Online Casino on A Budget: How to Make Your Bankroll Go Further
- Written by Martina Maritato
Play demos and freerolls
Before you even deposit money on an online casino site, you can often play the games the site offers for free. Online slots, for example, usually have demo versions available so you can sample the theme and features without any risk.
Other games, such as blackjack and roulette, will nearly always offer a play money version that uses tokens. There are no real prizes on offer, but it’s a great way to get used to casino games and see which ones you like.
Sometimes, online casinos will offer free games with real money prizes, known as freerolls. This is very common in the world of poker, although you might also find free spins and free slots tournaments from time to time.
Making the most of bonuses
The online casino industry is a very competitive space and, as such, popular sites will offer a variety of bonuses to new and returning players. These bonuses will help to make your funds last longer and give you a chance to win prizes with less risk to your own bankroll.
Occasionally, you might find no deposit bonuses. They are given out the moment you register for a site before you even deposit with your funds. This type of bonus usually involves a few tickets for games or free spins to get you started.
Much more common are deposit match bonuses, which are awarded when players make their first deposit. This will be a percentage bonus in which the player’s deposit is paid back to them in increments as they play. For example, Bovada online casino offers a deposit bonus worth up to $3,000.
A lot of online casino sites will also offer loyalty schemes that reward returning players, as well as regular promotions that can bring extra value to the tables. Keep an eye out for any and all bonuses you can use to boost your bankroll.
Sticking to low stakes
It’s always wise to set yourself a gaming budget and keep this entirely separate from the rest of your life. This is known as your bankroll. Having a bankroll is the responsible way to play. Managing it correctly will allow you to maximize your time and enjoyment at the tables.
Bankroll management is a term often associated with sports betting but also relevant to casinos. The idea is to play for much less than your overall bankroll so that you are never risking it all on a single game or session.
If you’re looking to play online casinos on a budget, it makes sense to play low, rather than high stakes.
For example, if your overall bankroll is $100 and you want those funds to last a month, then you could set aside $10 per session to play with. This could be further broken down into 100x 10c spins, or 50x 20c hands of blackjack.
It’s up to you to set your own rules for bankroll management but always aim to play at low stakes. Be prepared to lose what you play with – any wins are a bonus!
Which casino games are best for a low budget?
When you play at a physical casino, it can be hard to find low-stakes table games. This is because the casino only has a limited amount of floor space and it’s more profitable for them to have higher stakes tables. This can constrict low-stakes players to certain games, such as slots or video poker.
At online casinos, the situation is different because the site can host hundreds of tables at any given moment. This allows companies to offer players a wider range of games with more variety when it comes to both the games and stakes offered.
You shouldn’t have too much trouble finding low-stakes games at an online casino. Even so, here’s some tips for playing specific casino games on a low budget:
- Slots – Online slots tend to have a generous return to player (RTP). If you play low volatility slots with a high RTP, it’s possible to play for hours at the lower stakes to stretch out your budget.
- Blackjack – Blackjack has one of the lowest house edges out of any casino game, but only if you know how to play the perfect strategy. It can be a slow and steady game if you avoid side bets and stick to low stakes.
- Roulette – Roulette tends to be fast-paced and exciting. Making bets on multiple numbers can get costly even at lower stakes. If you’re playing roulette on a budget, stick to even money bets like red or black, odd or even, or pick single numbers and hope for the best.
- Video poker – Out of all casino games, video poker offers one of the best RTPs, especially if you know how to play optimally. At online casinos, it can be played at low stakes, making it a solid choice for budget players.
If you want to enjoy online casino games on a budget, stick to your bankroll, place reasonable bets on the right games, and look out for promotions that can give you a boost.
