Deciphering the Deposit Bonus

The first time or two you make a deposit to a poker room it may be a little confusing; why is the room offering you a "deposit match" and what exactly does it mean? If you sign up with Sun Poker, for example, and they are offering $500 with a 100% deposit match, how much money will you actually get?

First, a look at how the match works, using a 20% match and a $100 limit example. If your poker room is offering you this deal and you make a $100 deposit, they will deposit $20 into your account, giving you a total of $120.  If you put in $500 they would put in $100, giving you $600. If you put in $1,000 they would still only put in $100, as that is their limit for this particular promotion.

The limits often are relevant only if you plan on putting a lot of money into an account, so the good deals are often found in the percentage that will be matched. If you only have $50 to deposit, for example, then the above example will only net you $10 extra—no where near the limit. Another room that offers a 50% match with a $50 limit is much better for you, as your $50 deposit will get you $25 extra.

Often the larger limits, especially when combined with the higher percentages, come into play once you have built up a healthy bankroll and are looking for ways to increase it in addition to straight poker play. Keep in mind that various poker rooms have different clearing requirements to get the bonus money, such as wagering a multiple of the bonus at real money games.

(Editor's Note: Sun Poker IS offering $500 at a 100% match! Sign up today, and double your deposit with Sun Poker.)