Match Bonuses

In essence, a gambler is rewarded for signing up at an online casino, and the casino is rewarded with the addition of a new client. The match bonus is probably one of the most widespread marketing tools used by operators because it has the lowest risk profile. You see, by offering free money sign-up bonuses, operators are open to exploitation by casino hoppers who utilize free credits to gain profit. They win, cash out and move on to the next enterprise.

Match bonuses on the other hand, require players to make a deposit prior to redeeming their sign-up reward. Usually, an online casino will issue a coupon or match bonus code to every new member via e-mail. Alternatively, the coupon code is displayed on their web page. Either way, a gamer is required to record the details of the code, download the gaming software, make a real-money deposit and then enter his/her code at the cashier. He/she is then issued with their match bonus. The match bonus is a credit amount that equals or matches a percent of, or the entire value of the amount deposited. It must be noted, that match bonuses are usually capped at a specified limit which is usually defined in the operators' terms and conditions of use.

So, it may seem then that players can play the allotted match bonus in the hope of turning a profit and failing this, withdraw the amount they deposited. Unfortunately, this is not a possibility. Online casino operators are well aware that this sort of abuse will occur, and to protect their own interests, they employ what is referred to as a "playthrough requirement". Each casino offers different rules, but basically, gamers are required to place a pre-determined number of bets before they are eligible to withdraw ant funds from their player accounts. This is usually calculated at anything between 10X and 30X the match bonus amount. Sometimes, casinos calculate their playthrough requirements on both the match bonus and deposit amount, so players should do their homework prior to committing to a deposit.

There are several reputable casinos that offer match bonuses, and these include, amongst others, Silver Dollar Casino with up to £1 350 in match bonuses, Cocoa Casino with a 100% up to £500 match bonus and 7 Sultans Casino with up to £1 000 in match bonuses. There are variances in match bonus offerings, but usually, the same simple principle applies: the greater the match bonus, the greater the playthrough requirement. So basically, a match bonus, irrespective of how large, affords players the opportunity to play a little longer with free credits, and hopefully win something spectacular.