Poker sites need to consistently attract new players while also satisfying their high volume of loyal customers, and do this by offering bonuses and rewards. Online poker bonuses are also a great way to boost players’ bankrolls. These offers vary in type, size, and quality and range from $10 to $10,000 or more. 

Bonuses do, however, come with terms and conditions and playthrough requirements. Below are some poker tips for beginners looking to understand the different types of poker bonuses on offer and how to redeem them. 

Some Bonus Basics

Most poker sites usually offer a sign-up bonus, where you are offered X amount free if you deposit X amount.

For example, if a poker room offers a 50% bonus up to $200, they are offering to give you 50% of the amount you deposit free as a bonus, up to a maximum of $200. 

That means if you deposit $400, you will receive the maximum bonus available (50% of $400 = $200).

How To Redeem Poker Bonuses

The most common method used by poker rooms is recording your bonus amount and then “holding” it until you have met their conditions. They will usually require you to play X number of poker hands to receive the bonus.

The value X usually increases depending on the bonus size you are eligible for. Almost every online poker room will require you to play X number of hands or generate X number of player points before you can redeem the bonus money.

As a result, you will have to keep betting and play for a few days, even weeks, to receive the full bonus. In the process, you generate “rake” for the poker room. The rake is the poker room’s way of making money by taking a cut from each of the pots (and from tournament entrance fees).

The Main Bonuses on Offer

Since you are making the poker room money through the rake, the room never actually loses any money from offering these bonuses.

Nonetheless, you are still far better positioned to take up the room’s offers. You will be paying rake either way, so why not have the extra bonus money? Read on for a more detailed explanation of the main poker offers. 

Welcome Bonuses

Online poker rooms usually provide welcome bonuses to encourage new users to register and make an initial deposit. These bonuses come in different shapes and forms. 

There are match-deposit bonuses, where the bonus matches the initial deposit up to a specified limit. Next are no-deposit bonuses that poker rooms will give players just for registering. Since this system is prone to abuse, the value of these bonuses is significantly lower.

The third type of welcome bonus is a free tournament ticket. The best online poker tournaments usually have an enrollment fee, so you would enroll for free in this scenario.

Loyalty Bonus

Player retention is a priority for every poker site. Most online poker rooms will have some kind of loyalty program whereby players accumulate loyalty points by participating in online poker real money games. 

These points (the conversion rate may depend on the site) can usually be redeemed for cashback payments, freerolls, poker tournament enrollment, or merchandise. 

It’s also not uncommon for poker sites to offer enhanced customer support for players who have accumulated a certain number of loyalty points. This gives the user a higher sense of belonging and may encourage brand loyalty.

Reload Bonus

A reload bonus is an incentive offered to existing players who choose to make additional deposits into their gaming accounts. In return, players receive extra funds. 

It has a structure similar to the welcome bonus, but it applies beyond the first deposit. Reload bonuses are good compensation for loyal customers who might miss out on welcome bonus deals. 

Reload bonuses may not always be as generous as welcome bonuses, but if you’re a good raking player, they can add more money to your bankroll.

Refer-a-Friend and Bad Beat Bonuses

On the subject of loyalty, many poker sites encourage referrals, offering bonuses when you recommend a room to a friend, who then registers using your code. These bonuses are also prone to abuse, so a friend must place a certain deposit or play a specific number of poker online games before you can get your bonus.

Lastly, the bad beat jackpot is a unique bonus that serves as a consolation prize for players who have lost a strong hand to an even stronger one. Just keep in mind that a “strong hand” is subjective, and the interpretation may differ from site to site. 

Rewards for Newcomers and Regulars

Incorporating bonuses is an integral part of poker strategy. If you’re looking for a poker room with the best offers, register with BetMGM for unbeatable rewards and bonus offers, along with one of the largest selections of online casino games.