Free online casino bonuses: What actually gives the player an edge? A SlotsJudge insight

As casino players we all want to give ourselves the best chance of winning. We all have tricks, opinions we've picked up and different strategies that we believe give us that additional edge. A lot of the time, those could fall into the hands of superstition, but there are actually ways in which you can give yourself a bit more of an edge and boost your chances of picking up a win.

Listening to the experts is usually a good start point and the team at Slotsjudge have a wealth of experiences around casino gaming, from how bonuses work to the best online strategies to consider.

Of course, having an edge, we must say, doesn't guarantee wins, but if you want to increase your chance on casino games here are some tips on what actually gives players an edge.

The number one thing that Slotsjudge experts want players to remember is that the odds on a casino game, the RTP and the volatility will never change. Take slot games for example. Due to the nature of the random number generator that powers a slot, every spin is as likely to win as the next.

So, you can have all the money in your bankroll, a wealth of casino bonuses, 100 free spins, it doesn't matter - the payout odds, and the house edge, remain the same. 

Investopedia explains the house edge: "No matter what game you choose to play, the odds of the casino winning your money are greater than the odds of you winning the casino’s money. That’s because all casino games are designed to provide the house with a built-in edge, diminishing the chances and sizes of potential payouts."

That doesn't change with any form of bonus or strategy. However, where you can boost your chances is through boosting your bankroll, as well as being more savvy in how you use it. And it's this, that is key. 

Essentially the fact of the matter is, the more you have to play with, whether that be real money or casino bonus funds, the more opportunities you have to hit a winning combination, whether that be on slots, blackjack, roulette or any other game. Utilising online casino promotions is the best way to maximise bankroll.

Nearly every online casino world wide will have a welcome bonus for new players, while there are plenty of other chances too from deposit bonuses to free spin offers and multipliers.

Free spins won't change the odds or underlying RTP of a game, but what they will do is increase your play time without any additional cost. 

There are two types of free spin, promotional free spins and in-game free spins. The latter can be triggered by landing scatter symbols on a slot machine, but even then they are baked into a game's RTP usually.

Promotional free spins can be earned by players on eligible games as part of a casino's offering. That could be when you make your first deposit, it could be when you sign-up, for being loyal. Ultimately, there are always free spins deals that you can extend your bankroll with. Again, just increasing your play time and boosting chances that way.

It's a similar story with bonuses too. Whether it be a welcome bonus offer, a slot bonus, a no-deposit spins promotion or any other of the exciting bonuses a casino can offer, they all give additional funds to play without players risking their own money.

It's also worthwhile noting that casinos don't provide bonuses and offers to give an edge to players, they do so to attract play. The edge will always remain with the house, but you can still be savvy with it.

Among the best bonuses for online casino gaming to look out for are:

• No deposit bonus offers
• 100% match bonuses
• Low wagering bonus offers

Multipliers are slightly different in that they enhance payouts and are usually part of online slot games. 

You'll find the likes of 2x, 5x, or even up to 100x multipliers in some top games, which can substantially increase payout potential. They don't alter the long-term RTP of a slot at all, but they can dramatically swing short-term outcomes for players.

• Can extend playing time for players
• Can be useful for enhancing short-term wins
• Useful for getting to know new games, rather than using real money

• They don't change the long-term RTP of a casino game
• Promotional offers can carry wagering requirements and other terms and conditions that can make it difficult to cash out any winnings
• They may only be available on select titles, none of which may be your favourite games

What really matters is how you combine your deposit offers and bonus cash with the right strategy.

There are lots of other factors to consider with slots and table games, from the jackpot to wagering requirements and more. Again, these cannot be changed, but what can be is your approach. 

• Seek out high RTP games: Look for the slots and table games that carry higher return to player percentages. A slot, for example, with a 98% RTP provides a better long-term return than a 84% RTP slot.
  
• Understand wagering requirements: Bonuses are only as good as their terms. You want to be looking for the best wagering requirements, so you don't have to wager the bonus amount a large number of times before collecting any winnings.
  
• Balance volatility with bankroll: Players with lower bankrolls may want to opt for low-volatility slots, which provide steady returns. Those with larger pots to play with may opt for the high-volatility games, which provide the bigger payouts but less frequently.
• Use bonuses wisely: Find the bonuses available that suit your style of play and the selected slot games, or table games, you want to play. What's more, balance the size of the offer with the terms and ensure that the terms are manageable for you.

This article was written in cooperation with Slotsjudge