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The poker-6.com Guide to Online Poker Bonuses

One of the significant advantages of online poker over live poker is the ability for players to claim bonuses on online poker sites. These bonuses often come in the form of cash. In contrast, live poker usually does not offer any bonuses or perks. The player can only play with the money they brought and wagered themselves. Additionally, most casinos also require an entrance fee. On the other hand, the bonuses offered by poker rooms aim to provide new players with an extra incentive to choose a specific provider.

There are various bonuses available in online poker. Some are instantly deposited into your poker account in full, while others need to be unlocked through gameplay. poker-6.com provides an overview of the different types of bonuses offered by online poker rooms and explains how they work.

First deposit bonus

The most common bonus in the world of online poker is undoubtedly the first deposit bonus. In this case, the poker player receives a bonus credited to their first real money deposit at an online poker room. The bonus amount typically ranges between 100 and 200 percent of the deposit, depending on the provider. Additionally, the bonus is also subject to a maximum limit on the first deposit. This maximum limit, which determines the maximum amount the player can receive from the poker site, can vary between 100 and 2,000 euros on average, depending on the provider.

To fully unlock the first deposit bonus, players must earn a certain number of loyalty points at almost all providers. These points are automatically accumulated as they play as many hands as possible at the real money tables. The bonus is typically released in fixed increments. For instance, one model involves unlocking the bonus in steps of 10 euros. To obtain the entire bonus amount, players have a set time frame at their disposal, usually between 60 and 120 days. Unfortunately, any remaining bonus amount that is not earned within this period will expire.

Free-Start-up capital

Another type of bonus offered by online poker rooms is free starting capital. Unlike the welcome bonus, the amounts are much smaller. Typically, newcomers only need to deposit a small amount of at least 10 or 20 euros. In return, they will also receive a smaller sum as a bonus. This bonus usually ranges between 5 and 20 euros in most poker rooms. The major advantage of the starting capital is that the player receives the complete sum immediately credited to their account, allowing them to start playing poker right away. The only restriction is usually that the player must first play a certain number of real money hands using the free starting capital before they can withdraw the money again.

However, it is important to note that with most providers, you will need to decide which of the two new customer bonuses you would like to take advantage of. If you choose to claim the free starting capital, you will not be eligible to receive the traditional first deposit bonus at the same time.

Tournament tickets

In the welcome packages for new customers, almost every poker room provides complimentary entry tickets to real money tournaments with their first deposit. These tournaments are commonly referred to as "First Depositers Freerolls" and feature larger prize pools compared to the freerolls available to all customers. The number of tournament tickets that new customers receive after signing up and making their initial deposit varies from provider to provider. Like all offers for new customers, they offer a fantastic incentive to familiarize themselves with the new provider and the new poker software.

Reload-Bonus

While first deposit bonuses, free starting capital, and tournament tickets are exclusively aimed at new customers, poker rooms also offer occasional promotions for existing customers. During certain time periods, loyal customers are motivated to make a deposit through a reload bonus offer. In order to receive the provider's bonus, a minimum amount must be deposited. When it comes to the minimum deposit amount and the maximum bonus amount, reload bonus promotions are comparable to offers of free starting capital. For instance, you might deposit at least 20 euros and the poker room will add an additional 20 euros for free. Reload bonuses usually do not require any further playthrough and are immediately available in full on the player's account.

Loyalty program

As Reload Bonus promotions are extremely rare, there are currently no bonuses available for existing customers. However, upon signing up and making your first real money deposit, you will automatically become a member of a VIP Club, marking the beginning of your "poker career" at each poker room. In this VIP Club, you will accrue loyalty points through a loyalty program similar to frequent flyer miles with airlines. These points can be earned for all games in which a house commission ("rake") is taken or for games requiring a buy-in.

These points can be exchanged on the respective poker site for merchandise, cash rewards, and tournament tickets. The more loyalty points a customer earns in a month, the higher they climb in the VIP level. In addition to earning frequent player points, players also accumulate VIP player points. The VIP player points determine the VIP level on a monthly or annual basis.

At most poker rooms, VIP levels are indicated by sport medals. It all starts with bronze, silver, and gold. Additionally, at PokerStars, there are higher VIP levels such as Chrome, Platinum, Supernova, and Elite Supernova. In higher VIP club levels, even more lucrative rewards and more frequent player points await the players. Depending on the VIP level, players receive frequent player points for each VIP player point. For example, at PokerStars, Supernova players receive 3.5 frequent player points per VIP player point. In poker rooms, frequent player points can be redeemed for cash, tickets to special live or online VIP tournaments, as well as prizes like vouchers, poker books, merchandise items, and electronic gadgets like tablets and smartphones. For the absolute top players, there are exclusive and extremely high-value prizes, such as a selection of Rolex watches, a Yamaha motorcycle, or a Porsche Cayman. However, this requires 1 million frequent player points.

Conclusion

The online player benefits from the competition among poker rooms. He has the opportunity to choose the provider with the most favorable bonus conditions for him. There, he will receive various rewards for his money and deposits, which he can use to play at the room's tables. You can find an overview of all providers and all bonuses at poker-6.com. We have a thorough understanding of the gaming and bonus offers from each provider. Additionally, we regularly track the changes and innovations in the additional actions and promotions.