What is a reload bonus?
Bob Mitchell
Last Updated:
15 Dec 2024
A deposit bonus for existing players, usually offered on a specific day or via a promotional code. Similar to a welcome bonus but typically smaller and available to claim repeatedly rather than just once.
What a reload bonus is
A reload bonus is a deposit match or percentage bonus offered to players who are already registered at a casino. Unlike a welcome bonus, which you can only claim once, reload bonuses are designed to be used repeatedly. They are a retention tool: the casino's way of encouraging existing players to keep depositing rather than moving elsewhere.
The most common format is a weekly or daily reload, where the casino matches a percentage of your deposit on a specific day. Friday reloads are particularly common. The match percentage is usually lower than a welcome bonus, often in the 25% to 75% range, with a lower cap on the maximum bonus amount.
How to claim them
Some reload bonuses are applied automatically when you deposit on the qualifying day. Others require you to enter a promotional code at the cashier before or during the deposit. If a code is required and you do not enter it, you will not receive the bonus. The casino will not apply it retroactively.
Are they worth taking?
That depends on the wagering requirement and what you intend to play. A 50% reload with a 20x wagering requirement on a day you were planning to play anyway adds value without changing your behaviour. A reload with a 40x requirement forces you to play through far more than the bonus is likely worth. Apply the same scrutiny you would to any other bonus offer.