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Wagering: 50x (bonus + deposit)(with restrictions)Decreased wagering contribution based on game type: Slots 100%, Video poker 10%, Blackjack 5%, Baccarat 0%, Live games 0%, Craps and dice 0%.
Maximum bet: $25
Process of getting the bonus: Quick, Expiration: 30 days
Wagering: 50x (bonus + deposit)(with restrictions)Decreased wagering contribution based on game type: Slots 100%, Video poker 10%, Blackjack 5%, Baccarat 0%, Live games 0%, Craps and dice 0%.
Maximum bet: $25
Process of getting the bonus: Quick, Expiration: 30 days
Wagering: 40x (bonus + deposit)(with restrictions)Decreased wagering contribution based on game type: Slots 100%, Video poker 10%, Blackjack 5%, Baccarat 0%, Live games 0%, Craps and dice 0%.
Maximum bet: $10
Process of getting the bonus: Quick, Expiration: 30 days
Looking for the best casino deposit bonus, or want to learn more about the subject in general? On this page, I list the current best promotions available at reliable online casino sites. I also explain the different types of bonuses available to you when making a first deposit or reloading your balance at top online casinos. Keep reading to learn more and compare bonus offers in the list above.
What are deposit bonuses and why do casinos offer them?
A deposit bonus is some sort of benefit that casino operators give to players in exchange for depositing real money at the casino site. In other words, you get something extra for the money you deposit – for example in the form of free spins or additional cash.
So why do casinos offer this? Because the casino world is as competitive as every other industry and gambling companies compete against each other for your business. Players want to get more bang for their buck, and an appealing deposit bonus can be the main reason for a new player to choose a site over another one.
For players, a deposit bonus is a chance to capitalize on the casino and win some money if you're lucky. So, what kind of benefits do deposit bonuses entail? After quickly going over how to actually claim your first deposit bonus, I'll go more into some of the different types of deposit bonuses offered.
How to claim a first deposit bonus
Find a bonus that you like and sign up at the casino site that runs it.
Deposit the minimum amount required to qualify*.
The bonus should automatically be added to your account (bonus funds).
If your bonus doesn't immediately activate, you should contact customer support at the site. In the case of free spins, you might have to open a specific game to activate them.
*The minimum deposit amount required and other requirements can vary depending on the casino site and bonus. Some bonuses also require a unique code to be included with the deposit. You should always check the terms and conditions of the promotion carefully for all details.
Types of online casino deposit bonuses
Deposit bonuses are simply any type of bonus that somehow requires a deposit in order to claim it. In other words, it is a category covering a lot of offers. Here are some of the most common ones you might come across:
First deposit bonus
This is a one-time offer that is also known as a welcome bonus in casino lingo. In exchange for your first deposit(s), you'll normally get some extra bonus cash and/or free spins to play with. The casino operator will typically match your first deposit to a certain percentage and up to a certain amount.
EXAMPLE
A casino offers a 100% deposit bonus of up to $100. You deposit the full amount and receive a total of $200 in your balance (your $100 deposit and $100 in bonus money).
For this type of bonus, I recommend never depositing more than required to unlock the maximum bonus value. If you do this, you will get "less for your money" (as the bonus amount is capped) but in many cases, you will still have to include the full deposit amount in the wagering requirement.
You can also choose to deposit just the minimum required to get the bonus or as much as you want depending on your budget. Depositing $50 in the example above would mean you only get 50% of the bonus money up for grabs. But it is still a decent bonus if you're on a limited gambling budget.
Reload bonuses
Any deposits made after the first might qualify for a reload bonus depending on the site. Some casinos keep rewarding players with a second deposit bonus, a third deposit bonus, and so on. But usually the amount matched percentage is lower for such reload bonuses than on the first deposit, giving for example 75% or 50%.
A reload bonus might also be given at a later time, to entice you to make a deposit again if you haven't been active for a while. The casino wants you to fund your account and start playing again and therefore awards you with an enticing offer that makes it more interesting to "come back".
Free spins
Free spins is a type of bonus that is often given out as a first deposit bonus or reload bonus. Instead of getting additional playing funds, you get a set of spins that you can play for free (with the possibility of real money winnings).
Usually, your free game rounds are tied to a specific online slot that the casino operator or software provider wants to promote. Good promotions will give 100 or more free spins, but make sure to also look out for the cash value of the spins as less can sometimes be more.
Downsides of casino deposit bonuses
The advantages of deposit bonuses speak for themselves. You get more time and money to play with and ultimately more chances to win. But you might think that there must be some downsides too, in which case you'd be right. So, let's go over the disadvantages too.
Wagering requirement
Arguably the biggest downside is the common condition of a wagering requirement. While there are wager-free casino bonuses out there, most deposit bonuses require you to wager the bonus money and/or your deposit a certain number of times before you can cash out potential winnings.
The wagering requirement is normally listed as a number such as "x40" or "x50" and an explanation of what needs to be wagered that amount of times. This essentially means that you in most cases will have to spend more money than just your initial deposit before you can claim your bonus winnings.
EXAMPLE
A deposit bonus comes with a 40x wagering requirement on the deposit amount. You deposit $100 and therefore have to wager $4,000 before you can cash out winnings.
Other potential downsides
Deposit bonuses come with deadlines. There are always cut-off points to using the bonus funds and fulfilling the wagering requirement.
Some games might not qualify for the wagering requirement.
Minimum and maximum deposit limits apply.
Betting and winning limits may apply.
By knowing what to expect and look for, you can decide for yourself if you want to play with a deposit bonus, if you'd rather prefer to look into alternatives like no deposit bonuses, or even play without a bonus altogether.
All players have different preferences
and it is therefore up to you to find the best bonus deal for your budget and playing style. In the list at the top of this page, you can luckily find a selection of different bonuses to choose from – all with various terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions about casino deposit bonuses
What is a deposit bonus?
A deposit bonus is a type of bonus - usually cash, free spins, or both - that casinos give in exchange for players depositing and playing with real money.
What casino offers the best online casino bonus?
There are many types of online casino bonus promotions offered and all players have different preferences. You can find the best option for you by comparing offers here at Vegas Expert.
How do I claim a deposit bonus?
Sign up to the site and log in. Deposit the minimum amount required (and include the bonus code if needed). If any further actions are needed, this will be clearly stated in the terms and conditions.
What should I look out for when choosing a deposit bonus?
Always go with a reliable casino site and avoid unlicensed sites. When possible, you'll want to choose a deposit bonus with fair terms and conditions and especially a low wagering requirement.
Niklas Wirtanen
My name is Niklas Wirtanen, I work in the online gambling industry, and I am a professional poker player. Thanks to my years of experience in online casinos and other types of gambling, I've gained a thorough understanding of the ins and outs of this industry, which I decided to share through the Vegas Expert website. I hope my expertise will help make your gambling experience better.