As if the excitement and anticipation of playing slots wasn’t enough, and of course the chance to win money, many online casinos will offer players the opportunity to earn comps that reward them with bonuses, comp points and in some cases cold hard cash. These so-called ‘comps’, or incentive schemes as we many know them, are different from casino to casino, and so it pays to take the time to get to know each of the comp schemes available before signing up to a particular online casino.
Five online casinos with good comp programs
(Terms and conditions apply on all welcome bonuses. 18+)
| Rank | Casino | Bonus | Review | Visit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
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100% up to €100 first deposit bonus | Review | Play Now | |
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100% up to €100 first deposit bonus | Review | Play Now | |
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200% up to $1000 first deposit bonus | Review | Play Now | |
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100% up to $500. Can be used six times. | Review | Play Now | |
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100% bonus up to €100 | Review | Play Now |
The different types of casino comps
It’s hard to label all of the different comps available, but we can split them into three distinct categories: welcome bonuses, loyalty schemes and refer-a-friend rewards.
Most online casinos offer a welcome bonus to new players. This can range from bonus money to free spins (or a combination of the two), and is a tactic used to entice players seeking a new casino. These can often have restrictive wagering requirements that mean the individual needs to stake a certain amount before they can access any bonus winnings, so always read the T&Cs.
The loyalty schemes are designed to reward those who regularly play. Often, these will benefit the individual in ‘pay as you play’ style, so with each deposit you may receive an additional bonus or a ‘reload’ at the start of each calendar month. VIP programs work in a similar way.
And finally there are ‘refer-a-friend’ schemes, which are exactly as the name suggests. For each person you get to sign up with the particular casino, you will receive a bonus.
How online casino comps work
While comps are freely available, online casinos are keen to ensure they aren’t abused by knowing individuals who take advantage of their generosity.
So often, only one specific bonus will be available to an individual, and in many cases you will need to deposit and/or stake a certain amount before you are eligible.
As we’ve already mentioned, many comps have wagering requirements attached to them, so make sure you check these before signing up. Some casinos offer agreeable wagering requirements, some make it almost impossible for you to ever get your hands on any winnings by making you deposit huge amounts first.
Occasionally you may have a certain amount of time to ‘clear’ your comps, e.g. wagering requirements have to be satisfied within 90 days otherwise bonus funds are lost.
Top tips for managing comps
If you’re clever, you can manage your comps and take full advantage of them. Just follow some of these tips to help your comps work better for you:
- Do your research – only sign up with online casinos that offer fair comp conditions.
- Check the wagering requirements – the golden rule.
- Do the maths – if an online casino is offering you a 10% comp on £500 deposits, that’s a £50 bonus. If another casino offers you 50% on £200, then that’s a £100 bonus comp. Just check the numbers before signing up.
- Search our site for special promotions – some online casinos will give our readers special offers. These are often more lucrative than standard offers.