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“Billy Joel: And So It Goes” Inspires NYC Photo Booth, Archival Drops & Vinyl Reissue for 40th Anniversary

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Legacy Recordings is hosting a New York State of Mind Photo Booth for fans to celebrate Billy Joel’s long-lasting impact on New York culture.

The Billy Joel-themed photo booth will be free to experience and located in one of the terminal’s main traverses, the Graybar Passage. New Yorkers and tourists alike will be able to commemorate their special day in NYC with a photo opportunity brought to you by Billy Joel and walk away with two printed strips as well as digital static and GIF copies delivered to their emails for sharing.

The photo booth is available this Friday and Saturday, July 18-19, only, in support of the incredible HBO Original two-part documentary Billy Joel: And So It Goes, which premieres on HBO and will be available to stream on HBO Max on July 18th.

To continue the celebrations, in the weeks following, fans can also experience Billy Joel’s biggest hits with a digital-only companion piece, Billy Joel: And So It Goes, that will coincide with the second part of the documentary. The release will mirror the tracks featured in the film, collecting iconic hits, alternative versions, rarities, and live renditions. In addition, the Billy Joel YouTube channel will release a steady stream of archival rarities unearthed during the documentary’s creation, rolling out in the weeks and months after the film premieres.

Additionally, the original 1985 release, Greatest Hits Volume I and II, will return on black vinyl on August 22nd, marking the 40th anniversary of one of the best-selling records.

“I Can’t Lose” by Jonas Brothers Debuts Ahead of ‘Greetings From Your Hometown’ Album and Jonas20 Tour

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Jonas Brothers share their undeniable and anthemic new single “I Can’t Lose” via Republic Records. The song paves the way for their much-anticipated new studio album, Greetings From Your Hometown, out next month on August 8th.

With all the makings of a Jonas Brothers classic, “I Can’t Lose” was first featured as the official anthem of ESPN’s Sunday Night Baseball. Last night (Tues, July 15th), the band debuted the music video in partnership with Mastercard in support of Stand Up To Cancer at the 2025 MLB All-Star Game. The video shows the unifying power of music, as the band honors the inspiring ways people stand up to cancer every day.

“I Can’t Lose” arrives on the heels of Jonas Brothers’ recent single “No Time To Talk.” Featuring an interpolation of the Bee Gees’ iconic “Stayin’ Alive”—which was a staple on the brothers’ musical soundtrack throughout their childhood thanks to their father—the song was produced by Julian Bunetta (Sabrina Carpenter’s “Espresso”) and Gabe Simon (Lana Del Rey, Noah Kahan, Calum Scott), and is nearing 10 million streams since its release last month. Their upcoming album, Greetings From Your Hometown, is a return to Jonas Brothers’ New Jersey roots and early sonic influences while growing up, as they celebrate 20 unforgettable years as a band.

Next month, Jonas Brothers will kick off their 2025 Jonas20: Greetings From Your Hometown Tour at MetLife Stadium on August 10th. The North American tour will feature a dynamic, career-spanning live show that highlights every chapter of the Jonas Brothers’ 20-year journey and their evolution as a band, including solo projects like Nick Jonas & the Administration, Nick Jonas’ solo career, Joe Jonas’ solo career, and DNCE. Select dates will feature special guests Marshmello, The All-American Rejects, and Boys Like Girls, as well as special JonasCon pop-up events for fans following their milestone JonasCon at New Jersey’s American Dream earlier this spring.

“Things You Can’t Unsay” by Meghan Linsey Drops as Bold New Anthem of Reinvention and Empowerment

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No. 1 Billboard chart-topping artist and The Voice alum Meghan Linsey releases her newest single, “Things You Can’t Unsay,” available everywhere independently. The song is a fiery, unapologetic anthem for anyone who’s ever had to rebuild after loving the wrong person. Sassy and soulful, the track captures the messy aftermath of a toxic relationship, but it’s also a powerful ode to female empowerment, self-respect, and reclaiming your voice.

“‘Things You Can’t Unsay’ came from a really raw place. It’s about finding the strength to walk away from something that no longer serves you and reclaiming your power in the process. I’ve never felt more confident or connected to my voice, both as an artist and a woman,” Meghan shares.

This release marks a personal and creative evolution. After years of navigating the highs and lows of the spotlight, Meghan is showing up more unapologetically than ever, challenging expectations around womanhood and the music industry, and proving that reinvention isn’t just possible, it’s powerful. With a renewed sense of purpose and artistic freedom, she’s turning the page on what it means to be in your prime.

Linsey is a CMA and ACM-nominated recording artist, celebrated songwriter, and fearless advocate who continues to carve out her lane in the music industry. Known for her powerhouse vocals and genre-blending sound, Meghan first rose to fame as one half of the chart-topping duo Steel Magnolia and later as the groundbreaking runner-up on the eighth season of NBC’s The Voice.

As an independent artist, Linsey is making a powerful comeback with her newest singles “Humble Again” and “Things You Can’t Unsay” – anthems about resilience, reinvention, and the strength it takes to start over. These tracks mark the beginning of a new era for Meghan, one grounded in authenticity and artistic freedom.

In the spring, Meghan performed at Grammys on the Hill in Washington, D.C., using her platform to advocate for creators’ rights. She was also named a 2025 Modern Luxury Nashville Power Player and took the stage at Variety’s Power of Women event in Nashville, where she wowed the crowd with a powerful performance of “Humble Again” and a medley honoring Reba, Sheryl Crow, Kelsea Ballerini, and Mickey Guyton.

“The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation Auction” Set for August 11 to Celebrate “The Voice” and 40 Years of Iconic Music

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Julien’s Auctions has unveiled The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation Auction for August 11th in Los Angeles. The sale honors the enduring legacy of the global superstar. It seeks to raise awareness and generate vital support for the foundation’s diverse initiatives, scholarships, and services, each designed to reflect and address the values and needs of today’s youth.

This year marks Whitney Houston’s 40th Anniversary of Music and Entertainment (February 14, 1985 – February 14, 2025). A special preview of the auction highlights will be on view at The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation’s 4th Annual Legacy of Love Gala on Saturday, August 9th, on what would have been Houston’s 62nd birthday at the St. Regis Hotel in Atlanta.

Among the items for sale include Houston’s casino-themed jacket designed by Bob Mackie, Houston’s historic FIFA World Cup Closing Ceremony blue jersey from 1994, custom at-home slot machine, faux crocodile jewelry box, yellow dress she wore on ABC’s Dancing With the Stars, “I’m Your Baby Tonight,” one-of-a-kind, Harley Davidson black leather fringe jacket, and more.

The collection is live now, and the sale will take place on Monday, August 11th, from Los Angeles at 10 am PST and online.

With the sale, Julien’s and The Whitney E. Houston Legacy Foundation are united in raising awareness and funds to support scholarships for young college students studying the arts at Historically Black Colleges and Universities.

With more than 220 million music recordings sold worldwide, Whitney Houston, also known as “The Voice,” remains peerless. She has released seven career albums, and her recordings are still among the best-selling albums of all time. Her soundtrack for The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album in 1992, which remains the best-selling soundtrack album of all time, the best-selling album by a woman in music history, and the best-selling album of the decade. A recipient of more than 400 awards, including Houston’s six Grammy Awards, 22 American Music Awards, 16 Billboard Music Awards, multiple BET, MTV, Soul Train, and NAACP Image Awards. Houston’s inductions include the Grammy Hall of Fame twice, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, and the National Recording Registry at the Library of Congress. The Emmy Award-winning actor and producer has starred in five critically acclaimed movies.

As announced by The Estate of Whitney E. Houston on June 25, 2025, 11 new certifications by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) were posthumously presented on June 25th, including The Bodyguard: Original Soundtrack Album receiving 19-times platinum, “I Will Always Love You” earning 11-times platinum, “I Wanna Dance with Somebody (Who Loves Me)” hitting the 18 time platinum mark, “I Have Nothing” certified quadruple platinum and “How Will I Know” earning triple platinum status. Whitney is the first African American artist to have three RIAA diamond-certified albums of ten million or more. Houston’s RIAA-certified units in the U.S. alone total 114.5 million across 38 titles with 27 singles and 11 albums.

15 Songs That Deserve to Be Played at Every Wedding

You’ve got the dress. The cake. The vows that make your uncle cry. But the playlist? That’s what turns a nice day into a forever memory. Whether it’s for the walk down the aisle, the first dance, or that moment when everyone—including grandma—is out on the dance floor, these songs are more than background music. They’re moments.

Here are 15 timeless tracks, alphabetized for your convenience, that deserve a place at every wedding.


At Last – Etta James
This isn’t just a song—it’s the sound of soulmates exhaling. Classic, elegant, and slow enough for that swoon-worthy first dance you’ll remember forever.

Can’t Help Falling in Love – Elvis Presley
Whether it’s the original or the Kina Grannis cover, this one melts every heart in the room. It’s a reminder that some things—like love—just happen.

Crazy in Love – Beyoncé ft. Jay-Z
The ultimate let-loose moment for the reception. Put it on and watch the whole room transform into a dance floor within seconds.

Everything – Michael Bublé
Romantic, light, and filled with gratitude. It’s the perfect song for that quiet sway before the big party kicks off.

I Do (Cherish You) – 98 Degrees
Sweet, sincere, and loaded with late-’90s magic. This one wraps your vows in velvet and hands them to the dance floor.

I Wanna Dance with Somebody – Whitney Houston
This is the “shoes are off, ties are loosened” moment. No one can resist that beat or Whitney’s joy.

Just the Way You Are – Bruno Mars
For every partner who needs to hear it: you’re perfect. This is a feel-good, smile-on-your-face kind of love song.

Let’s Stay Together – Al Green
Silky, soulful, and eternal. This one’s for the couples who know that staying together is the real romance.

Love on Top – Beyoncé
Joy, modulations, and straight-up celebration. If your love story had a confetti cannon, it would sound like this.

Lucky – Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillat
It’s playful. It’s personal. It’s for the couple who fell in love with their best friend and never looked back.

Perfect – Ed Sheeran
If you need a soft moment to catch your breath and hold each other close, this is it. A first dance favorite for a reason.

September – Earth, Wind & Fire
Energy. Nostalgia. Pure magic. It’s like champagne for your ears—and everyone over five knows the words.

Shut Up and Dance – Walk the Moon
A banger with no age limit. This one guarantees at least three generations on the floor at once.

You Are the Best Thing – Ray LaMontagne
Rustic, romantic, and ridiculously joyful. It’s the soundtrack to love that’s easy, breezy, and built to last.

You Make My Dreams – Hall & Oates
Upbeat, infectious, and impossible not to smile through. Ideal for the couple recessional or that dance floor moment when everyone’s finally feeling it.

10 Tips for Reaching Out to Collaborators Without Being Weird

So you want to work with someone—an artist, a writer, a producer, a podcaster, a fellow genius—and you don’t want to come off like a desperate rookie in someone’s DMs.

Reaching out can feel awkward, but it doesn’t have to be. In fact, research in social psychology says most people like being asked to collaborate, especially when it’s framed well. People consistently underestimate how much others appreciate their outreach—even cold outreach.

So go ahead. Be bold. Be kind. And don’t be weird. Here’s how.

1. Be clear and specific.
Don’t just say “Wanna collab?” Say what you admire about their work, why you think this collaboration fits, and what you’re proposing. People can’t say yes if they don’t know what they’re saying yes to.

2. Keep it short.
No one wants to open a novel on a Tuesday morning. Aim for 3–5 sentences max in your first message. Think tweet, not TED Talk.

3. Name drop (gently).
If you have mutuals or shared communities, mention them—briefly. Research shows people are more likely to respond when they feel a sense of familiarity or social proof.

4. Offer value.
It’s not just “Here’s what I need.” It’s “Here’s what I bring.” Even if you’re newer or less experienced, your energy, vision, or audience might be exactly what they’re looking for.

5. Choose the right channel.
If someone has a website contact form, use it. If they’re super active on Instagram but not Twitter, go where they are. Respect the format—they probably set it up that way for a reason.

6. Be a fan, not a stan.
Flattery works, but don’t overdo it. A little admiration builds connection. A full paragraph about how their last EP “changed your DNA” is, um, a lot.

7. Don’t apologize for existing.
Skip the “Sorry to bother you” and “I know I’m a nobody.” Be polite, not pitiful. People want to work with people who believe in what they’re doing.

8. Time it well.
Don’t pitch during their album drop week, or right after a major tour announcement. A little awareness goes a long way—and might earn you a reply instead of a ghost.

9. If they say no, don’t spiral.
Most no’s aren’t personal. They’re about time, energy, or fit. Research shows people respect persistence when it’s gracious. Thank them, stay connected, and try again down the road if it feels right.

10. Follow up once—nicely.
If you haven’t heard back in a week or two, a friendly nudge is okay. Think: “Just circling back in case this got buried. No worries if it’s not the right time!” That’s human. Not weird.

The worst part of reaching out is usually in your head. Fear of rejection, impostor syndrome, and “what if they think I’m weird” are just protective stories your brain tells you. Neuroscience says novelty and vulnerability can lead to stronger social bonds—and collaborations often start with a risk.

So hit send. Be kind. Be clear. Be a little brave.

And remember: even The Beatles had to make the first call once.

Jon Bon Jovi’s Isolated Vocals For Bon Jovi’s “It’s My Life”

Bon Jovi kicked off the 2000s with “It’s My Life,” a global anthem that brought Tommy, Gina, and the talk box roaring back. It topped charts across Europe and gave the band a whole new generation of fans. Because sometimes a line, a hook, and a highway are all you need.

How VCE Physics Tutors Help Build Confidence and Improve Results

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By Mitch Rice

For many students, VCE Physics is one of the most challenging subjects on the Victorian Certificate of Education journey. With its complex formulas, abstract concepts, and demanding problem-solving tasks, it’s no surprise that students often feel overwhelmed. 

But the good news is that the right support can make all the difference — and this is where a skilled VCE physics tutor comes in. In this post, we’ll explore how VCE Physics tutors help students build confidence, improve their academic results, and ultimately unlock their potential.

Personalised Learning Tailored to Individual Needs

In a typical classroom, teachers have to cater to the needs of 20–30 students at once. This makes it difficult to address every student’s specific challenges. A private VCE Physics tutor, however, can provide personalised attention that focuses on a student’s unique learning style, pace, and weaknesses.

Tutors identify where a student is struggling, whether it’s mastering Newton’s laws, understanding electromagnetism, or applying motion equations, and tailor their teaching accordingly. By filling in gaps in understanding, tutors ensure students build a strong foundation, making the more advanced topics less intimidating.

Breaking Down Complex Concepts

Physics is a subject that builds upon layers of prior knowledge. If a student misses one key idea, it can create a domino effect of confusion across topics. A good VCE Physics tutor knows how to break down complex concepts into simple, digestible parts.

For example, instead of presenting wave theory as a series of dense formulas, a tutor might use everyday analogies, visuals, and hands-on experiments to make it more relatable. This approach not only enhances comprehension but also helps students retain information more effectively.

Developing Effective Problem-Solving Skills

Success in VCE Physics isn’t just about memorising theories — it’s about applying them to solve real-world problems. Tutors help students develop strategic problem-solving techniques, teaching them how to break down questions, identify what’s being asked, and apply the right formulas.

Through guided practice and feedback, students learn to approach physics problems with confidence rather than fear. Over time, they build a toolkit of techniques that serve them well not just in exams, but in future studies or STEM careers.

Boosting Confidence and Reducing Exam Anxiety

One of the most transformative benefits of working with a VCE Physics tutor is the boost in self-confidence students experience. Regular sessions allow students to ask questions without judgment, make mistakes in a safe environment, and celebrate small victories along the way.

As students become more competent, their confidence grows — and with it, their ability to tackle practice exams, SACs (School-Assessed Coursework), and the final VCE exam with reduced anxiety. This psychological shift can dramatically improve performance and results.

Providing Exam Preparation and Strategy

Tutors don’t just teach physics — they teach students how to succeed in VCE Physics exams. This includes helping students:

  • Develop time management strategies during exams
  • Practice past exam questions and understand examiners’ expectations
  • Learn how to structure answers to maximise marks
  • Identify common traps and mistakes to avoid

With targeted exam preparation, students can walk into their VCE exams feeling well-prepared and confident.

Encouraging a Growth Mindset

Perhaps one of the most lasting impacts of a good tutor is their ability to help students develop a growth mindset. Instead of seeing mistakes as failures, students learn to view them as opportunities for improvement. This mindset encourages persistence, resilience, and a more positive attitude toward learning — all of which contribute to long-term success, both in physics and beyond.

Final Thoughts

VCE Physics can seem like an uphill battle, but with the right support, students don’t have to face it alone. A dedicated physics tutor offers personalised guidance, strengthens understanding, boosts problem-solving skills, and builds the confidence students need to succeed.

Whether a student is aiming to improve their grades, prepare for university studies, or simply overcome their fear of physics, investing in a VCE Physics tutor can be a game-changer — transforming struggle into success.

Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.

87 Facts About Connie Francis

Connie Francis has passed away at 87.

She gave us “Who’s Sorry Now?,” “Stupid Cupid,” “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool,” and “Where the Boys Are”—and along the way, she became the first woman to top the Billboard Hot 100, sell 200 million records, and sing her way into history in 15 languages.

Ron Roberts, her longtime friend and president of Concetta Records, shared the heartbreaking news with fans first—just the way Connie would have wanted it.

She was pop’s first queen. A voice like no other. And through every high and low, she kept singing.

Here are 87 facts to celebrate the life, the legacy, and the unforgettable voice of Connie Francis.

1. Connie Francis was born Concetta Rosa Maria Franconero on December 12, 1937.
2. She sold more than 200 million records worldwide.
3. In 1960, she was the most successful female artist in the U.S., U.K., Germany, Italy, Japan, and Australia.
4. She became the first woman to hit #1 on the Billboard Hot 100.
5. She was also the first woman to have three #1 singles on that chart.
6. Her grandfather immigrated from Reggio Calabria in 1905.
7. She grew up in Newark, New Jersey, and then Brooklyn before returning to New Jersey.
8. She learned fluent Yiddish from her mixed Italian-Jewish neighborhood.
9. She later recorded in Yiddish and Hebrew.
10. Her father encouraged her to sing at pageants, contests, and neighborhood events.
11. She played the accordion before happily giving it up.
12. Arthur Godfrey convinced her to change her name to Connie Francis.
13. She sang demonstration records to pitch songs to other singers.
14. She attended Arts High School in Newark and graduated salutatorian in Belleville.
15. She appeared on NBC’s Startime Kids between 1953 and 1955.
16. Her first single, “Freddy,” was released because an exec’s son shared the name.
17. Her first nine solo singles were commercial flops.
18. She provided the singing voices in two 1950s films—Rock, Rock, Rock! and Jamboree.
19. Her duet “The Majesty of Love” with Marvin Rainwater sold over a million copies.
20. MGM nearly dropped her, even after “The Majesty of Love.”
21. She nearly left music to study medicine at NYU.
22. Her dad insisted she record “Who’s Sorry Now?” during what was to be her final session.
23. She didn’t like the song but recorded it just before the tape ran out.
24. Dick Clark premiered it on American Bandstand on January 1, 1958.
25. She only realized it was her song mid-broadcast—and celebrated like it was New Year’s Eve.
26. “Who’s Sorry Now?” hit #1 in the U.K. and #4 in the U.S. by April 1958.
27. She was voted “Best Female Vocalist” on American Bandstand four years in a row.
28. Neil Sedaka and Howard Greenfield pitched her ballads—but she wanted something livelier.
29. She rejected their songs until Sedaka reluctantly played “Stupid Cupid.”
30. She immediately said, “That’s my next hit.”
31. “Stupid Cupid” reached #14 in the U.S. and #1 in the U.K.
32. She earned two gold records in 1959 for “Lipstick on Your Collar” and “Frankie.”
33. Her 1959 album Connie Francis Sings Italian Favorites was recorded at Abbey Road.
34. That album stayed on the charts for 81 weeks and peaked at #4.
35. The single “Mama” hit #8 in the U.S. and #2 in the U.K.
36. She went on to release seven more “favorites” albums in various languages.
37. “Where the Boys Are” became her signature song and a movie theme.
38. The film introduced the concept of Spring Break in Fort Lauderdale.
39. She was one of the first American artists to regularly record in other languages.
40. She recorded in 15 languages total.
41. She also sang in Romanian live in 1970.
42. She learned foreign songs phonetically when needed.
43. She was fluent in Italian and Spanish.
44. “Everybody’s Somebody’s Fool” became the first Hot 100 #1 by a female artist.
45. Its German version, “Die Liebe ist ein seltsames Spiel,” topped the West German chart.
46. She had two more #1 hits in West Germany: “Paradiso” and “Barcarole in der Nacht.”
47. Radio Luxembourg ended broadcasts with her song “It’s Time to Say Goodnight.”
48. She was named Europe’s most popular artist in 1960.
49. She was beloved even behind the Iron Curtain.
50. She was featured on state-owned labels in the USSR and Yugoslavia.
51. “Don’t Break the Heart That Loves You” was her third U.S. #1 hit.
52. She performed for U.S. troops in Vietnam in 1967.
53. She published For Every Young Heart, her first book, in 1963.
54. She performed for Queen Elizabeth II in Glasgow in 1963.
55. “Vacation” in 1962 was her final U.S. top 10 hit.
56. She found success on the Adult Contemporary and Country charts in the 1960s.
57. She competed at Sanremo in 1965 and again in 1967.
58. She recorded “Tie a Yellow Ribbon” as a response song in 1973.
59. In 1974, she survived a traumatic assault and won a major lawsuit.
60. Her case helped reform hotel security practices.
61. She recorded disco versions of her hits in 1978.
62. She released versions of those songs in Italian, Spanish, German, and Japanese.
63. She lost her voice completely after nasal surgery.
64. She regained her voice in 1981 after several surgeries.
65. That same year, her brother George was murdered by Mafia hitmen.
66. She said his death gave her strength to move forward.
67. Her 1981 album I’m Me Again featured the AC charting title track.
68. She resumed touring and appeared on American Bandstand’s 30th Anniversary Special.
69. She was misdiagnosed with bipolar disorder and ADD in the 1980s.
70. She was hospitalized multiple times due to the wrong medications.
71. She later said her issues stemmed from PTSD related to her assault.
72. She attempted suicide in 1984.
73. Her 1984 memoir Who’s Sorry Now? became a New York Times bestseller.
74. In 1989, she released Where the Hits Are, re-recording 18 of her classics.
75. In 1992, her remix medley became a hit in Germany.
76. “Jive, Connie” earned her Germany’s “Best Comeback of the Year.”
77. She released a live album from Trump’s Castle in 1996.
78. She performed again in Las Vegas in 2004.
79. She sold out the Castro Theatre in San Francisco in 2007.
80. She performed in the Philippines on Valentine’s Day 2008.
81. She co-headlined with Dionne Warwick in Las Vegas in 2010.
82. She published her second memoir Among My Souvenirs in 2017.
83. She retired in 2018 and lived in Florida.
84. In 2025, her 1962 song “Pretty Little Baby” went viral on TikTok.
85. She hoped to attend a Cousin Brucie event in July 2025 but was hospitalized.
86. She passed away on July 16, 2025, at age 87.
87. She once said not marrying Bobby Darin was the biggest mistake of her life.

Connie Francis wasn’t just a voice—she was a force. From heartbreak to hope, from pop charts to foreign languages, from tragedy to triumph—she sang through it all.

Thank you, Connie. We’ll never be sorry we loved you.

Common Mistakes & Breaches When Using No Deposit Bonus Codes

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By Mitch Rice

Being in a situation in which you need to balance entertainment with abiding by the rules may feel a bit awkward. However, any type of fun activity that also involves consistent expenditures will come with a few caveats. This is where we find ourselves with online gambling.

Given how vast, interesting, and outstanding these opportunities can be at times, it’s no wonder that knowing how to traverse your options can feel a bit overwhelming at times. However, things tend to appear more complicated than they are, making the process of having this kind of fun quite easy-hearted.

At the same time, there are circumstances when mistakes and blatant abuses can derail your fun and turn digital gambling into an overly complicated mess. This is why an article like this can clear the waters on one of the most popular circumstances in online gaming: the usage of the no deposit bonus.

With a well-established reputation as the alpha bonus offer in this industry, it’s easy to see why it has such a strong pull for players of all levels of experience. However, using it properly requires a bit of prior knowledge, especially if you’re not too keen on analysing fine print.

In this article, we will bring forth the most common mistakes that you can make with your no deposit offers, but will also highlight some fundamental strategies that can help you succeed going forward!

1. Multi-Account Usage

This is as simple as it gets: it’s a blatant violation of any online casino’s rules to have more than just one account. It does not matter if you create one accidentally in cases like forgetting that you’ve already created an account with a different email/phone number or doing so in order to benefit from the bonus multiple times.

As such, intention is in the same category as an honest mistake. You need to be careful about which online casino you join without taking a look at its bonuses. Once you become a funded player (you have at least one deposit made), you will lose eligibility for this category of bonus, which may turn you towards multi-account strategies.

The truth is that it is perfectly possible to create multiple accounts, especially if you have multiple phone numbers and emails. However, getting paid will always require you to prove your identity, and this is when the casino will catch you red-handed.

Consequently, you don’t want to make such a mistake, especially if you’re doing it deliberately. It’ll get you banned from the casino’s digital premises, not to mention losing your bonus!

2. Collusion

This is much harder to implement in the world of online casino gameplay. It is so for multiple reasons.

One would be the fact that many online casinos provide no deposit advantages for slot gaming only, which is a single-player-only game type. Another one would be the fact that no deposit bonuses yield too little money to split with your co-conspirator.

Since this type of strategy requires the idea of colluding with someone else to create controlled outcomes, some players do it in games like poker because it allows them to go through a wagering requirement in an easier manner.

It is safe to say that online casinos detect this kind of strategy quite easily because their pattern recognition systems are top-notch. Moreover, they are not the type to bank too much on ideas like provable cause. If they feel like they have conclusive evidence of collusion, they will take unilateral action, annul any bonus you have, and ban you for life.

3. VPN Usage for Strictly Restricted Jurisdiction

This may sound harmless, but forcing your way into playing at an online casino that is not supposed to accept your registration is a bad decision going forward. These online casinos must be strict about their clientele for one simple reason: legislation demands it.

Some online gambling authorities from markets like the UK, specific American states (where digital gambling is legal), and even some offshore regulators ask that player bases are from specific countries. Local legislation regarding online gambling is what tends to inform this kind of decision-making.

As a result, VPN usage is strictly forbidden. You may think that the casino has no idea that you’re from a restricted nation, but eventually, it can find out. That would be because you’d have to use a verifiable phone number or, eventually, tie a payment method that is in your name – a payment method that is registered in a restricted country.

In fact, there are more tech-driven methods of finding out your IP, as shown by an article on the use of an API for address leaks.

Since your home jurisdiction will eventually become visible, VPN usage to access the site, register, and redeem a bonus would quickly become futile. Like the case of multiple accounts, the casino will eventually realise that you’re breaking its rules. 

4. Incorrect Bet Usage

This is a very straightforward case: you need to play the no deposit bonus as intended. If the casino demands that every hand you play must be worth $0.1, you are not to override this decision. 

Any different bet used with the house’s money will mean that the house will retract its bonus by nullifying it. 

Please note that this is applicable to the rules regarding its wagering process. In general, the biggest mistake would be to try to cash out on the bonus before completing the wagering process. However, using incorrect bet values during this process can also have the same bonus-annulling effects.

5. Simultaneous Bonus Activation

This is yet another simple situation that will lead to bonus annulment unless the casino specifically permits it.

We’re talking about the situation in which you activate two bonuses at a time. If you’re currently playing with a no deposit bonus, just know that the online casino will nullify it if they see that you’re trying to stack a deposit bonus on top of it.

In fact, you’re likely going to see a notification that tells you that you have another bonus in progress and that activating another one would lead to forfeiting the current one. Make sure you complete your bonuses by one in order to extract full value from all of them.

Best Practices for Proper Usage

As promised, we return with some clear advice regarding how you should play your online casino offers that require no deposit. Please note that these are standard tips that should be helpful, especially if you’re new to online gambling and its incentivisation protocols!

  • Use the bonus as intended — it doesn’t get as simple as that! Each online casino bonus will come with a set of instructions (rules) mentioned in its terms and conditions. A good practice would be to also check with the overall bonus policy in order to make sure that you’re not missing rules that apply to every no deposit bonus provided by that casino. Simply put, there is no workaround for these demands, so respect them to the tee!
  • Keep your bets consistent — both in the gameplay and the wagering process, it would be a good idea to stick to a strategy that is within the rules. This strategy means consistency, which is always good if you just want to complete a formality. We are not trying to cramp your style – we just want you to remember that playing it safe is a good choice
  • Take care with the wagering requirements — the rollover, otherwise known as the wagering requirements, is a fail-proof protocol for a casino to avoid paying for the winnings that you receive by playing for free. It’s as simple as that. However, they are still possible to complete, which should inform your decision to complete them in games that have as much contribution as possible (100% for slots, in most cases). Make your life easier!

Conclusion

Now that we’ve reached the conclusion of this article, there is yet another optimal practice that we need to mention: play responsibly! A no deposit bonus can kickstart your knack for online gambling, which can turn into a case of addiction if left unattended. 

Please understand that the psychology of gambling addiction is a slippery slope, so gamble as responsibly as possible!