The nature of the real world casino is that of social recreation. Walking through those doors one is rushed by light and sound, bars, restaurants, concierges and waiters, butlers, doormen and managers in Armani suits. You may arrive with a goal in mind, and you may be there to exact your personal brand of gaming on all your favourite slots and tables, but through it all, you share the experience with hundreds, even thousands, of other gamers. The appeal and draw has worked, you've arrived and you've arrived to sample the delights offered by the bonus casino. All is tangible, everything is there for you to touch and experience and revel in.

The online casino is a different entity altogether. A large part of the social side of competitive gaming is lost when playing online. Sure, internet casinos have become very proficient at recreating gaming on the virtual plane, and even though you still are technically sharing the experience with countless others, something is lost. You sit at the keyboard and take up the mouse and engage your favourite games with that passion and style you use to approach any gaming situation, but sometimes a real-world gaming experience cannot be replaced.

But, online casinos have developed something to fill the gap, a little extra incentive to draw gamers in and make the virtual experience all the more exciting. And something that can be enjoyed to its fullest as you relax in the comfort of your own home and become party to an experience and challenge just as exciting as any that can be offered by real-world casino - the casino bonus.

The concept of the casino bonus has been used by established real-world casinos for decades. Serving to reward their clientele, the bonus has manifested in different ways over the years, from VIP offerings to prizes and redeemable points, these bonuses have had a place in casinos since just after their inception.

The online casino has, however, taken the concept of the bonus to new and lofty heights. No longer just merely reward (although, in many ways, the bonus is still a gesture of appreciation to playing at a given site) online bonuses add a new and extremely enjoyable dynamic to the playing an online game, table and slot alike, for along with these bonuses come new facets of wagering. The online bonus is definitely still incentive to playing and signing up, but these bonuses are so much more. Yes, some don't require much work on your part and could be offered as 'attention grabbers' or reward. You must, however, engage the game and make cunning bets, while still being able to deploy your gaming prowess. The online bonus is so much more than just a bribe to join a casino.

These are just a few of the types of bonuses offered by online casinos. Newer and better ones are continually appearing all over the internet:

The loyalty bonus - Earned through continuous play and contribution to your favourite casino.

The referral bonus - This bonus is earned by referring an acquaintance to a casino site and getting them to sign up and play.

The free bonus - This is the only bonus that does not require a wagering requirement but is normally a smaller amount.

No deposit bonus - This bonus is acquired by signing up with a particular code. No deposit is necessary but you will still have to follow wagering requirements.

The online Bonus Casino is now a place where, from the comfort of your own home, you can enjoy the rush of a truly challenging game with high stakes and plenty of risk. And the reason is that online casinos offer the better bonuses; bonuses that inspire you to play for more and for longer, and in turn, provide you with the highest possibility to get something back.