Empire Bonus - WTF?

[moondogg]

For the sole purpose of getting the initial deposit bonus, I just opened an account on Empire. I followed the instructions on bonuswhores.com, and I thought it was odd that I never had to enter a bonus code.
This seems a lot less odd now, because they did not give me the bonus [img]/images/graemlins/mad.gif[/img]. Did I screw this up by not entering a bonus code? I'm guessing the bonus is now lost forever, but I just want to make sure.
Also, I figure I'd cash out and leave the account open with a zero balance so I'll get included in the next round of reload bonuses. However, do you think this will work if I've never played a hand at Empire? Or, should I play 50 or 100 hands before cashing out?

Thanks,
Mooney

EDIT: Also, to be clear up front, I am NOT looking for an affiliate. Consider my PM on the "do not call" list.