The Not So Fine Print

Online casino Web sites typically offer prospective gamblers a variety of sign-up and other deposit bonuses in order to encourage them to play (and bet on) the online casino's real-money games. And just like the real world, few things in the virtual world are really free. Therefore, it is vitally important that, prior to accepting any free bonuses, players examine the Terms & Conditions published on an online casino Web site thoroughly.

When an online casino offers gamblers free cash bonuses, the casino is basically lowering their house advantage. To recover that lost edge, gamblers are usually required to wager minimum amounts of cash, and/or play a minimum number of hands or games, depending - of course - on the game(s) at hand. After all, one cannot expect online casino companies to simply dish out free money that players can cash out right away.

Naturally, we would all like to think that online casino operators play according to standard fair-gaming rules; not just regarding the actual games, but bonuses and other incentives as well. Sorry folks; no dice here. Gambling, whether in land or online casino Web sites - is about risk - and freebies too are far from being risk-free.

Having said all this, let us look closer at some of the more common terms and conditions regarding online casino bonuses:

Initial Deposit Bonuses
Most online casino sites offer sign-up bonuses to new players making their first deposit. These bonuses are usually calculated as a percentage of the player's deposit, though up to a maximum. For example, an online casino may offer new depositors a 100% match bonus, up to say $200.

Also, prior to permitting new depositors to cash out, gamblers are usually required to place a minimum number of wagers. In this case, an online casino's Terms & Conditions may read as follows:

"Prior to withdrawing money, gamblers must wager 15 times the total amount of their deposit, plus the bonus."

In this scenario, for example, an online casino will match a player's maximum allowed $200 deposit by 100%, giving the player a total account balance of $400. This gambler is obligated to place $6000 ($400 × 15) in bets before being allowed to make a withdrawal.

Also, some online casino games may be excluded entirely from these minimum wagering requirements. These exclusions may read something like:

"Bets on Craps, Roulette and Sic Bo shall not count towards meeting your minimum wagering obligations."

Cash Out Limits
Lots of online casino sites place maximum amounts gamblers may cash out within certain periods of time. For example, some online casino organizations will restrict gamblers on a weekly basis. Several online casinos permit gamblers to cash out any sum, and limits are only applicable when a bonus is claimed.

Collecting Your Bonus
Most online casino sites credit patrons with their bonuses automatically, while other operators require gamblers to contact the online casino after they have made their initial deposit. If a player DOES NOT wish to collect a bonus, it's important that he/she notify the casino before making a deposit.

Some Things in Life Always Change
Bonus Terms and Conditions may change occasionally. Therefore, make certain you know what you are getting into before depositing any money with an online casino. It's entirely up to you, the player, to be familiar with any changes in an online casino's Terms and Conditions.