Unlocking Rewards: Exploring the Different Types of Welcome Bonuses in Online Casinos

It’s always exciting looking for and finding a new online casino to try out, with the opportunity to explore a fresh library of games. And joining a new casino often means you’ll be eligible for a welcome bonus.

A welcome bonus is a freebie that’s granted exclusively to new players. As the competition between online casinos is so fierce, there are often very generous welcome offers in place to attract new players.

But with so many types of welcome bonuses available, which one should you choose? In this guide, we’ll explain what’s included with each bonus, any pitfalls to look out for, and how to pick the welcome bonus that’s right for you.

Different Types of Welcome Bonus

There are many casino bonuses out there, with casinos lining up to offer the best deal to new recruits. Lots of players opt to register with multiple casinos to take advantage of the full range of bonuses, with the very best offers usually reserved for new players.

But there are multiple different types of welcome bonuses, and some may suit you more than others. Below, you’ll find a breakdown of the most common welcome bonuses and how they work.

No Deposit Bonuses

One of the rarest but most searched for types of promotion, no deposit bonuses are typically only ever offered in welcome packages. As the name suggests, no deposit is required for the player to receive the bonus. This may seem too good to be true, but there are no catches involved: sign up to the casino, and when your account is live, you’ll be able to claim the no deposit bonus.

The no deposit bonus is often given as bonus credit to your account; this can’t be withdrawn and must be used to wager on games. You may also receive free spins; this may be in addition to the bonus cash.

There’s no question that a no deposit bonus offers the chance for players to explore different games and try them out completely free. Playing with a no deposit bonus doesn’t cost anything. However, it’s also important to note that the withdrawal cap is often lower, and there may be tough wagering requirements to satisfy. This means that although you really will be playing for free, you’ll only ever be able to withdraw a small sum from the bonus games.

Match Deposit Bonuses

In contrast to a no deposit bonus, casinos also offer match deposit bonuses. These are special promotions that are only triggered when players deposit a qualifying amount. Every match deposit bonus will have its own terms, but it’s common for the requirement level to be set at £10-£20 (or the equivalent in your local currency)

The bonus is typically expressed as a percentage of the deposit. For example, a £20 deposit with a 100% match deposit means that the player will pay in £20, and the casino will add a further £20 to the account. Some match deposits can feature very generous amounts of up to 200%-300%.

It’s also possible to find tiered match deposits. Such casino promotions pay out multiple bonuses, often for the first, second, and third deposits. These are typically set at different levels, with different qualifying values for each.

As you’re paying in some of your own funds, the withdrawal cap for a match deposit bonus is often set higher than a no deposit bonus. However, it’s essential to consider how much you’re paying compared to the total bonus winnings you can withdraw.

Free Spins

Free spins are a very common part of a welcome bonus and are also frequently offered as part of other promotions. They may be awarded either on their own or together with a bonus cash value.

If the bonus includes a large number of free spins, you may not receive them all at once. It’s common for casinos to release them in batches; this is an advantage as it gives you time to play them all before the time limit expires.

The terms and conditions of the free spins will specify the value of each turn. Just like other types of bonuses, free spins are usually subject to wagering requirements.

Free spins are a simple and easy way to enjoy a casino bonus, but you should still check the terms and conditions. Casinos may often specify what games the free spins can be played on, and in some cases you may receive free spins for a specific slot game.

Cashback Bonuses

A cashback bonus is a slightly different type of offer, but one that’s equally as valuable. Instead of crediting bonus funds at the start, a cashback bonus pays out if you’re on a losing streak.

The terms of a cashback bonus will specify the timescale, but it’s typically one week. If you have lost money over the whole week, a cashback bonus will give you a percentage of your losses back. Most often, it will be credited as bonus cash, which is subject to wagering requirements, or sometimes, it’s credited as real cash that can be withdrawn instantly.

High Roller Bonuses

Although online casino promotions are open to all budgets, there’s always an upper limit for offers such as deposit match bonuses. If you’re a high roller planning to spend large sums, this ceiling may be slightly low.

A high roller bonus works in the same way as other bonuses but allows much larger deposits and has higher limits. Some of the terms may be more generous, such as matching a higher percentage for a deposit bonus. Players will have to deposit a certain sum to qualify for the high roller bonus.

Exclusive Bonuses

Not all bonuses will be widely available; players have to be in the right place to get the very best deals.

This means it’s a good idea to sign up on sites such as CasinoGrounds, as it’s possible to get special offers you won’t find anywhere else. These exclusive bonuses can typically be claimed by clicking a link on the site or entering a bonus code when registering.

Remember About Bonus Codes

There are different ways to claim a bonus. In some cases, the offer is open to everyone and will be automatically awarded after signing up. At other times, the player will receive an exclusive offer and need to click through a hyperlink to receive the special welcome bonus.

However, sometimes, there will be a bonus code. When this applies, players must input the bonus code at the relevant time to claim the bonus. Missing the opportunity typically means that the bonus is forfeited, as it can’t usually be applied retrospectively.

Bonus codes can be found on casino reviews or casino-related sites. They may also be included in promotional material or a newsletter sent out by the casino.

Some bonus codes need to be entered during the registration process. An empty box and an onscreen prompt will inform players what to do if this applies. Sometimes, the bonus code won’t need to be input during the registration process at all but will need to be used after sign-up. If this is the case, when account verification is complete, players will need to navigate to the Cashier area. As you make a qualifying deposit, you should have the chance to input a bonus code, which should trigger the promotion.

If you have a bonus code that doesn’t work, you can always contact the customer service team at the casino. Occasionally, technology can suffer a glitch, so it’s always worth checking.

What You Need To Know About Bonus Wagering

Wagering requirements are a part of almost every welcome offer, and many other types of casino bonuses too. Understanding what they are and how they work is important because wagering requirements affect when you can withdraw your winnings.

Put simply, wagering requirements specify the number of times you must gamble the bonus value or your winnings again before you can make a withdrawal. For example, if the wagering requirements are x10, you must gamble the sum ten more times.

The lower the wagering requirements, the easier they are to fulfil. Therefore, looking for a welcome bonus with low wagering requirements is in the player's best interests. Watch out for a timeframe to complete the wagering requirements: it may actually be easier to complete 40x wagering requirements in a course of a month than 20x within a week.

Understanding the Terms and Conditions

Wagering requirements aren’t the only terms and conditions that apply to a welcome bonus. There isn’t a universal list; different terms may apply at each online casino. Things to look out for include: a prize cap, limited time, game restrictions, and acceptable payment methods.

Looking through the rules may not be thrilling, but it’s always important to make sure you’re fully aware of the terms and conditions before claiming a bonus.

How to Choose the Best Welcome Bonus

As you’ve probably gathered by now, not all welcome bonus promotions are created equal. Some bonuses are more generous, while others have fewer terms and conditions that you must fulfill.

But how do you choose which bonus to claim when you’re not comparing like with like? Here are a few factors that could help you make up your mind.

Type of Bonus

There’s no right or wrong answer here; not everyone likes the same kind of bonus. A cashback bonus is great for providing a safety net of sorts, while a no deposit bonus lets you try out games without any risk.

A deposit match bonus often credits the most bonus funds, but you must pay in money first. Free spins are a simple and easy way to use a bonus, but the terms can be restrictive on the games you play. They all offer great options, so think about what your priority is and pick the type of bonus that matches your style of play.

Bonus Value

This may sound obvious, but you should look carefully before just plumping for the bonus with the highest value. For example, a no deposit bonus of £50 may sound better than a bonus of £25, but you should check the terms and conditions first.

Some bonuses cap the potential payout at a much lower level or impose difficult time restrictions that are hard to fulfil. Look for bonuses with terms that seem realistic rather than automatically opting for the highest sum.

Wagering Requirements

As we described above, wagering requirements are a barrier to withdrawing your winnings. Look for a bonus that has the lowest possible wagering requirements and/or the longest period of time to fulfil them. Remember: if you don’t satisfy the wagering requirements, you’ll forfeit all of your bonus winnings, so this really is an important factor!

Eligible Games

Do you prefer playing blackjack to bingo? Or perhaps you’re a bit of a demon on the roulette wheel? Or maybe you just love slots and have your own favourite software provider?

Not all casinos excel in every area, so look at their library of available games before signing up. Check the software providers they have partnered with, whether they have live dealer games, and whether they have the titles that you want to play.

Licensed Casino

We’ve spoken at length about the various aspects of the bonus to consider, but don’t forget to check the casino’s credentials too. Playing at a casino that’s properly licensed will ensure you always get your winnings and that your personal data will be safe.

Conclusion

That concludes our round-up of the different types of welcome bonuses, with lots of information here to consider! A good welcome bonus can be a valuable addition to your session, allowing you to play longer within the same budget and more chances to win.

Although it’s a good idea to whittle down the offers to the best promotions, don’t forget that you can register with multiple casinos. Keep checking back to find the latest welcome bonus offers and new online casinos to get more of the bonus deals that we all love!