Online Poker Bonuses

Due to the fact that there are so many online poker bonuses around these days, you want to be able to pick the right bonus for you, and ensure you play at a top rated poker site. A poker bonus is a nice way for a site to welcome you by giving you free money and a bigger bankroll to use when hitting the tables.

So, what is an Online Poker Bonus?
Online poker sign-up bonuses or poker deposit bonus offers allow online poker players to get some free cash and free tournament freeroll tickets to build their poker bankroll for doing nothing but playing the game they love. Poker sites and mobile apps that offer first deposit bonuses use them to attract business, the same way land-based casinos use VIP programs, loyalty rewards, and comp'd drinks to keep their customers happy.

Participating in online poker bonus offers is smart, since you're already paying a small portion of each of your wagers to the house (in the form of a "rake"), you might as well earn an incentive based on your poker play.

Exploring the Types of Poker Bonuses 
Think online poker bonuses are one-size-fits-all? Think again, as there are a huge number of different promotions out there just waiting to be grabbed. Helping you wade through the wealth of poker bonus options, here's a quick breakdown of the types of deals that you're likely to come across:

Welcome Bonus 
The world's most popular Internet poker sites like 888Poker, Full Tilt, Bodog, PokerStars, and PartyPoker offer first deposit bonuses and other promotions that allow you to earn while you play. These are usually in the form of bonus cash that is credited directly to your player account.

Claiming a welcome bonus is easy, so here's a quick example of a how a 100% match welcome bonus up to $100 would work:

Step 1 – Login to your account
Step 2 – Accept the welcome bonus promotion
Step 3 – Make a deposit of up to $100
Step 4 – Receive $100 in bonus funds

Reload Bonus
Usually, these bonuses come about after successive deposits are made, with such almost always being of a smaller size than a sign-up bonus. That being said, the playthrough requirements are often more easy-going, which is obviously a major plus point.

Step 1 – Deposit regularly at an online poker site
Step 2 – Consistently meet any deposit requirements
Step 3 – Select your chosen reload bonus offer
Step 4 – Accept your bonus offer and take it to the tables!

VIP Bonus For those that are happy to commit to an online poker room over the long-term, it's possible to turn loyalty into cash rewards.

Any VIP scheme worth its salt will add extra oomph to the online poker experience, which is probably why they're well worth looking out for.

Step 1 – Register for an online poker site's VIP scheme
Step 2 – Collect the required points to progress
Step 3 – Move through the stages of the scheme
Step 4 – Claim any available rewards as you go

No deposit poker bonuses
No deposit poker bonuses are usually given as a gift by online poker rooms to attract new players. These bonuses usually take the form of free credit or ticket, which can be used to play online poker for free, bet on various games, or the form of several prepaid spins on certain slots.

Are Online Poker Bonuses the Real Deal?
Absolutely, as they effectively let you take a seat at the hottest poker tables without needing to part with a penny. But, it isn't just this that makes poker bonuses so worthwhile; as they have a long list of uses that can change the way you play. Perfect as a buffer, if you're having a tough time at the tables, taking the pressure off with a few free hands can certainly help turn things around. Those new to the world of real money poker can use a bonus to freely dabble in the game, before deciding if they want to commit, with the same applying to specific poker rooms.