Can I Use a Deposit Bonus on Live Dealer Games?
Online casinos are known for their wide range of gaming options, from traditional slots to immersive table games and live dealer experiences. One of the most attractive offers for new and regular players is the deposit bonus, which provides extra funds to play with after making a deposit. However, a common question among casino players is whether they can use their deposit bonus to play the live dealer table games.
What is a Deposit Bonus?
A deposit bonus is a promotion offered by online casinos where they match a player’s deposit with bonus money. For example, a 100% deposit bonus means if you deposit $100, the casino will give you an additional $100 in bonus funds, giving you $200 to play with. This can make playing at an online casino much more enjoyable.
Are Live Dealer Games Eligible for Deposit Bonuses?
The short answer is: it depends. While some casinos allow you to use bonuses on live dealer games, many do not, or impose restrictions on the amount you can wager on these games using bonus money. The reason for this limitation stems from the nature of live dealer games and the casino’s desire to control how bonuses are used.
Wagering Restrictions on Live Dealer Games
Most deposit bonuses come with wagering requirements, which specify how many times you need to wager the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, if you receive a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you’ll need to wager a total of $3,000 ($100 x 30) before you can request a payout.
However, not all games contribute equally toward fulfilling these wagering requirements. In many cases, live games may only contribute a small percentage of your bet towards clearing these requirements, or may not contribute at all.
- Low Contribution: Some casinos may offer live dealer games but only contribute 10-20% of your wager toward meeting the bonus’s playthrough conditions.
- No Contribution: In some cases, live dealer games might be entirely excluded from contributing to the wagering requirements of a deposit bonus.
Game Type and Casino Policies
The eligibility of live games for deposit bonuses often depends on the casino’s policy and the type of game you’re playing. Here’s a breakdown of some common scenarios:
- Blackjack: Classic table games like blackjack are often excluded from bonus usage, or they might have a reduced contribution (10-20%) toward clearing the wagering requirements. This is because blackjack has a lower house edge compared to other games, which means players can clear their wagering requirements faster.
- Roulette: Like blackjack, roulette can also be subject to restrictions. Some casinos allow you to use bonus funds for live roulette, but the wager contribution may be lower than for the video slots.
- Baccarat and Poker: Some casinos offer live dealer baccarat or poker as part of their bonus promotions, but again, expect lower contribution rates or exclusions.
- Specialty Games: Many casinos have live dealer games with unique formats, such as Dream Catcher, Monopoly Live, or Lightning Roulette. These games may have different rules when it comes to using bonus funds, so it’s worth checking the bonus terms and conditions for each individual game.
Casino Terms and Conditions
The most important factor to consider is the terms and conditions attached to your deposit bonus. Every casino has its own rules regarding which games are eligible for bonus play and how they contribute toward wagering requirements. Always take the time to carefully read the bonus terms before accepting an offer, especially if you’re planning to use the bonus on live dealer games.
Look for terms such as:
- Bonus Exclusions: A list of games that are excluded from the bonus.
- Wagering Contribution: The percentage of each game’s bet that contributes toward meeting the wagering requirements.
- Game Limits: Some online casinos impose limits on how much you can wager per round or per hand while using a bonus.
If the terms do not specifically mention live dealer games, it’s a good idea to contact the casino’s support team to confirm whether these games are eligible.
Special Bonuses for Live Games
Some casinos offer special bonuses specifically for live dealer games. These promotions are usually distinct from the standard deposit bonus and may offer you a higher percentage of bonus funds to be used specifically for live dealer games. For example, a live casino welcome bonus might give you a 100% bonus, but the bonus can only be used for games like blackjack, roulette, or poker in the live casino section.
These types of bonuses are more favorable for players who prefer the immersive experience of live games and want to use bonuses in that area without restrictions.
5. Bonus Abuse and Risk of Exclusion
Keep in mind that many casinos monitor for bonus abuse. This can include actions such as placing large bets on games with a high probability of winning to quickly clear wagering requirements, or using bonuses on games that have a low house edge.
If a casino suspects you are trying to exploit the bonus system, they may reduce your winnings, void the bonus, or even exclude you from future promotions. Always ensure you’re playing within the casino’s rules to avoid any issues with your deposit bonus.
Tips for Using Deposit Bonuses on Live Games
- Check Terms Carefully: Always review the terms and conditions of the bonus before using it on live dealer games. Some casinos may have specific rules regarding how the bonus can be used at the live casino tables.
- Start with Slots: If you’re unsure about live games being eligible for the bonus, consider using your bonus on slots first. Slots typically contribute 100% toward wagering requirements, giving you a better chance to clear the bonus quickly.
- Look for Live Casino Bonuses: Some casinos offer specific bonuses for live dealer games. If live casino games are your preference, keep an eye out for these offers, as they may have fewer restrictions.
- Be Aware of Bet Limits: Some live dealer games may have minimum and maximum bet limits when using a bonus. Make sure you are aware of these limits before playing to avoid accidentally exceeding them.
- Use Smaller Bets: If live dealer games contribute to the bonus requirements but at a reduced rate, consider placing smaller bets. This can help stretch your bonus further and give you more opportunities to play.
Final Thoughts
While some online casinos do allow players to use deposit bonuses on live dealer games, it’s important to remember that each casino has different rules and restrictions. In most cases, live dealer games either contribute a small percentage of your bets toward wagering requirements or are completely excluded from bonus play.
If your heart is set on using bonus money to play live games, look out for promotions that are specifically designed for those types of games. These special offers can provide a better value and make your live casino experience much more rewarding.