Casino bonuses are an important tool the casinos use to keep the players satisfied and to make sure they keep coming back to play. They are there to help new players try out a few games without having to put any of their money on the line. It’s important to note that bonuses come in many different forms and that you should be aware of the difference between them. Here’s a quick overview of different bonuses and how you can benefit from each of them.
Deposit Bonus
Best Online casino bonus guide should start with a deposit bonus since it’s the most basic form and one of the most generous. They often come at a sign-up and it’s usually the best bonus you’re going to get as a novice player. Simply put – the casino will match the amount you’ve added to your deposit. There’s usually also a limit as to how much you can deposit at once. There are sometimes wagering requirements that limit how to withdraw the funds added by the casino. That’s because you need to earn a certain amount on your own before you can withdraw the funds awarded to you. Otherwise, the players could simply take the bonus and not play again.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses are also commonly given to new players and they may seem like a better option than deposit ones, but that can be deceiving. That’s the bonus that the casino will place on your account without requiring you to add any funds of your own. It may seem like free money. However, the difference comes in how difficult it is to withdraw this bonus. It has a much higher wagering requirement than the deposit bonus and in some cases, you can’t withdraw it at all.
Free Spins
Free spins are a common bonus since they sound appealing and achieve the same purpose as a no deposit bonus. The casino will reward new players with a certain number of free spins and allow the players to keep the funds that they earn from them. The casino will assign a value to this free spin and create a wagering requirement based on them. The principle works the same way it always does. You need to earn a certain amount from a bonus before you can withdraw the funds made from it.
Referral Bonuses
Referral bonuses are awarded to players that bring in new players. They usually come in the form of a promotion code that some players can reward others. The player that brings in new clients gets rewarded each time the code they were assigned to is used to sign up. For the most part, these are awarded as a fixed amount for every new player that you bring in. These rewards are sometimes connected with wagering requirements and in other cases, you can simply take your money as new players join in based on your recommendation.
Loyalty Bonuses
Another common type of bonus is one that’s rewarded to loyal players. From the standpoint of the casino, those are the players that keep logging into the casino and using it. In some cases, the bonuses are awarded based on having a continuous chain of loggings. In others, it is rewarded only to those who keep spending at the casino. As is the case with other bonuses, some casinos won’t allow you to simply withdraw them and they’ll attach wagering requirements to them. These are usually less strict than other bonuses since they are a reward.
Strings Attached to Bonuses
There are almost always strings attached to bonuses and the players should be aware of them. The casinos are obliged to let you know what are your obligations regarding bonuses and you should take the time to learn about them. In most cases, these are about how much you need to earn before you can withdraw them. There are others as well. For instance, some bonuses are time-sensitive and they will expire if you don’t use them within a certain amount of time. These are made to keep the players active and to get them to keep playing.
Compare Bonuses
To an inexperienced player, a bonus may seem to be generous based on the amount and how often it’s paid to you. However, this often isn’t the case when compared to how other casinos handle bonuses. Taking the time to learn about what’s the standard for the industry and what you can expect is therefore an essential part of preparing for using a casino. There are online resources out there that allow you to compare and contrast different bonuses and the wagering requirements attached to them. This will give you a better idea of which casinos are worth your time and which aren’t.
When to Give Up on A Bonus
Many new players don’t like the idea of giving up on a bonus and not using the free deposits awarded to them. This is understandable and you should use the bonus every time you can. Keep in mind that there are instances when it’s better not to use the bonus. It’s best to give up on a bonus when the wagering requirements for it are way too high and you need to earn too much money in order to be able to withdraw and use the bonus in the first place. Keep in mind that you should put this decision in the context of rules in other casinos.
How Wagering Requirements Work: A Worked Example
A wagering requirement is the amount you must bet before you can withdraw bonus funds. It is usually written as a multiple, such as 30x or 40x. For example, if you get a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place bets worth $3,000 before you can withdraw the bonus money. The requirement may apply to the bonus only, or to the deposit plus the bonus. A 30x requirement on a $100 deposit plus a $100 bonus means you must bet $6,000. Always read the terms. Some games count less toward the requirement. Slot games often count 100%. Table games such as blackjack often count 10% or less. Some games count 0%. A time limit also applies. Most bonuses expire in 7 to 30 days. If you do not meet the requirement in time, the bonus and any winnings from it are removed.
How to Read Bonus Terms Before You Accept
| Term | What to check |
|---|---|
| Wagering requirement | The multiple, and whether it applies to bonus only or deposit plus bonus |
| Game weighting | Which games count 100% and which count less |
| Maximum bet | The largest bet allowed while using bonus funds |
| Time limit | How many days you have to meet the requirement |
| Maximum win | Whether winnings from the bonus are capped |
| Eligible games | Which games the bonus can be used on |
How to Check Whether an Online Casino Is Licensed
Before you play at any online casino, check its licence. A licensed casino must follow rules about fair games, player funds, and complaints. Look for the licence number at the bottom of the casino’s website. Common regulators include the UK Gambling Commission, the Malta Gaming Authority, and the Gibraltar Regulatory Authority. Check the regulator’s own website to confirm the licence is real. A licence number that cannot be verified is a warning sign. Check whether the casino’s games are tested by an independent lab, such as eCOGRA. Check the payment methods. A trusted casino offers well-known payment options and clear withdrawal times. Read player reviews, but be careful. Some review sites are paid by the casinos they review. Check whether the casino offers responsible-gambling tools, such as deposit limits, time limits, and self-exclusion. A casino without these tools is a warning sign.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a casino bonus?
A casino bonus is an offer a casino gives to players, such as a deposit match, free spins, or a no-deposit bonus. Bonuses come with terms, including wagering requirements. Read the terms before you accept any bonus.
What is a wagering requirement?
A wagering requirement is the amount you must bet before you can withdraw bonus funds. It is written as a multiple, such as 30x. A $100 bonus with a 30x requirement means you must place bets worth $3,000 first.
What is the difference between a deposit bonus and a no-deposit bonus?
A deposit bonus matches money you add to your account. A no-deposit bonus is placed on your account without you adding funds. No-deposit bonuses usually have higher wagering requirements and may not be withdrawable at all.
How do I know if an online casino is licensed?
Look for the licence number at the bottom of the casino’s website. Check the regulator’s own website to confirm it. Common regulators include the UK Gambling Commission and the Malta Gaming Authority. A licence that cannot be verified is a warning sign.
When should I give up on a bonus?
Give up on a bonus if the wagering requirement is too high, if the time limit is too short, or if the games you like do not count toward the requirement. You can ask the casino to remove the bonus. Playing without a bonus means your own money is not tied to wagering rules.
Disclaimer: This guide gives general information about online casino bonuses. It does not promote gambling. Gambling carries risk and can lead to losses. If gambling stops being fun, stop playing. In the US, the National Council on Problem Gambling runs a free, confidential helpline at 1-800-522-4700. Check the laws where you live before you play. Bonus terms differ by casino and can change.
Last Updated: 6 November 2026