Well, I learnt the hard way with bonuses a few years back and it is from these experiences that Ive decided that you should
play with your own funds, and only take a bonus subject to the following guidelines:
* Unless the WR for a 100% bonus is 18XDB or less, I dont use it. Also, the higher the WR the lower the deposit I make.
* Unless the WR for a 100%+ bonus is 20xDB or less, then as above.
* Any bonus LESS than 100% really isnt worth it unless the WR is very low e.g. Some rivals have a 15% bonus with 4xDB which is cool as I would normally wager my deposit 4x anyway in a session. Many places have 50% at 15 or 20xDB which is a total crock.
* I dont have the right to complain about any FREE chip that I receive that isnt a cashback etc or related to a deposit. I just accept the terms and if I think they are really hopeless and not worth it I just dont play it E.g. I have a few ND bonuses from Vegas Regal for $50 with a 55xWR and a max cashout of 150 - I havent used them as I just
know Im going to hit something huge trying to meet the WR and end up with $1000 at the end and have to give up $850 of it in cold blood - I would rather deposit my own $50 and take the whole $1k.
We should remember that there is no such thing as a free lunch, as they say, and it isnt the casinos' aim to make it as easy as possible for you to win. Just treat ND bonuses as a bit of fun....if you find yourself getting fired up etc all the time just stop playing them as the only one losing out is you
. I mean, is it
really worth it to lose hair over something that didnt cost you anything in the first place?
The long and short of it is that since I changed my play style as per above I have had a LOT more success and a LOT more cashouts....remember, each cashout is another few sessions at other casinos etc and it means you dont have to keep dipping into your own pocket as much. It doesnt mean I dont lose, and sometimes my deposits go like a flash, but it does mean that
if I hit a nice one I can keep it!! (and that is where you will notice the big difference when you play without bonuses)
Believe me LonelyHearts, you sound just like me several years ago so I know exactly where you're coming from.
Its only my opinion based on my experience but I hope it helps someone