In casino gaming, the match bonus is a reward, casino bonus, offered by the casino when a player deposits or wagers. The amount of casino bonus rewarded is usually worth the player`s deposit or wager. The match deposit bonus is popular in both online casinos and in online sports betting and is commonly awarded as a welcome bonus to new players. However, the bonuses can still be awarded at any time during other special offers and promotions.
Why the Bonus
In the world of internet casinos and betting, there exists stiff competition. Therefore, the sites that offer games have to stand out from each other. One of the ways to be unique and draw the attention of new players and keep the existing ones is through the match deposit bonuses. A gaming outlet will promise to match a player`s initial deposit or/and any other recurrent deposits with free playing stake, the welcome bonus, or with the free spins on slots. When the player deposits cash into their account and satisfies the wagering requirements, they are given the match deposit bonus. These bonuses are usually available only as playing funds and can`t be withdrawn unless the player plays a specified amount of money on the site’s games.
A match deposit bonus is usually an exact match to the deposit but sometimes could be given in some multiple. An example is when a player deposits £10 and the site matches this deposit by 300%. This gives the player an overall of £40 playing funds. Some of the match bonuses may form part of extensive promotions, while others are available each time a player makes a deposit.
Sports betting players usually take advantage of the match bonuses and the free bets. They play them off against one another, and this guarantees them a win. In the long run, they are able to build up this technique and potentially gain steady gambling income through these match bonuses – this is commonly referred to as match betting.
The Common Requirements for Match Bonuses
These bonuses are offered mostly to new players, and as such, they might misuse them and leave the casinos `bankrupt`. For this reason, there has to be Wagering Requirement accompanying these bonuses to protect both the casinos and the gamblers. A wagering requirement of 35x, for example, has a fairly standard bonus amount. It means that the player has to wager this bonus 35 times before it and any other winnings as a result of the bonus are given to them. Despite the requirements, the value of any of the bonuses is usually high and offers a possibility of earning huge amounts of cash from them.
Another common requirement is that it is not possible to make withdrawals from your casino account when the bonus is still active. Even though you can withdraw your cash at any moment, the bonuses and all the winnings as a result of the bonus may not be included.
Finally, there is, as a rule, a time limit for a player to finish the wagering requirement. In most cases, the casinos will allow any player to use the match bonuses for about 7 to 30 days. This means that if you want to maximise your winnings, you have to use the bonus early enough so that you have time to finish the wagering requirements.
The Various Types of Match Bonuses
The Match Bonuses are there but not in a wide range as seen in the other bonus variations. Nonetheless, it is still important to know the differences.
Cashable Bonus
This type is the most common and also the easiest bonus to understand. With this bonus, you only need to complete the wagering requirement and the bonus money becomes yours. An example is the 200 match bonus. The 200 match bonus comes with a bonus of 200% on your deposit. Once the wagering requirements are met, you can cash out your total winnings and the bonus.
Phantom Bonus
This one is also referred to as a sticky bonus. You can use this bonus to play the casino games. You play using this cash bonus and keep the winnings generated from it. However, these bonuses will disappear the moment you make any withdrawal from your account, that is why they are called phantom. Once you meet the wagering requirement, you deduct the bonus amount if possible but if you have nothing left of the bonus, it is still fine. The casino can still keep your deposit and you won’t be required to pay any debt.
Match Bonuses Offered in the Major Casinos
- Betsafe
The bonuses offered by Betsafe are some of the best you can come across in the online gambling industry. As soon as a player registers on their site they can claim their first deposit bonus – a 100% match bonus of up to 250£ which also comes packed with 50 free spins. The 2nd deposit and 3rd deposit bonuses are 50% to 250£ deposit and 100% to 500£ deposit respectively. Both the 2nd and 3rd bonuses come with extra 25 free spins. There will be regular spins for the second deposit while BIG spins are offered for the third deposit. - Betsson
Betsson Casino offers deposit match bonuses of 100% for up to £100 deposits and an additional chance to grab daily freebies and other bonuses. Depositing anything from £10 to £100 and play with your money doubled. The wagering requirement for cash out is a reasonable 35x. - LeoVegas
On the first deposits, LeoVegas casino will award players match bonuses of 200% to a maximum of €200 in deposits and 25 Free Spins on a €50 deposit. For the second and third deposits, the players can get 50% match bonuses which could go up to €500. Rounding out the bonus kit is another match bonus of 50% which can be as high as €400 plus another 25 free spins. - Mr Green
The first deposit bonus on Mr Green may not be the best but is still good. The casino awards match bonuses of 100% depending on the specified deposited amount. This bonus is not special on its own, but the free 10 and 20 spins make it better.