Let’s face it, just because something looks fancy and flashy it doesn’t always necessarily mean it’s worth your time – case in point: online casino bonuses. As juicy and alluring as these may sound sometimes, you’ll be quick to discover that most of them are sneakier than the plots twist in Netflix’s You.
So, is there a way to tell a scam apart from a sweet deal? Strap in, we’re about to decode the biggest warning signs associated with bad casino bonuses – because if we’re being real, not every offer is worth the bet. If you’d like to get into it further, then NoDepositFan has a great article that lists tips on how to avoid terrible casino bonuses, but in the meantime, here are our recommendations.
Bad Bonuses 101: Sniffing Out the Red Flags
Before committing to that OTT $1,000 free bonus take a deep breath and assess the situation with awareness. As they say, the devil is always in the detail with some bonuses cleverly disguised like digital Houdini tricks – designed to appear fabulous but loaded with the weight several chains. If you happen to be doing a little research of your own, here’s what you’re going to want to look out for.
1. The Wagering Requirements Are Sky High
This right here happens to be the number one offender when bad bonuses are concerned. If a promotion comes with a 45x or 50x wagering requirement for example, you’ll be required to play (and win) far more than your original deposit to be eligible for a withdrawal. It’s a little bit like entering a free cookie giveaway only to realize you’re required to run a marathon first. Always look for fair, clear, bonus terms and conditions, and if you’re unable to spot the wagering clause in under ten seconds you should already be on your way out.
2. Withdrawal Limits Are Super Low
What’s the point in aiming for the stars if you’re stuck with a $100 withdrawal limit at the end of the day? This classic bait-and-switch tactic is often used by shady platforms and is something else you’re going to want to avoid. Always check the max cash out rules at a new site which will help you weed out the rogue from the real sites more efficiently.
3. There Are Sneaky Game Restrictions
Many bad bonuses will restrict your gameplay to one or two low variance slots, blocking out high paying games entirely. That’s zero fun, especially if you’ve already got your expectations in place – imagine how you’d feel about buying a ticket to a theme park to find out you’re banned from almost all of the rides once you’re inside, no thanks.
4. The Expiration Is A Ticking Time Bomb
You thought that you had seven days to complete your wagering? Think again. Try 24 hours in some cases. Some fraudulent sites will deliberately go ahead and shorten bonus expiry times, automatically causing you to fail at meeting the requirements in time. In behavioral psychology this is referred to as planned failure, but in casino terms that’s just plain deceitful.
5. All Winnings Are Bonuses
This one’s especially frustrating so you’re going to want to listen up. Some casinos will allow you to play and win, only to find out that all winnings will be credited in bonus funds.
This means that you’re stuck in a loop between betting and wagering, which really slims down any chances of hitting any real wins by the time you’re done with this charade.
6. Bonus Opt-Ins Are Compulsory
If an online casino ever forces you to accept a bonus you didn’t opt in for, you need to take that as a major red flag. These offers could potentially restrict your bankroll or limit your freedom to cash out until certain requirements are met which can be more of a hassle than it’s worth. Always remember that all bonuses should be optional and not a trap you’re roped into because it’s been disguised as an in-built perk.
7. Vague Or Unavailable T&Cs
A casino that comes with terms as blurry as its reputation is a little like a contract written in disappearing ink. If a casino isn’t willing to publish its full terms and conditions upfront, assume that the worst is still yet to come. Bonus policies should also be transparent and clearly communicated, if you’re ever caught up reading terms that seem too complex to decode, then the rule of thumb is that it’s probably a scam.
8. Promotions Appear Overly Passive Aggressive
If your online casino experience starts to be comparable to a souk with daily email and SMS blasts and push notifications ad nauseum, then you’re going to want to distance yourself accordingly. From a marketing standpoint, manipulative FOMO-centric campaigns are among the most unethical practices across digital entertainment platforms – gambling included.
9. The Bonus Locks Your Deposit
Some shifty casinos won’t allow you to withdraw your own deposit if you’ve claimed a bonus, even once the wagering requirements have been met. It’s like loaning a tenner to a friend and having them repay you with a lottery ticket you never really wanted. If a bonus ever locks in your funds in any way, skip it.
10. There’s A Clear Lack Of Licensing And Oversight
If you’re evaluating a bonus offer you might be interested in, and you’re finding it hard to find out where the casino is licensed, you need to stop right there. Unlicensed casinos are notoriously known for offering elusive bonuses that will slip right through your fingers – because they’ve been designed to work that way.
Last Words
Bad bonuses are a little like knock off luxury goods – they might look tempting at first sight, but they’re likely to fall apart as soon as you try to put them to practical use. The next time you come across an ultra-flashy casino deal online always remember: if it looks too good to be true, it probably isn’t. And lastly, always read the fine print. Twice.
