Last updated: 19 November 2025
Bonuses are one of the biggest attractions of online casinos. They add excitement to your gaming experience and boost your bankroll. However, understanding how they work is essential if you want to make the most of them.
In this online casino bonus guide, we’ll explain what casino bonuses are, the different types available, and the bonus terms to know about. Better yet, we provide expert advice on how to choose the best bonuses and squeeze the most value out of them.
What are casino bonuses?
Casino bonuses are promotional rewards that online casinos use to attract new players and retain existing ones. These bonuses can come in many forms, such as free spins, deposit matches, or loyalty rewards.
Although bonuses can increase your playtime and improve your overall experience, keep in mind that they are not free money. Every bonus comes with terms and conditions attached to it.
Types of online casino bonuses
Online casinos offer various types of bonuses. Below are the most common ones you’ll come across when gaming online.
- Welcome Bonus
This is the most popular casino promotion and is only offered to new players upon registration. Welcome offers often include deposit match bonuses, free spins, or cashback.
Before accepting any welcome offer, it’s essential to check its minimum deposit requirement, eligible games, wagering requirements and other terms and conditions.
- No Deposit Bonus
A no-deposit bonus allows you to try out a casino without spending your own money. You typically receive a small cash bonus or a few free spins after registering.
While this bonus may sound appealing, it usually comes with high wagering requirements or low withdrawal limits.
- Reload Bonus
Reload bonuses are offered to existing players who make additional deposits after their first one. They work similarly to welcome offers, but the percentage match is usually lower.
Reload bonuses also typically come with terms and conditions, including wagering requirements and minimum deposit amounts.
- Free Spins
Free spins let you spin the reels of specific slot games for free. They may be part of a casino’s welcome package or ongoing promotions. Winnings from free spins are usually credited as bonus funds, which means you’ll need to wager them before you can withdraw.
Besides wagering requirements, free spins also come with terms like eligible games, maximum winnings, and validity periods.
- Cashback
Cashback gives you back a percentage of your losses over a set period. This offer reduces your losses and extends your playtime.
The best cashback offers come with low or no wagering requirements, making them more valuable than other types of bonuses.
- Loyalty and VIP Rewards
Many casinos run loyalty programmes where you earn points for every wager. These points can later be exchanged for bonuses, free spins, or even cash.
VIP players may also receive exclusive rewards, such as personal account managers, higher withdrawal limits, and special promotions.
Bonus terms and conditions explained
Every casino bonus comes with terms that determine how it can be used. Ignoring them can lead to losing your bonus or winnings. Below, we’ll explain the key bonus terms and conditions you should know.
- Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements, also known as playthrough requirements, are the number of times you must wager the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings from it. Wagering requirements of 30x or lower are usually considered pretty reasonable.
- Minimum Deposit
To claim most bonuses, a minimum deposit is required. This is often between £10 and £20. Depositing less than the stated amount means you won’t qualify for the offer. Always check this info before making a deposit.
- Wagering Contribution
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Slots usually count 100%, while table and live dealer games contribute between 5% to 20%. Some titles might not even count towards the wagering requirement at all.
- Maximum Bet Limit
Casinos often set a limit on how much you can bet per round while using bonus funds. This is typically capped at £5 per spin or round. Exceeding this limit can result in the casino voiding your bonus.
- Bonus Validity Period
Every bonus has an expiry date, usually between 7 and 30 days. Free spins are typically valid for 24 to 72 hours, while other types of bonuses may last longer. Failing to use your bonus before it expires means losing it.
- Payment Method Restrictions
Using certain payment options to deposit funds, such as e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller, may mean you are excluded from bonus eligibility. Such restrictions vary from site to site, so it’s always wise to check beforehand to avoid disappointment.
Tips to choose the best casino bonuses
Here are some signs that a bonus may be worth considering
- Wagering requirements below 40x.
- Clear and transparent bonus terms.
- Low minimum deposit and reasonable expiry dates
- Bonuses are valid across several games, not just one or two.