Bonus hunt is a style of playing slot games that is a favourite of online casino players and streamers. The audience and players are drawn to it because it’s an exciting playstyle that involves a build-up and a big reveal at the end. However, it may also come with some risks and caveats.
Here, we’ll explain what bonus hunting is, how it works, and why players do it. You’ll learn how Canadian players can do it sensibly. We’ll cover the risks it involves and how you can stay responsible while on a bonus hunt. Additionally, you’ll learn how online casinos perceive it and your best approach to bonus hunting. So, stay tuned.
While the term may sound like you’re hunting online casino bonuses, you’re actually not going after promotions. A bonus hunt is a gaming session in which you trigger bonus features or rounds on multiple online slots and activate them together, not at the same time, but one after another.
You basically accumulate the bonus features on different slots, quit the game, and activate them at the end of the session for a dramatic effect. Here’s how a bonus hunt typically works:
Now, a bonus hunt can fall into two styles depending on what type of balance you choose to play with. These are:
There are several reasons players use this tactic. Some are attracted to the suspense the process offers, while others are drawn to the perceived high-value winnings. Streamers often use bonus hunting to create a climax in their shows. Let’s explore these ideas a little.
Many players bonus hunt to make their gaming sessions more suspenseful and entertaining. Instead of just playing a bunch of slots monotonously, you stack bonus features and build up to this huge reveal where you trigger a dozen bonus rounds to watch how it goes. It’s like the season finale of an epic TV show. You turn regular slot playing into a kind of big event.
The TV show reference can be used here. As hundreds, and often thousands, of people watch streamers play on Twitch and other platforms, the showrunners aim to create an element of surprise at the end. Some even argue that the idea of bonus hunting originated from streaming, and it is definitely popular among viewers. It engages the audience and encourages them to interact more.
Some players view bonus hunting as a strategy to extract more value from casino promotions. They trigger multiple bonus features, hoping that it increases their chance of hitting a big win. While it may sound like a solid plan, a bonus hunt doesn’t really work that way. The RTP, house edge, volatility, and payout mechanisms remain the same, no matter when you activate the bonus rounds.
Despite the thrill, bonus hunting comes with a set of cons. When you bonus hunt with high volatility slots, it’s more common to receive minimal winnings. So, while you’re hoping for a big win at the end of your session, it’s just as likely that you’ll end up with a big loss. You’re still gambling when you’re bonus hunting, so there’s no guaranteed outcome.
Online casino bonus terms often prohibit certain behaviours. In the T&Cs of several casino platforms, we’ve noticed clauses that say that bonus hunting is prohibited with an active promotion, and it will void your offer and subsequent winnings. Others mention that stacking or saving bonus features is prohibited while playing with bonus funds. We always recommend that you thoroughly read and understand the bonus terms and stick to the casino’s rules.
Some casino operators consider bonus hunting tactics to be bonus abuse, viewing it in a negative light. As a result, many platforms advise you to abstain from bonus hunting, whether you’re playing with real money or bonus funds. While it doesn’t technically increase your chances of winning or put the operator at a disadvantage, it’s best to abide by the terms and policies of the platform you’re playing on.
As already mentioned, bonus hunting isn’t a way to get big wins; it’s still gambling. So, you should never spend a big budget that you can’t afford to lose while bonus hunting. Using large bankrolls can easily lead to big losses if you’re not careful. To avoid such financial losses, only wager the money you can afford to lose. If it’s hard for you to do so, set deposit, wager, or loss limits and stick to them.
Whether you’re bonus hunting or just playing at an online casino, always choose platforms licensed by reputable global authorities. Check player reviews and industry reputation to ensure you’re playing on a trusted platform. If you’re not sure where to start, browse DealGamble and read our expert reviews to learn about your favourite platforms, as we always focus on trust, legality, and player-friendliness.
It’s also important to stay aware of your budget, the game mechanics of your chosen slots, casino policies, and associated bonus terms. Here’s a checklist you can follow to bonus hunt sensibly:
Most importantly, treat bonus hunting as a form of entertainment. Just like gambling in general, don’t treat bonus hunting as a source of income. Set your expectations and face the fact that you might just lose. Big wins are never guaranteed, whether you’re playing slots or bonus hunting. Always abide by local laws and gamble responsibly.
Bonus hunting is very popular among the audience of online casino live streams. As a result, streamers often stack bonus features and activate them at the end of their streaming sessions. This is the same tactic that works for every show. There’s a build-up during most of the stream to reveal a moment of truth at the end.
We admit that watching bonus hunts ending in big wins is very fulfilling to watch, and it’s only natural for casual players to be influenced by that. After all, streamers are influencers. We’re not saying you shouldn’t try it out, but we believe that caution is a must. While these streams offer great entertainment, remember that what you see on screen is never guaranteed to be accurate.
Many streamers utilize special budgets, dummy currencies, or exclusive deals to promote a specific online casino. The operators can even sponsor the streamers, so they aren’t taking any real risk to bonus hunt; they’re just doing it to entertain you. The advantages we’ve just mentioned aren’t available to casual players, so it’s not realistic to assume you'll get the same outcome.
When you watch a bonus hunt, check if the streamer discloses their bankroll, terms, or if a casino is sponsoring them. If not, take their results with caution. When you try bonus hunting, remember that you can’t replicate the streamers’ outcomes.
A bonus hunt can offer you an exciting way to experience slot games where you stack bonus features and activate them at the end of your gaming session. While this can be a fun experiment, remember that these tactics don’t change or increase your odds at all. Sometimes, you can win big, and it’s just as likely that you’ll lose a lot.
When you bonus hunt, remember to play at licensed online casinos. Select a platform recommended by DealGamble, as we only feature established operators that players and industry experts trust. Read the casino’s terms carefully to keep your bonuses and winnings safe. Always treat gambling as entertainment, not a means to make a profit. Set your limits and play responsibly. Happy hunting!
