One of the biggest misconceptions novices have when they start playing casino games is that they have got to bet big.

Aside from being incorrect, this assumption often leads to players betting more than can afford. In reality, winning is about consistency. It doesn’t matter how big your bets are, the most successful players have a budget and they stick to it.

Without delving too far into the specifics of bankroll management, the maximum amount you should take into a single game is between three per cent and five per cent of your entire bankroll.

Keeping this concept in mind will ensure you never fall into the trap of making bets you can’t afford. But while that makes sense from a financial perspective, you may be tempted forgo this rule if you’re trying to unlock bonuses.

Don't go broke chasing bonuses

Seen as the cornerstone of the online casino world, bonuses are a way of getting more back for your time online. Even though this is true, it doesn’t mean you should play above your limit. If you look at any promotion, the route to success is consistency.

For example, the Betway Casino Game of the Week promo is a chance to earn double loyalty points. Under the tier points system, you can earn five points for every £10 wagered on slots.

From this, you play the Game of the Week, Temple of Tut, and place a single bet of £100.

This would net you 50 points (10/100 = 10 X 5 = 50) under normal conditions. Because you’ve played the Game of the Week, that score is doubled to 100.

In contrast, you could take the same £100 and bet £0.50 per spin. Betting this much gives you the chance to make 200 spins.

If you didn’t win a single bet over the course of 200 spins, you’d earn the same 100 points as before.

But the average return rate for online slots is between 90 per cent and 97 per cent. With that being true, you’d expect to win at least one of your spins. If you read our piece on slots RTPs, you know that isn’t a guarantee, but it’s possible.

If that’s the case and you won £10 during your 200 spins, you’d have wagered a total of £110.

From this, you’d earn 105 points. That might not be many more points, but it is more. Importantly, this shows what’s possible when you choose to play consistently.

Don't aim too high

It is possible that a single spin of £100 could result in a healthy payoff. 

But the odds suggest you’ll lose more often than you’ll win. Conversely, you’re more likely to hit at least one winner if you place 200 bets instead of one. Therefore, the best strategy is to think long-term when making your bets.

The longer you’re active, the more chance you have of winning and, in turn, picking up more bonuses. More importantly, when you have a conservative strategy, you lower your risk of going broke.

Even though free credits are great, you have to balance the risk and the reward. In other words, a bonus is never going to be worth as much as your bankroll.

Betting big in the hope of earning more might sound like a good idea, but it’s not.

The best approach is to see bonuses as added extras. If you miss out, don’t worry. If you can put in some consistent volume and things come your way, that’s great. However, there will never be a situation where you should put your bankroll on the line just to get a few extra credits.