There is perhaps no greater joy in life than hitting the road for a once in a lifetime getaway. That is, unless someone else is kind enough to flip the bill.

As part of its “Oktoberfest Vacation Giveaway”, the Borgata Online Casino in New Jersey is doing just that. On October 5, the casino will be pulling the names of 50 players, with the Grand Prize winner booking an all-expense paid trip to a European destination of their choosing.

Runners-up too, will have plenty to cheer about, as they’ll be awarded bonus dollars to the tune of $25 to $100.

Given the smallish size of the New Jersey online casino market and the short promotional window, the odds of winning an exclusive prize are very real.

Here’s how to qualify.

Europe awaits the lucky

In order to earn an entry, players must make a qualifying deposit of at least $50 from October 1 through 4 using the promotional code EUROPE15. That’s pretty much it.

There are no wagering requirements associated with the promotion, so you shouldn’t feel obligated to play during the promotional period. However, if you hope to increase your chances of winning, you’ll want to hit the virtual slot machines.

That’s because for every 20 iRPs (more on iRPs in a bit) earned playing slots, classic slots or progressive slots, you’ll earn an additional contest entry.

As for the Grand Prize itself, the Borgata will pay for two airline tickets plus five nights hotel accommodations to any European destination. In addition, you’ll be gifted $500 spending money to do what you please while overseas.

The only restriction, and it’s a minor one, is that the value of the hotel plus airfare cannot exceed $4,000. So unless you plan on staying at the Ritz Carlton, you should be able to stay within the budget.

Alright, there’s one more limitation. The winner and his or her guest must book the same destination, flight and hotel, and they must book on the same dates. But really, why wouldn’t you share your European experience with a loved one?

The Grand Prize voucher is good until January 31, 2016.

Bonus play

Those who don’t win the European getaway will still have a fair chance at winning one of 49 other prizes. Secondary prizes will be awarded in the form of bonus play dollars, and will be distributed as follows:

• 9 winners: $100 bonus dollars

• 10 winners: $50 bonus dollars

• 30 winners: $25 bonus dollars

Bonus dollars will be deposited into the winners’ accounts within 48 hours after the random drawing. They are subject to an easy one time wagering requirement, and only slot machine and progressive play counts toward the requirement.

What are iRPs and how do I earn them?

Simply stated, iRPs are Borgata’s VIP reward points.

In addition to determining your monthly and quarterly loyalty tiers, iRPs can be redeemed for a wide variety of purchases, including online poker tournament entries, clothing, luxury items and even hotel stays and amenities at the Borgata’s brick and mortar venue in Atlantic City.

As far as earning iRPs, that’s easy. Just log on to BorgataCasino.com and play any slot machine, table game or video poker terminal.

Wagers required to earn one loyalty point are as follows.

• Slots: $10

• Progressives: $20

• Roulette: $25

• Video poker: $75

• Blackjack: $75

• Craps: $75

• Other games: $10

Thus, in order to earn an additional promotional entry, players will be tasked with wagering $200 on their favorite classic slot machines, and $400 if they fancy progressive machines.

My recommendation: at least try out the progressives. The current big progressive jackpot is nearing $1.8 million.