An Online Casino Welcome Bonus is an offer given by online casinos to new players who sign up for an account. Casinos design bonuses to encourage and reward you for playing at their casino. The main aim of an Online Casino Welcome Bonus is to give you extra funds to play. Of course, extra funds mean extra chances to secure a big win!
A welcome bonus can come in various forms, such as deposit match bonuses, free spins, etc. For instance, some of the top online casinos UK might offer a 100% deposit match bonus up to a certain number.
That means if you deposit ยฃ100, you get an extra ยฃ100 bonus funds. Or they might also offer a set number of free spins on specific slot machines.
A recent study on the welcome offers from over 500 online casinos revealed that the average welcome bonus offer was a 100% match on a player's first deposit of up to ยฃ100. The study also found the typical wagering requirement to be 20x.
It would help if you compared the offers from different online casinos to choose the best casino with the welcome offer.
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Then choose the one with the most favourable terms and conditions. It's also vital to consider the reputation and reliability of the online casino. That is to ensure a safe, secure, fair, and enjoyable gaming experience.
It is also an exciting way to increase your chances of winning big. Whether you're a veteran player or a newbie, taking advantage of an online casino welcome bonus can boost your bankroll.
Advantages of Playing at Online Casinos with Welcome Bonuses
There are several advantages you can get from online casino welcome bonuses. Here, we list out some of the most enticing ones:
Increased Bankroll: Bonuses provide you with extra funds to play your games. An increased bankroll also directly increases your chance of winning big.
Variety of Games: Secondly, online casinos with welcome bonuses offer a wider variety of games than traditional brick-and-mortar casinos. These games include blackjack, baccarat, roulette, craps, progressive jackpot slots, and live dealer games.
Convenient Access: Online casinos can be accessed from any internet-enabled smartphone worldwide. That allows you to play your favourite games anytime and at your convenience.
Safe and Secure: Reputable online casinos use state-of-the-art security measures to protect personal and financial information. Such casinos also tend to have some of the best welcome bonus online casinos in the industry.
Bigger Bonuses: Online casinos often offer more significant bonuses than traditional casinos. They do this to give new players a reason to sign up with them rather than with their competition.
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What to Look for in an Online Casino Welcome Bonus
When searching for an online casino big welcome bonus, you should consider the following factors:
Bonus Amount: Check for an online casino welcome bonus that offers generous extra funds.
Wagering Requirements: Confirm the wagering requirements attached to the bonus. Ensure that the wagering requirements are reasonable and achievable.
Eligible Games: Next, ensure you can use the bonus to play your favourite games, not just a select few. However, you can only use the bonus to play a few online casino games. Ensure these games are ones you like to play and are comfortable with your games. The games could be live casino games and video poker from big software providers like Microgaming, NetEnt, Playtech, etc.
Time Restrictions: Also, determine if there are any time restrictions on using the bonus. Some online casinos welcome bonuses that expire unless used within a specific timeframe. So, ensure this is different from the online casino you have chosen. However, if that were the case, you should confirm that the deadline is reasonable.
Payment Method Restrictions: Some bonuses may be limited to specific banking methods for withdrawals. So, be sure to check if your preferred banking options are eligible. The online casino should have payment options like MasterCard, Credit Card, Visa, e-wallets, Neteller, Paysafecard, Instadebit, Skrill, etc. If you're also into crypto, you can find a bonus that you can withdraw in Bitcoin or any other cryptocurrency. The deposit options should be convenient for you.
Considering these factors, you can find an online casino welcome bonus that offers the best value. You can also find one that suits your individual needs and preferences.
How to Calculate Online Casino Welcome Bonuses?
To find the expected value of the bonus, you have to calculate it even though it is on the online casino site. We have simplified the method by providing easy steps to follow to get the value of the online casino welcome bonus. To calculate the value, follow these steps:
Determine the bonus amount: Firstly, determine how much bonus funds you will receive from the online casino. It could be ยฃ100 or even ยฃ500.
Check the wagering requirements: Secondly, check the wagering requirements placed on the bonus. To calculate it, multiply the bonus amount by the wagering requirements. For instance, you got an initial bonus of ยฃ300 at a casino with 10x wagering requirements. That means you need to wager at least ยฃ3000 before you can withdraw your earnings.
Next, multiply the amount you got from the previous step by the house edge. If the house edge is 3%, then multiply it by this. From the values from the previous step, the resulting value would be ยฃ90. That means you can expect to lose ยฃ90 when wagering this bonus.
Lastly, compare the bonus amount to the value from the previous step. In our case, you would subtract ยฃ90 from the bonus amount of ยฃ300. You can then calculate the expected value to be ยฃ210.
Using these calculations, you can decide if the bonus is worth claiming.
How to Differentiate a Good Online Casino Welcome Bonus From a Bad One?
There are tons of online casino welcome bonuses. However, not all are great for you. You have to sieve through the noise and determine the ones that are great and the ones that aren't. Below, we highlight the significant differences between the best online casino welcome bonuses and bad ones.
Good
Bad
Have a high match percentage. They offer a high deposit match rate, typically up to 100% or more.
Have a low match percentage. They offer a low match rate of the deposit, typically less than 50%.
Have reasonable wagering requirements that are clear and attainable.
Have complicated and hard-to-meet wagering requirements.
Typically valid for longer periods. That means they give you enough time to use the bonus.
Terrible bonuses restrict players to a short amount of time to use the bonus. There usually needs to be more time to use the bonus.
Available for a variety of games. They allow players to use the bonus on a range of games.
Have limited game availability. They only allow players to use the bonus in a few games.
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Wagering requirements are also known as play-through requirements or rollover requirements. It is the amount you must wager before you can cash out from an online casino with a welcome bonus.
The goal of a wagering requirement is to prevent players from simply taking advantage of a welcome bonus or casino. If they weren't in place, players could win some real bonus money and withdraw it without playing any games.
You can calculate wagering requirements as a multiple of the bonus amount. For instance, suppose a casino offers a bonus of ยฃ200 with a 20x wagering requirement. You would need to wager 20 times the bonus before being able to withdraw your winnings. That means you will need to wager 20 * (ยฃ100) = ยฃ2000 before you can cash out.
However, some casinos also give the wagering requirements as a multiple of your deposit and match deposit bonus. For example, suppose a casino offers a 100% match deposit bonus with a 20x wagering requirement.
You would need to wager 20 times the deposit plus the bonus before being able to withdraw your winnings. That means if you deposit ยฃ100, you will receive ยฃ100 in bonus money. Then you must wager 20 * (ยฃ100 + ยฃ100) = ยฃ4000 before you can cash out.
It is also crucial to note that not all games count equally toward fulfilling wagering requirements. For example, online reels slot typically count 100%, while table games like blackjack and roulette may only count 50%. Additionally, some games don't count toward wagering requirements altogether.
In conclusion, you can make informed decisions when choosing casino bonuses by understanding wagering requirements. In the end, you also have a better online gambling experience.
Is it Worth Playing with an Online Casino Welcome Bonus?
Online casino welcome bonuses are an incredible way to boost your gameplay experience and win big. They offer you the chance to earn more rewards and prizes. Nevertheless, that is only applicable if you choose the best online casino welcome bonus. You can find these bonuses by keeping an eye out for the best welcome bonus online casino.
Hence, welcome casino bonuses are worth it if you choose the right one.
Finding the Right Bonus for You
Best Online Casino Welcome Bonuses in the UK
The online casino industry in the UK has experienced massive growth in recent years. In 2022 alone, the market size of the gambling sector in the UK was about ยฃ12.5 billion. Click here to learn more about the market size of the gambling sector in the UK from 2011 to 2021. We expect the figure to increase even further in the following years.
The abundance of online casinos that players enjoy has chiefly contributed to this growth. It's no surprise that these casinos typically have fantastic welcome bonuses. Below is a table showing some of the best British online casinos for online gaming:
Online Casino
Bonus
Jackpot City
Offers a ยฃ1600 bonus for new players.
Spin Palace
Welcome bonus of up to ยฃ1000.
Royal Vegas
New players receive a ยฃ1200 bonus.
Pokerstars
It has a ยฃ2000 welcome bonus for new players and even 50 bonus spins.
Ruby Fortune
Ruby Fortune offers a ยฃ750 bonus for new British players. It also has popular slot games like Mega Moolah, Major Millions, etc.
OhMyZino
They offer a 140% up to a ยฃ3000 bonus for new players from the UK.
888 Casino
Offers a ยฃ200 bonus for new British players. 888 Casino also has a huge game variety and a minimum deposit of ยฃ10.
Olympia
Olympia gives up to ยฃ10000 welcome bonus to new players.
Katsubet
New players receive 111% up to a ยฃ1500 bonus.
FreshBet
Freshbet has up to a ยฃ1500 bonus for new British players.
Other notable mentions include PlayOJO, Videoslots, etc.
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Here are some valuable tips we put together to guide you in finding the best online casino welcome bonus:
Start by Researching: Firstly, look for online casinos that offer welcome bonuses. Compare and contrast the offers and read the reviews of other players. Also, check forums, social media, and independent review gambling sites to find out what other gamblers have experienced. That will allow you to determine if the casino has a good reputation and track record.
Check the Terms and Conditions: Ensure you understand the wagering requirements, eligible games, validity period, and all other restrictions.
Fair Match Rate: A tremendous welcome bonus should offer a match rate of 100% or more, up to a certain amount. Some casinos offer a match rate of 200%, 400%, and even 500%!
Check for Excluded Games: Some games, such as progressive jackpots, may not be eligible for the welcome bonus. Find out the excluded games and ensure you are okay with that.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity: In our experience, we have discovered that quality is better than quantity when it comes to welcome bonuses. A single, high-quality welcome bonus is better than several lower-quality bonuses.
Take Advantage of No Deposit Bonuses: Some online casinos offer no-deposit bonuses, which allow you to try out the casino before making a deposit.
Lastly, check if the casino you have chosen has a mobile app available on mobile devices, i.e. Android or iOS devices. That would increase the convenience of playing at the mobile casino. The casino app should also support all the games the welcome bonus works.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Claiming your bonus
Apart from the tips above to help you find the best welcome bonuses, here are some other errors to avoid:
Refrain from reading the terms and conditions of the welcome bonus.
Not checking the wagering requirements before claiming the bonus.
Failing to check the expiration date of the welcome bonus.
Overlooking game restrictions for using the welcome bonus.
Please use the welcome bonus within the specified time limit.
Not being aware of the maximum withdrawal limit of winnings from the welcome bonus.
Playing restricted games that are not eligible for the welcome bonus.
Ignoring the maximum bet limit while playing with the welcome bonus.
Failing to check if the online casino is licensed and regulated.
Not checking the customer support options of the online casino before claiming the welcome bonus.
Strategies for Maximizing Your Welcome Bonus
Strategy
Description
Read the Terms and Conditions (T&Cs)
Read the terms and conditions carefully. Thoroughly understand the wagering requirements, eligible games, and any restrictions before claiming the bonus.
Choose Suitable Games
Pick games with the highest contribution to wagering requirements to maximize your bonus.
Bankroll Management
Manage your bankroll wisely. Bet sensibly and stick to your budget to maximize your play time and minimize losses.
Loyalty Programs
Take advantage of loyalty programs. Some online casinos offer loyalty points that you can exchange for bonus credits.
Promotions
Look out for promotions that offer additional bonuses or cashback on losses.
Play Within Your Limits
Avoid chasing losses or betting more than you can afford, to avoid negatively impacting your overall experience.
Go For an Online Casino Big Welcome Bonus
If you want to maximize your online casino experience, choose an online casino's big welcome bonus. Here are a few reasons why:
Boost Your Bankroll: A sizeable online casino welcome bonus can significantly boost your bankroll. That will give you more funds to play with and increase your chances of winning.
Longer Gaming Time: With a larger bankroll, you can spend more time playing your favourite games without worrying about running out of funds.
Access to More Games: A big online casino welcome bonus can allow you to try out a more comprehensive range of games. Without it, you may not have otherwise been able to play.
Extra Perks: Many online casinos offer additional perks, such as free spins or access to exclusive tournaments. That is mainly accessible to players who choose a big online casino welcome bonus.
Exploring the Benefits of Online Casino Welcome Bonuses for High Rollers
High-Rollers, who play with large amounts, have unique advantages regarding online casino welcome bonuses. Here are some benefits we have noticed casinos typically offer high-rollers:
More Considerable Bonus Amounts: Online casinos often offer high rollers more significant welcome bonuses than what is available to regular players.
Enhanced Rewards: With a high deposit amount, high rollers can earn extra perks, such as personalized bonuses, VIP service, and exclusive promotions.
Faster Clearing: High rollers can clear the bonus requirements quickly and get to the fun part of playing their preferred games.
Increased betting Limits: Online casinos often raise betting limits for high rollers, allowing them to place even larger bets and win bigger payouts.
More Games: High rollers can access a broader selection of games, including high-stakes and VIP-only games.
Better Odds: Online casinos with high-roller programs usually provide better odds for high-stakes games, making the gaming experience more favourable for high rollers.
If you're a high-roller, you can take advantage of these benefits to maximize your welcome bonus. However, it's essential to read the terms and conditions of the bonus to ensure it meets your specific needs.
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Are Online Casino Welcome Bonuses only available for new players?
Yes, the main goal of online casino welcome bonuses is to encourage and pull new players. And for this purpose, casinos make it as lucrative as possible.
Is it worth it to get an online casino welcome bonus?
If your goal is to boost your bankroll and odds of winning, they are worth it. However, to avoid cheating, the trick is to choose the best welcome bonus online casino.
Do online casino welcome bonuses expire?
Yes, they do. Most, if not all, online casino welcome bonuses have an expiration date. Hence, whatever casino you choose, ensure it has a long enough deadline for the welcome bonus.
Lars Wahlstrรถm( CEO and Publisher )
Lars Wahlstrรถm is a recognized leader in the iGaming industry, with over 20 years of experience from both the tech side and an operator. He's now CEO and Publisher at ARGO Gaming Group, the company behind Casinoclaw.
Games and gambling has been an interest of Lars' since early years and besides slots and casino, he's also into poker, sports betting and trotting.
All this experience is drawn upon when he writes, and we dare say he's one of the best casino writers out there. Lars' base is the ARGO HQ and Stockholm office, but he travels a lot and often participates in industry trade shows and panels. To get in contact with Lars, use our contact page or message him directly on LinkedIn or Twitter.
