New and casual players often have many questions when they start playing at online casinos. In this online casino bonus guide, we’ll explain how casino bonuses work and break down the most common types of bonuses. Whether you’re in Ireland or New Zealand, understanding these offers can boost your bankroll at trusted casino sites. We’ll cover welcome bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, free spins, cashback, reload bonuses and more, and explain key terms like bonus codes, wagering requirements, expiry dates and maximum winnings.
Types of Casino Bonuses
Online casinos offer various promotional bonuses to attract new players and reward existing ones. The main bonus types include:
Welcome Bonuses
A welcome bonus (or first deposit bonus) is typically the biggest bonus for new players. It usually matches a percentage of your initial deposit – for example, a 100% match up to €100 means depositing €100 gives you €100 extra bonus money. Welcome offers often include free spins on slot games as well. This bonus activates once you register an account and make your first deposit.
No-Deposit Bonuses
A no-deposit bonus gives you free bonus funds (or free spins) without requiring any deposit. This is often a small bonus (e.g. €5 or a handful of spins) to let new players try games risk-free. Casinos use these to encourage new sign-ups. Note that no-deposit bonuses still come with wagering rules and withdrawal limits, so you usually can’t withdraw the bonus money immediately.
Free Spins Bonuses
Free spins are free plays on slot machines. Casinos often award them as part of a welcome package or reload offer, or as standalone promotions. Free spins allow you to spin selected slots a certain number of times without spending your own money. Any winnings from free spins will typically be credited as bonus balance that must be wagered before withdrawal.
Cashback Bonuses
A cashback bonus returns a percentage of your losses or wagers over a period (daily, weekly, etc.). For example, a 10% cashback means if you lose €50 in a week, you get €5 back. Cashback rates vary by casino and sometimes by your VIP level. It’s like a partial refund on losses, giving you more chances to play. Unlike other bonuses, cashback is often paid as bonus credit that may have a wagering requirement before you can cash out.
Reload Bonuses
A reload bonus is a deposit bonus for existing players (beyond the initial welcome bonus). After your first deposit, many casinos reward you for subsequent deposits with reload offers. For example, a casino might offer a 50% reload bonus on any deposit. You must make a new deposit to claim it, sometimes with a bonus code. Reloads keep players active by giving extra funds – essentially, “reloads” of bonus money after the first deposit.
Other Promotions
Some casinos also have loyalty or VIP programs, daily promotions, and exclusive deals. Loyalty programs let you earn points for wagering that can be exchanged for bonuses or cash. Daily or weekly promos might include spin-the-wheel games, leaderboards or prize draws. Always check casino promotions regularly.
How Casino Bonuses Work
Casino bonuses come with rules and conditions. Understanding these key terms will help you use bonuses effectively:
Bonus Codes
Some bonuses require a bonus code (a promo or coupon code) to claim them. When depositing, you may see a field to enter a code. Casinos use codes to track and assign specific offers. Often, codes are displayed on the casino promotions page or emailed to players. Simply copy the code and enter it at the cashier when making your deposit to unlock the bonus. Other bonuses may apply automatically without a code.
Wagering Requirements (Playthrough)
Wagering requirements (or playthrough) are the number of times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, a 20x wagering requirement on a €10 bonus means you must wager €200 (20 × €10) before you can cash out. Most casino bonuses have wagering requirements (often 20x–50x). When betting toward the requirement, note that not all games count equally (slots usually count 100%, but table games might count less). Always read the bonus terms – meeting the wagering requirement is required to turn your bonus funds into real withdrawable cash.
Expiry and Bonus Terms
Bonuses often have an expiry date by which you must use them. For example, a welcome bonus might expire 30 days after you claim it. If you don’t wager or use the bonus by then, the bonus and any winnings from it are removed. Other common terms include a minimum deposit to activate the bonus, and which games are eligible. Always check the full terms and conditions for each bonus. Casinos are required to publish the rules, and understanding them ensures you use the bonus correctly.
Maximum Winnings & Cashout Limits
Many bonuses come with a maximum cashout limit, capping how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings. For instance, even if you win €200 playing with bonus funds, the casino might only allow €100 withdrawal (the rest is forfeited). This is meant to prevent abuse of no-deposit deals in particular. The limit is usually outlined in the bonus terms. The Odds Shark guide notes that “if you win €150 with a no-deposit bonus, you may only be able to withdraw €100”. Always note any max-win limits before betting bonus money.
