In a world of increasing competition online casinos need to distinguish themselves from the rest if they’re going to attract new customers. That’s where casino bonuses come in. These are offers that may sound generous - or as close as free as one can get - for players to try out but always come with terms and conditions. Following that they, hopefully for the casino, consider the site as one worth spending cash at.
There are many different types of bonuses, and we’ll be first to admit that distinguishing between the two can get difficult at times. That’s why in this Slingo blog post we’re going to take a closer look at two of the most desirable types of bonuses. No Deposit Bonuses and Free Spin Bonuses may look self-explanatory, but there are differences between the two that are key for a more effective online casino experience. Ready to get started? Then let’s go!
What are No Deposit Bonuses?
The vast majority of online casino bonuses require you to first make a deposit before you can get your goodies. This is not the case with No Deposit Bonuses which, as the name suggests, can be acquired without the need to deposit cash at the casino site like Slingo. Instead you’ll instantly get the bonus as soon as you opt into the offer. Simple, right?
No deposit bonuses are less common and often carry stricter requirements. That said you can still find no deposit bonuses out there, typically as a welcome offer where a site might instantly give you free spins or funds as soon as you register an account, no deposit required. Some sites give out no deposit bonuses as a treat to regular customers, sometimes as part of a loyalty or VIP scheme.
Types of No Deposit Bonuses and their Restrictions
No deposit bonuses can come in different forms. The most common are free or bonus spins, which give you a chance to play a game for free. The other type is bonus funds, which can be given as part of a welcome offer or a cashback scheme.
As with all other bonuses, always check the terms and conditions before committing to a no deposit promotion! This kind of bonus can often come with wagering requirements that are higher than usual, or tight restrictions on the amount of winnings you can convert to real money. Then there are game restrictions, as you might be only able to use your no deposit bonus funds on a set number of online slot games, as well as tight expiration dates of typically a week, if not less.
What are Free Spins?
Free spins are the most common type of bonus, and just as well considering that they’re surely the most popular among online casino players. After all these are a way to play a select game for free. Casino sites like Slingo regularly give out free spins in a number of ways, including:
- As part of a welcome bonus.
- As a deposit bonus.
- As part of a promotional or seasonal event.
- Through a loyalty or VIP program.
Free spins are a great way to try a new game or play an old favourite. After all, you might be uncertain about spending money on a new game, but free spins will allow you to try a game without using your own balance. Meanwhile many free spins bonuses feature classic games like Starburst or Book of Dead, older slots that continue to retain the magic even after all these years.
Are Free Spins Truly Free?
A regular topic of discussion among many in the online casino community is whether free spins are truly, well, free. This is because many free spins bonuses come with wagering requirements attached. These have you wager your winnings for a set amount of times before you can actually withdraw what’s left to your real money account. As a result, online casinos might label their free spins offers as “bonus spins” in order to avoid any confusion on the matter. If a free spins offer actually has no wagering requirements then it’s commonly referred to as a “no wagering free spins bonus.”
Having seen the above, our recommendation for free spins bonuses is the same as the one we gave for no deposit bonuses - always read the terms and conditions before committing to any offers. The terms and conditions are obliged to list all of the bonus’ requirements, from the wagering requirements to win caps and the expiration period. The terms and conditions should be clearly laid out by the casino, like Slingo’s current free spins offer.
The Differences Between No Deposit Bonuses and Free Spins
With all of the above in mind, what are the key differences between No Deposit Bonuses and Free Spins? We’ve handily tabled all the points in this blog below, so have a look and let us know what you think:
|
Feature |
No Deposit Bonus |
Free Spins Bonuses |
|
Type of bonus |
Can consist of bonus funds or free spins |
Number of free spins on a set game/s |
|
Games available |
Number of games (if bonus funds) or a set game (if free spins) |
Typically one game or a small selection |
|
When offered |
As part of a welcome offer or a loyalty scheme |
As part of a welcome offer, a deposit bonus, or promotional/seasonal event |
|
Wagering requirement |
Generally higher (10-50x) |
Varies and applies to any winnings from the spins |
|
Cashout limit |
Can involve a cap on any winnings |
Can involve a cap on any winnings |
Take Advantage of Bonuses for Free Fun!
Online casino bonuses, whether no-deposit offers or free spins, are a great way to sample what a site has to offer. Just remember that nothing is truly free, so always read the terms and conditions carefully, particularly the wagering requirements and any caps on winnings. These can vary widely between brands; for example, Slingo often sets out clear bonus details so you can compare them easily with other sites. With that in mind, take a moment to weigh up the options and choose the bonus that best suits your preferences before you commit.
Speaking of what’s best for you, it’s important to always enjoy your bonuses responsibly. Stick to what’s offered by the bonus, and resist the temptation to start spending once you run out. Don’t chase your losses while playing with a bonus either - slots are games of pure chance, and it doesn’t matter whether you’re playing with real or bonus funds. With knowledge of how to use your bonuses you’ll be set to have fun and take full advantage of what online casino sites like Slingo have to offer!
