While the land-based casinos offer cash back programs, food and room deals almost exclusively to their returning players, their online casino counterparts tend to offer a wider spectrum of comps, many of which are available to first-timers. Indeed, some of these comp programs can be quite extensive, offering anything from initial deposit percentage matching and monthly rebates to extravagant world travel packages and tickets to premier sporting events. But for the player, what all of this really boils down to is that these "gifts" can give just that much more of an edge against the casino and mean the difference between a winning and losing session. If you're a serious online player it behooves you to take advantage of these wonderful programs and rack up some great "freebies." Free Cash for New Players No doubt at some point during your online excursions you've come across any one of the numerous "Free Money" offers posted by the gambling sites. One of the more popular of the online casino incentives, these free money programs are used to entice new gamblers to a site in the hopes that players will like what they see, enjoy the action and return. All in all, it's a good deal for new players provided that they understand that there are usually some stipulations to the comp. So how does it work? New players receive a casino comp deposited into their account after an initial minimum deposit requirement is met. These "minimum deposits" vary with each site, the typical being $25 with some running as high as $300. To insure that players are not getting comps for little or no action, sites generally have some form of requirement or restriction attached to the promotion. For example, some sites require a minimal wager amount (not just deposit) before the comp will be awarded - usually an amount is equal to the value of the comp. Other sites like to hold the comp in a separate account that can be wagered with, but not cashed in. Only winnings generated from that free money can be withdrawn and not the actual comp. Any way you slice it though, for legitimate players these comps are a good deal that will bolster your bankroll where it can really be put to good use. Sign-Up Bonuses A subtle variation on the "free money" theme is the sign-up bonus. This new and potentially better form of comp gives players a percentage of their initial deposit credited to their account. Players can receive a bonus of 10%, 20%, and even up to a 100% of their initial deposit credited to their account, which they can usually use on any games throughout the casino. Most sites, however, do have a "cap" on the comps potential to keep players from abusing their generosity. One terrific site, Casino.com, uses just such a capping system by offering players a 100% bonus on their initial deposit, but limiting the comp's potential to $75. Despite this cap, however, a doubling up you bankroll just by signing up is a great boon in anyone's book. VIP Clubs Okay, these initial sign-up bonuses and cash-back programs work great for new players, but what about all of you who are already well established in the online casino scene? Try joining a VIP club. Since casinos and sportsbooks profit best from repeat customers to a site, they would prefer that players frequent their casino as often as possible. In an effort to give the "regulars" some incentives to keep coming back to take another whack at the house, a few sites have developed VIP clubs designed specifically to meet the needs of the returning player. VIP clubs work in the same way that many of the land-based casino comp programs work; players who frequent a casino receive points based on the amount of money wagered over time. As the points accumulate, players can then exchange those points for cash, gifts, travel, or whatever the program offers. How much every wager is worth varies from site to site, but on average players receive 1 point for every $10 wagered. A decent bonus for frequent players, these VIP programs usually allow for the points to carry-over for months, so it isn't necessary for you to be a die-hard online player. You may play everyday, while others may only go on once a week or less and still earn the rewards. Check to see the specifics of the program to learn how long you have to redeem the points. One of the best examples of a VIP program found online is hosted by The Sands of the Caribbean Casino, at www.carsands.com. Called "Peak Rewards" this comp program rates players in traditional casino style according the their level of play. There are six rating categories in total, and the more you play, the higher your rating climbs and the more points you earn. These points can then be redeemed for a host of rewards, including free casino cash, travel offers and merchandise and even special access to tournaments and other online casino events. More Comp Advice If the idea of signing up for a VIP program doesn't thrill you, or perhaps you are too infrequent a player to really take advantage of them, there are some other ways around the comp programs that are perfectly legitimate and can still yield something extra. 1. Casino hop - Nothing stops you from jumping around from casino to casino each week or month trying to find some good sites with some high-powered comps, and registering at that site only for the initial deposit. Remember though, some sites can have lengthy downloads of over 30-minutes, so be prepared to wait. 2. Casino hunting - Don't be shy about trying out a variety of casinos in search of the one that satisfies your preferences. Not only will this help you to find a compatible site for your online gambling ventures, but during your search you'll be able to cash in on some quality "freebies." Remember though, some sites can have lengthy downloads of over 30-minutes, (depending on your internet connection, etc.) so be prepared to wait. 3. Seek out referral programs - In an effort to draw in some new clientele, many casinos offer a referral fee to players who can get their friends and/or family to play on the site. These fees are usually minimal, about 5% of the new player's initial deposit, but over time and with a lot of friends, those fees can really start to add up.
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