos you can get the best bonuses at. We hope you find some unbeatable casino bonuses in our Online Pokies Guide!
At the end of the day, casino bonuses offer one thing: to give you more value and some free casino cash when you make a deposit. How bonuses are given to you often vary, but the outcome is roughly the same.
There's also the basic difference between deposit bonuses and non-deposit bonuses. We explain each one below, but it's fair to say that if you're looking for no deposit bonuses then there are some readily available, but if its value you're after, along with the best entertainment (as that's really what it's all about) then deposit bonuses really give you the better value in the long run.
Usually, when you play at a new online casino for the first time, you'll be offered or able to claim a welcome bonus/ first deposit bonus. They can all differ, some given on your first deposit, and some spread over you first couple of deposits, but the idea remains the same: You deposit and the casino will give you a bonus for doing so.
They usually work in a 'match up' fashion. For example, let's say you deposit $100 and the bonus offered by the online pokies site is 100% up to $200. The casino will then match your deposit amount with what you deposit – so you'll get another $100 to pay with. Bringing the total of casino cash for you to enjoy to a total of $200.
Note though, if you deposit $500, then the maximum amount the bonus will give you $200. Each casino offer does vary from one and other, so we always suggest reading the finer details about each bonus, and then picking the right one for you. We've recommended the best casino bonuses above so just pick one which you like the look of and get started.
Once you've used your welcome bonuses, then a 'reload' bonus won't be too far away. This is when online casinos reward you with subsequent match up bonuses on other deposits you make.
Free Spins are a very popular form of casino bonus, and they give you free spins on popular online pokies. Most casino sites will give you free spins in the welcome package, so not only can you enjoy a casino bonus, but also some pokie free spins too! There are free spins no deposit bonuses available as well, but again, when you make a deposit in the casino, that is where you'll find you'll get far more free spins than any that don't require a deposit. Most free spins are given on Netent pokies, with the most popular given on Netent's most iconic Starburst pokie. Most online casinos also offer monthly promotions where free spins are given out on a regular basis too, so look out for these as they give you extra freebies for your money, and sometimes you can even get them on online progressive jackpot pokies.
These usually come in the form of free spins as we mentioned above. It's possible to play online pokies for free, as some online casinos give them to you when you register an account. Top casinos like Leo Vegas casino give you 20 free spins on Starburst pokie when you get started. Make sure you check out all of our recommended bonus offers, as getting something for free is most of the time short-lived as you can't really win that much form a couple of free spins.
If you like to bet big and need a big bonus to match your deposit, then you will want a massive deposit outright on your first deposit. Look out for these types of casino bonuses, from the likes of Jackpot City Casino and also EuroGrand Casino. They're known to offer not only massive deposit bonuses for new players, but really good VIP programs where you can get your own VIP manager and subsequent bonuses to fit your playing criteria.
We've spoken about bonuses for the most part of this page and we have to mention at although casino bonuses are free and there to help you, in order for a casino to protect itself as they have given you free casino money, where you could win BIG, they do have to protect themselves a bit. This is why, when you take a bonus, you are subjected to play though terms set by the casino, called 'Wagering Requirements' which you will have to fulfil before you'll be allowed to withdraw any winnings you've made. Each wagering requirement differs from the next at all online casinos. So it's always suggested that you check what they are before you play anything, so that you know what's expected of you and you know what to expect yourself.
It's ok if you don't want to take a casino bonus, and just play with the money you put into the casino yourself. Just decline any bonus which may be given to you, and if it's applied automatically, just contact the live chat support at the online casino, and ask them to remove it. It all boils down to personal preference on this one; most players enjoy taking a casino bonus, and some don't.
But... if you see a bonus applied and you don't want it, don't play a hand or make a spin until it's been taken away otherwise you could be subject to the bonuses wagering requirements.