Welcome Bonus Guide

Types of Welcome Bonuses

Deposit Match Bonuses

The most common type. The casino matches a percentage of your deposit:

Example: "100% up to £100"

• Deposit £100
• Receive £100 bonus
• Total playing funds: £200

Variations:

• 50% match - Deposit £100, get £50 bonus
• 200% match - Deposit £100, get £200 bonus (total £300)
• Tiered matches - Different percentages on multiple deposits

Free Spins

Spins on selected slots at no cost to you:

Types:

• Deposit free spins - Credited after depositing
• No deposit free spins - Given just for registering
• Wager-free free spins - Winnings paid as real cash

Important: Free spin value varies (usually £0.10-£0.20 per spin)

No Deposit Bonuses

Small bonuses given without requiring a deposit:

• Typically £5-£20 in bonus funds
• Or 10-50 free spins
• High wagering requirements
• Low maximum win caps

Cashback Offers

A percentage of losses returned:

• Example: "10% cashback up to £50"
• If you lose £100, receive £10 back
• Some have no wagering on the cashback
• Often ongoing, not just welcome offers

Understanding Wagering Requirements

What Are Wagering Requirements?

Wagering requirements (or playthrough requirements) specify how many times you must wager your bonus before withdrawing winnings.

Example: 35x wagering on a £100 bonus

• You must wager: £100 × 35 = £3,500
• Only then can you withdraw bonus winnings

Calculating True Cost

At 70x wagering, you're mathematically expected to lose more than the bonus is worth.

Wagering Rating Scale

Bonus + Deposit vs Bonus Only

"35x wagering on bonus only"

• £100 deposit + £100 bonus
• Wager £100 × 35 = £3,500

"35x wagering on bonus + deposit"

• £100 deposit + £100 bonus
• Wager £200 × 35 = £7,000

Always check which applies - it makes a massive difference.

Game Contributions

What Is Game Contribution?

Not all games count equally toward wagering. Casinos limit high-RTP or low-volatility games:

Typical Contributions:

Excluded Games

Some games don't count at all:

• Usually specified in terms
• Often includes certain slots (Blood Suckers, Mega Joker)
• Playing excluded games may void your bonus

Best Games for Wagering

Ideal characteristics:

• 100% contribution
• Low volatility (more spins from your bankroll)
• Reasonable RTP (96%+)
• Not excluded

Good choices:

• Starburst
• Aloha! Cluster Pays
• Thunderstruck II
• Most standard slots

Strategies for Bonus Play

Before Claiming

1. Read all terms - Know wagering, contributions, excluded games
2. Calculate the value - Use the formula above
3. Check withdrawal limits - Some bonuses cap max withdrawal
4. Note the time limit - Bonuses expire (often 7-30 days)

During Play

1. Play 100% contribution games only
2. Choose low-to-medium volatility - Extend your playtime
3. Use smaller stakes - More spins, more wagering covered
4. Track your progress - Most casinos show remaining requirements

Stake Sizing

Formula: Bonus Amount ÷ Required Wager × 500

Example: £100 bonus, 35x wagering

• Must wager: £3,500
• Ideal stake: £3,500 ÷ 500 = £0.70 per spin

This gives roughly 500 spins of coverage - enough for variance to smooth out.

When to Claim

Claim if:

• Wagering is 35x or below
• Time limit is 30+ days
• Max withdrawal isn't severely limited
• You were planning to deposit anyway

Skip if:

• Wagering exceeds 50x
• Tight time constraints
• Heavy restrictions on games you enjoy
• You don't like playing with restrictions

Red Flags to Avoid

Warning Signs

Extremely high wagering (70x+) These bonuses are designed to be nearly impossible to profit from.

Very short time limits (3-7 days) Rushing increases mistakes and poor decisions.

Low maximum win caps "Win up to £100 maximum" on a £100 bonus is poor value.

Unclear or hidden terms If terms are hard to find, the casino may not want you to find them.

Bonus "stickiness" Sticky bonuses mean the bonus itself can never be withdrawn - only winnings. Check if yours is sticky.

Questions to Ask

1. Is wagering on bonus only or bonus + deposit?
2. What games contribute 100%?
3. What's the time limit?
4. Is there a max withdrawal from bonus funds?
5. What's the max bet while bonus is active?

The Max Bet Rule

Most bonuses have maximum bet limits while active (often £5):

• Betting above this can void your bonus
• No warning - you just lose everything
• Always check and respect this limit

Making the Right Choice

When Bonuses Make Sense

• You're depositing anyway
• Terms are fair (35x or less)
• You enjoy playing slots
• You have time to complete wagering
• The value proposition is positive

When to Skip Bonuses

• You prefer table games (poor contribution)
• You have limited time
• Terms are restrictive
• You dislike playing under restrictions
• You'd rather just play with your own money

No-Wagering Alternatives

Some casinos offer no-wagering bonuses:

• Winnings are real cash immediately
• No playthrough requirements
• Usually smaller bonuses
• But 100% of value is accessible

These are objectively better when available.

Final Thoughts

Welcome bonuses can provide genuine value, but only if you understand what you're getting into. The best approach is:

1. Always read full terms
2. Calculate the expected value
3. Only claim if terms are reasonable
4. Play optimally for wagering
5. Don't chase bonus completion at any cost

Remember: a bonus that seems too good to be true usually is. Fair casinos offer fair terms. If something looks exploitative, it probably is.