What is a Casino Bonus?
Essentially, the idea of an online casino bonus is to attract new players. This could be in the form of real money bonuses, free spins or both.
Many types of bonuses are available for New Zealanders online. The various and sometimes confusing T&C wording often leads to confusion and indecision, which is why we review all deposit bonuses and free spins on behalf of players.
It is worth it to claim some free spins and real money deposit bonuses. The best bonuses are not set up to trap you.
However, some come with various unfair terms. For example, high wagering requirements, Skrill, Neteller and PayPal not being allowed as a deposit method, only certain games being covered, free spins being restricted: the list of T&Cs goes on.
The world of the online casino bonus can be a minefield, but LordOfOdds does its best to find the best casino bonus NZ deals around for all players to claim.
What is a Casino Bonus Code?
An online casino bonus code is a computer code made up of letters and numbers which is then inputted by players to obtain bonuses and promotional offers. Bonuses are then released to players usually in the form of money deposit bonuses, free spins on certain games and the like.
For instance, when New Zealanders register to a new online casino, they occasionally need to use a code in order to claim a bonus. Failure to do this when requested by the casino can mean forfeiting the bonus although players are still free to play and deposit money.
A bonus code is not just for a new customer to claim free spins or money either. Often a code is sent via email to existing customers. This can be when new games hit the market that the online casino wants you to play.
Mostly, such codes will be classed as deposit bonus codes. You may already hold an account, but the casino is offering you bonuses to get you to deposit more money to them.
How to Use a Casino Bonus Code
There are two ways to look at this when searching for the best casino bonus NZ. On the practical side, you simply need to know how to input the code at the online casino.
This should be explained to you by the brand. Usually, you would head to your ‘account’ or the ‘cashier’. There you will find a promo code box, much like in online retail, in which you can enter the digits.
You also need to know the best way to use a bonus code. We review this regularly and we have more details below.
Types of Casino Bonus
When counting all the various terms attached to bonuses, there are thousands to choose from. Free spins are the most common selling point. Despite the confusing world of bonuses, they essentially fit into these broad categories.
Welcome Bonus
These bonuses are advertised with various names. They can be called a Welcome Bonus, Deposit Bonus, New Player Bonus or Sign-Up Bonus.
They usually offer a deposit match of 50% or 100%. For example, ‘Deposit $100 Play with $200’. The lowest deposit may be only $10. The idea is however is that the more money new players deposit, the more money they are given as a casino bonus.
Such deals almost always come with free spins too. The best bonuses allow you to play any game with your free spins. Many online casino bonus deals however only allow the free spins to be used on certain games. This is so the casino can promote a certain slot title. They may also limit how much money you can win in the terms.
No Deposit Bonus
A no deposit casino bonus is exactly that. It requires no real money deposit from the player. This usually comes in the form of free spins only. Usually, the spins will be limited and will come with huge wagering requirements.
It should go without saying that the casino doesn’t want you to play and win for long without putting up any money. So always be wary of no deposit bonuses.
Reload/Deposit Bonus
Some brands hand out free spins or bonuses to existing customers, ostensibly for free. These are mostly known as Reload Bonuses or Deposit Bonuses. In other words, the casino is rewarding you for adding more money to your online account.
This works slightly differently to Loyalty Schemes. Regardless of how much money you have or have not deposited, the idea of a loyalty or VIP scheme is that the more you play, the more free spins and money you get.
What to Consider When Choosing a Bonus
The best casino bonus NZ online should not demand too much from you.
The idea is not to simply fall for what looks like huge amounts of free money being thrown at you. Big money bonuses, right up to $1500 with 150 free spins are advertised and promoted regularly. This is something we regularly review.
The exorbitant wagering terms however mean you often have to bet way more money than you can afford, often requiring an extra deposit, before you can ever cash out. This renders such a casino bonus worthless.
To keep New Zealanders on the right course, we recommend you do the following when thinking about an online casino bonus claim:
- Check the expiry date. Bonuses may be offering you free spins and real money as a deposit match up to $100. The deal may last 2 weeks. If you can currently only use $20, you may want to hold off until you can afford a bigger money deposit in order to get more out of the bonus.
- Read the T&Cs. Many people are taken in by online casino bonuses. But high wagering requirements often make bonuses worthless. If you take $100 but need to bet $3500 in a week before withdrawing money, there is no point in the claim. Always read the terms before you play.
- Check the deposit requirements. Not only may you need to deposit a certain amount of money, but some payment methods don’t count towards a casino bonus or free spins. Often a deposit via PayPal and eWallets doesn’t count towards bonuses.
- Check available games. Before using even the best casino bonus NZ codes, look for limitations on what games you can play. Some casino bonus deals and free spins are only offered on certain games.
How to Claim a Casino Bonus
When it comes to choosing a bonus, the casino world can be confusing but rest assured, we always have your back.
Follow these steps to easily claim your next casino bonus:
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Read one of our online reviews here on LordOf Odds. We give you all the information you need.
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Research the reviews and find the best casino and bonus for you.
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Check all the terms to make sure that your age, payment method and maximum deposit make you eligible.
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Note down any bonus codes you may need.
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Sign-up to your chosen casino and enter the bonus code when prompted.
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Meet the deposit and bet requirements and enjoy your bonus money.
Most Common Casino Bonus Terms and Conditions
Every casino brand has its own T&Cs. We find in every review however that even one brand can have very different terms for each casino bonus it offers online.
There are many quirks to casino bonus T&C’s, but these are the main ones:
Wagering Requirements
This is the biggest bugbear in almost every review we undertake. Wagering requirements concern the amount of cash players must play through before being able to withdraw any real money.
This is a multiplier of the bonus amount, the deposit amount or both. So, playing with $200 with 35x wagering requirements means you would need to play through $7000 before being able to withdraw money online.
Excluded Payment Options
When we review online casinos, we so often see excluded payment options in bonus terms and conditions. The cash bonus and free spins may be genuine, but only if you use certain banking methods.
Visa, MasterCard and other major cards will always count towards the bonus. However, you often cannot claim your free spins or cash should you deposit with eWallets. PayPal, Neteller and Skrill are often the excluded payment options.
Limits
The key limits in casino bonus terms are time limits and Bet/Withdrawal limits. Most bonuses have a certain shelf life, i.e. free spins must be claimed within 7 days.
Bet and withdrawal limits are often also included when you play with bonus money. You may have a high wagering requirement, yet may only be allowed to bet a maximum of $5 or $10 on a game. You may also have withdrawals or winnings limited when such cash has been gained via a bonus.
Best Casino Bonus NZ FAQ
Below you’ll find the answers to your online casino bonus questions.
In some cases, yes. Deposit bonuses and free spins are always worth grabbing. Some casino bonus offers are hard to claim however or are expensive due to wagering requirements.
The best casino bonus deals offer low wagering requirements. The less money you need to use to claim the bonus the better. Free spins are worth it too. Always check the terms online.
Not always. A code is often needed, but not every New Zealand casino bonus online requires one. Players should review the T&C first.
Sometimes they do. New online casino sites need to build a client base. A bonus or free spins is sometimes offered on new games too, even at established New Zealand casino sites.
Not necessarily. Often free spins or real money deposit bonuses are not counted when you use eWallets such as PayPal. Check the terms of online bonuses before you claim and play.
