Which is a Better Deal?

Interesting question. We have a small formula that we use as part of our bonus ranking algorithm. It works out how much you can expect to profit (or lose) as a multiple of the bonus if you complete the wagering requirements on a game with a specific payout percentage.

I plugged both bonuses into the formula and got the following results:

The raffle at 92% payout, 27xB required:
On average you would expect to LOSE 1.16xB.

On to the 2nd one, I will assume its a slots bonus. First we need to work out the actual wagering requirements as a multiple of the bonus instead of the 25x(D+B) that they quote. Casinos love doing that because it sounds like less wagering than it actually is. At 130% it works out to be:

(25 + (25 * 1.3)) / 1.3 = 44xB (approximately)

So slots at 95% payout, 44xB required:
On average you would expect to LOSE 1.2xB.

I'll explain a bit about where we say you would expect to lose 1.2XB.

Say you deposited $100 and were given a $130 bonus. We are saying that you would lose ($130 x 1.2) = $156. Obviously $156 is more than your original deposit of $100 so chances better than average that you will bust out.

The bottom line: mathematically speaking they are almost identical and neither is a good offer!

For me the raffle would be mind numbingly boring and the top prize is only $200 so you're not going to become rich by playing it. So the slots bonus would be more attractive to me if I HAD to pick one. But you don't, so don't claim either of them!

I think that is likely to be just perception rather than any real effect.

A couple of rules for bonuses that I generally follow:

- If it is 20xB or less (very rare) its almost always good value, whether the bonus is cashable or not.
- up to 30xB is decent, especially if the bonus is cashable (i.e. you can withdraw the bonus money).
- up to 40xB maybe, but only if low house edge games are allowed - eg blackjack or baccarat.
- Higher than that: It's a trap!

I think this is appropriate for Ed's last comment.

LMAO Slim.. I like your idea and the alien photo! When there's a trap there's money involved.. "show me the money" right now!!

LOL. I was actually thinking of the old Admiral Ackbar when I wrote that! Have you seen this one?

Yes! Actually I was looking for that one. I figured you would appreciate it. Good to see I am in similar company here.