Poker is a popular card game that is played in many countries around the world. With the advent of online poker, players can now enjoy their favorite game from the comfort of their own home. One of the advantages of online poker is the availability of bonuses offered by poker sites. In this article, we will discuss what to look for when picking a poker bonus, and give examples of how a poker bonus works.
What is a poker bonus?
A poker bonus is an incentive offered by online poker sites to encourage players to sign up, make a deposit, and play on their platform. These bonuses are usually in the form of free money, tournament tickets, or other rewards that can be redeemed by the player.
Types of poker bonuses
There are several types of poker bonuses available to players. Some of the most common types include:
- Welcome bonus: This is a bonus that is offered to new players when they sign up and make their first deposit. The welcome bonus is usually a percentage of the amount deposited, up to a certain limit.
- Reload bonus: This is a bonus that is offered to existing players when they make a subsequent deposit. The reload bonus is usually a smaller percentage of the amount deposited than the welcome bonus.
- No deposit bonus: This is a bonus that is offered to new players without requiring them to make a deposit. The no deposit bonus is usually a small amount of free money or a tournament ticket.
- Loyalty bonus: This is a bonus that is offered to players who have been playing on the site for a certain amount of time or who have earned a certain number of loyalty points. The loyalty bonus is usually a cash reward or a tournament ticket.
- Refer-a-friend bonus: This is a bonus that is offered to players who refer their friends to the site. The refer-a-friend bonus is usually a cash reward or a tournament ticket.
What to look for when picking a poker bonus
When picking a poker bonus, there are several things to consider. Some of the most important factors include:
- Bonus amount: The bonus amount is usually expressed as a percentage of the amount deposited, up to a certain limit. Look for a bonus with a high percentage and a high limit.
- Wagering requirements: Most bonuses come with wagering requirements that must be met before the bonus can be withdrawn. Look for a bonus with low wagering requirements.
- Time limit: Most bonuses have a time limit within which the wagering requirements must be met. Look for a bonus with a generous time limit.
- Eligible games: Some bonuses are only eligible for certain games. Make sure the bonus is eligible for the games you want to play.
- Bonus code: Some bonuses require a bonus code to be entered when making a deposit. Make sure you have the correct bonus code.
Examples of how a poker bonus works
Let’s look at some examples of how a poker bonus works.
Example 1: Welcome bonus
A poker site offers a welcome bonus of 100% up to $500. A new player signs up and makes a deposit of $200. The player receives a bonus of $200 (100% of the deposit). The player must meet the wagering requirements of 20x the bonus amount ($4,000) within 30 days in order to withdraw the bonus.
Example 2: Reload bonus
A poker site offers a reload bonus of 50% up to $100. An existing player makes a deposit of $200. The player receives a bonus of $100 (50% of the deposit). The player must meet the wagering requirements of 10x