What is a welcome bonus?
Bob Mitchell
Last Updated:
15 Dec 2024
An offer given to new players on their first deposit, usually a percentage match of what you put in. A 100% match up to $200 means deposit $200 and receive $200 in bonus funds on top.
How welcome bonuses work
A welcome bonus is designed to give new players more funds to play with on their first deposit. The most common format is a percentage match: a 100% match bonus up to $200 means the casino adds $200 in bonus funds for every $200 you deposit. You end up with $400 to play with, but $200 of that is bonus money subject to conditions.
Some casinos split the welcome offer across multiple deposits, typically two to four. Each part of the offer has its own match percentage and cap, and usually its own wagering requirement. This structure rewards players who keep depositing through the welcome phase rather than cashing out after the first deposit.
What to check before claiming
The headline figure is rarely the full picture. Look at the wagering requirement attached to the bonus, the time limit for clearing it, the maximum bet permitted while the bonus is active, and which games count toward the playthrough. A large match percentage with a 50x wagering requirement is often a worse deal than a smaller bonus at 20x.
Free spins as part of welcome offers
Many welcome bonuses include free spins alongside the deposit match. These come with their own wagering requirements, and the value per spin is set by the casino, usually between $0.10 and $0.20. Winnings from free spins are paid as bonus funds, not cash, and must also be played through before you can withdraw.