Casino welcome bonuses give you a headstart to explore a new game. However, not every welcome bonus works the same way. PeakyCasino explains how each type works and what you should watch out for to play better and smarter.
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What Are Casino Welcome Bonuses?
Casinos give welcome bonuses to new players and first-timers (Source.)
Casino welcome bonuses are rewards given to new players when they first join an online casino. The bonuses include extra money, free spins, or other perks (like gift packs or giveaways) to help you get started.
How Do Welcome Bonuses Work in Online Casinos?
You receive a welcome bonus after making your first deposit. The most popular type is the deposit match bonus, where the casino matches a percentage of what you put in.
For example, an extra $50 is added to your account if the casino offers a 100% match and you deposit $50. You have $100 in total to play with.
There are 9 other bonus types aside from welcome bonuses, such as no-deposit bonuses, VIP bonuses, etc.; check out our online casino bonus guide for more.
How Is The Welcome Bonus Paid?
The casino adds the bonus to your account as extra funds once you deposit. The percentage and limit depend on the casino, but it’s often between 25% and 100%. Note that the bonus comes with a condition (e.g., the wagering requirement), which you need to meet before withdrawing your winnings.
How to Use Welcome Bonus Codes
First, log into your account (or register if you do not have one yet). Look for the promo code field during registration or when making a deposit, then enter the code exactly. Once this code is accepted, the casino credits the bonus to your current account.
3 Types of Online Casino Welcome Bonuses
There are 3 types of welcome bonuses (Source).
Three types of welcome bonuses: Free Spins, No Deposit, and Match Deposit. Free Spins Bonuses reward new players with spins for a minimum deposit. No Deposit Bonuses give you money without depositing. Match Deposit Bonuses boost your deposit by a percentage (up to 100%).
1. Free Spins Bonuses
Free spins bonuses target new slot game players and are tied to their first deposit. When you sign up and make a minimum deposit (usually between $10 and $20), the casino rewards you with a set of free spins to use on a slot game of your choice.
This bonus is frequently combined with Match Deposit Bonuses within a “welcome package.” A common practice among casinos is distributing free spins over several days (e.g., 20 spins per day for 5 days).
2. No Deposit Bonuses
This bonus is the easiest way for players to start since it does not require any initial deposit. You receive bonus funds or free spins just for signing up, then explore the casino 100% risk-free.
However, the wagering requirement for a no-deposit bonus is high, ranging from 40x to 70x. You must also keep tabs on the withdrawal limits (for example, you can only withdraw up to $50 from winnings). Therefore, these rewards are less common than deposit-based bonuses.
3. Match Deposit Bonuses
Match Deposit is the most popular welcome bonus. The casino matches a percentage of your first deposit to boost your starting balance.
Suppose you receive a 100% match bonus up to $500. That means the casino gives you another $100 if you deposit $100, and you have $200 to play with. However, when you deposit more than $500 (e.g., $600), the maximum bonus is still just $500.
Casinos also extend this bonus over multiple deposits, such as:
- 100% match up to $200 on your first deposit.
- 50% match up to $300 on your second deposit.
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Attractive as they are, these three bonus types come with both pros and cons, which we are going to discuss in the next section.
Casino Welcome Bonuses: Pros and Cons
Welcome bonuses have both pros and cons (Source).
Claiming welcome bonuses offers a great opportunity to explore the new casino and build confidence without risking your own money. However, they require you to wager thousands of dollars before you withdraw all your winnings.
Pros
1. Risk-free Exploration
Welcome bonuses give you the chance to explore a new online casino without risking a significant amount of your own money. You familiarize yourself faster with the platform and understand how each game works.
Plus, the additional funds and free spins provided by welcome bonuses allow you to access new titles you would not usually try otherwise. For instance, a player who primarily plays splots can use their bonus funds to experiment with higher-stake games like roulette, baccarat, and blackjack.
2. Building Confidence
With extra money to play with, you are empowered to take risks and refine your strategies. After each experience, you understand how elements like paylines, multipliers, and wilds affect payouts and which games match your playing style better.
Over time, welcome bonuses boost your confidence and make your gaming journey more enjoyable. The intimidation factor (common for new players) is no longer a threat, meaning you feel more prepared to make the best decisions and plan for greater winnings in the future.
Cons
1. High Wagering Requirements
The wagering requirement specifies how many times you must wager the bonus amount before withdrawing associated winnings.
Let’s say a casino offers a $100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement. That means you must place bets totaling $3,500 ($100 x 35) to cash out any winning from that bonus. $3,500 is an overwhelming figure for beginners or casual players, especially if they do not have the time or budget to place such a high volume of bets.
Furthermore, table games like blackjack or roulette contribute less than 20% to the wagering requirement. For instance, a $100 bet on blackjack only reduces the wagering requirement by $10 to $20.
2. Risk of Overspending
The allure of receiving a larger bonus tempts new or inexperienced players to deposit more than they originally intended.
For example, a casino offers a 100% match bonus up to $500. A player has planned to deposit only $100, but in just 3 days, they end up stretching their budget and deposit $500 to maximize the bonus.
This desire to “get more value” only heightens when players are close to meeting the requirements but run out of funds. These players find themselves stuck in an endless cycle of chasing losses, which quickly escalate into problem gambling if they are not careful.
3. Rushed Gameplay and Less Enjoyment
A welcome bonus comes with a limited timeframe (such as 7, 14, or 30 days). Players must meet all wagering requirements or forfeit the bonus within that time.
For beginners or those with busy schedules, this short expiry period creates undue pressure and turns a supposedly fun activity into a stressful race against the clock. Furthermore, players must log in every day during the validity period. This feels exhausting if you prefer a more casual gaming approach.
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We have discussed the pros and cons of the three main types of welcome bonuses. Whether the bonus is cashable or non-cashable is another important factor to consider.
Cashable vs Non-Cashable Welcome Bonus for Players
Once you meet the wagering requirement, the cashable bonuses are withdrawable along with winnings. On the other hand, non-cashable bonuses are deducted, leaving only the winnings for withdrawal.
| Feature | Cashable Bonus | Non-cashable Bonus |
| Definition | A bonus that is withdrawable along with any winnings | A bonus that is non-withdrawable and is removed from your account after you meet the wagering requirement |
| Winnings | Winnings and the bonus are added to your withdrawable balance | Only the winnings earned using the bonus funds are withdrawable |
| Wagering Requirements | Often higher since the bonus is cashable | Lower since the bonus is non-withdrawable |
| Best for | Players looking for maximum returns | Players focused on testing the casino without prioritizing long-term returns. |
| Example | You withdraw $300 in total if you receive a $100 cashable bonus and win $200 | You only withdraw $200 if you receive a $100 non-cashable bonus and win $200. |
Besides, always double-check the terms and conditions carefully to understand what to withdraw and what not and avoid confusion.
Popular Terms and Conditions
You should keep popular terms and conditions in mind (Source).
Before claiming the welcome bonuses, make sure you have read and fully grasped the following key aspects:
- Wagering requirements: You must bet the bonus money (or bonus and deposit) multiple times before withdrawing your winnings. For example, a $50 bonus with a 30x requirement means you need to bet $1,500. Slots count fully toward this requirement, but table games like roulette or blackjack only count 10-20%.
- Minimum deposit: To activate the bonus, you must deposit a minimum amount ($1 to $10). The bigger the bonus, the higher the minimum deposit, so check the terms carefully.
- Time limits: Bonuses and free spins expire after 7 to 30 days. You lose the bonus and any winnings from it if you do not meet the wagering requirements by then.
- Maximum bet rules: When using bonus money, you are not allowed to bet too much at once. The limit is usually $5 per spin or hand, and breaking this rule cancels your bonus.
- Withdrawal limits: Bonuses limit how much you withdraw from your winnings. For example, you only withdraw $100 if you win $500 with a no-deposit bonus.
- Payment and location restrictions: Certain deposit methods (such as Skrill or Netaller) do not qualify for bonuses. Additionally, not every payment method is available in a specific country or region.
- Verification: Before withdrawing bonus winnings, provide documents (like an ID and a utility bill) to verify your identity and address.
FAQs
Why are casino bonuses important?
Casino bonuses attract new players and reward loyal ones, giving players more opportunities to explore games and win without risking large amounts. They also help the casino stand out in a competitive market.
Why do casinos offer welcome bonuses?
Casinos offer welcome bonuses to build trust and give players a risk-free way to explore their platforms. That way, they set themselves apart from competitors while gaining profits from the players’ deposits.
What are safe online casinos with generous welcome bonuses?
Wild Casino, Red Dog Casino, BoVegas Casino, and Bet365 Casino are safe online casinos with generous welcome bonuses. They ensure fair gameplay and secure payment with real-money online casinos to protect players’ rights.
Are welcome bonuses only for new players?
Yes. Welcome bonuses are designed for new players as an incentive to make their first deposit. However, existing players still have other promotions, such as reload bonuses or loyalty rewards. Check the casino FAQs for more info.
Can you cash out casino welcome bonuses?
Yes, you can cash out winnings from a casino welcome bonus, but only after meeting the wagering requirements. Specifically, you must bet the bonus (or bonus and deposit) multiple times, usually between 20x and 40x.
Can you get a welcome bonus twice?
No, you cannot claim a welcome bonus more than once at the same casino. These bonuses are strictly for new players as a one-time incentive to register and deposit money.
How do you use a casino bonus balance?
To use a casino bonus, select an eligible game as outlined in the terms and conditions and place bets using the bonus funds. Winnings accumulate in your account, but you must meet the wagering requirements (e.g., 30x the bonus amount) before withdrawing.
What games can I play with a casino welcome bonus?
You can play popular slot games like Starburst or Book of Dead since they contribute 100% to the wagering requirements. Table games like blackjack are also common, though these contribute less (e.g., 10-20%). Check out online casino games here.
Which online casino has the biggest welcome bonus?
Caesars Palace Casino offers a Match Deposit bonus of 100%, plus 2500 reward credits. Other high-profile casinos are BetMGM (100% deposit plus $25) and FanDuelCasino (a $100 bonus for $1).
What is the minimum deposit required to receive a casino welcome bonus?
The minimum deposit is between $1 and $10, though higher-value bonuses ask for higher. For example, a casino offering a 100% match bonus requires at least $20 to activate the offer. Always check the terms to ensure your deposit qualifies.