Guide Summary
- Deposits with Skrill and Neteller are not eligible.
- Spins will be credited in batches.
What Are First Deposit Bonuses? | 101 Comprehensive Guide
A first deposit bonus is a promotional offer provided by the best-rated international online casinos to reward new players for making their first-ever payment at the casino. Typically, this bonus matches a percentage of your deposit, effectively increasing your bankroll from the start.
For example, a 100% match bonus on a €100 deposit will give you an additional €100, so you’ll have a total of €200 to play with. These bonuses come in various forms and percentages, such as 50%, 75%, or even 200%, depending on the casino site. Some casinos go beyond, granting players 300%, 400%, or 500% deposit match offers, though they are few and far between.
How Does a Bonus on First Deposit Work?
A first deposit bonus works like so: When you create an account at an online casino and make your first deposit, the casino offers a bonus based on the minimum amount you deposit. First deposit bonuses come in various forms, such as extra funds, free spins, or cashback rewards. To activate the bonus, you may need to enter a bonus code, or it may be automatically credited to your account.
Key Components:
- Match Percentage: The percentage of your first deposit that the casino will match (e.g., 100%, 50%).
- Bonus Amount: The actual value of the bonus you’ve received as a first-time depositor.
- Minimum Deposit: The smallest amount you need to deposit to qualify for the bonus (e.g., €20).
- Maximum Bonus: The highest amount of bonus you can receive, regardless of your deposit size (e.g., up to €500). This is typically specified in the bonus terms and conditions.
Types of First Deposit Bonuses
| Bonus Type | Definition | Example | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|
| No Wagering Bonuses | No wagering promotions at casinos do not require you to wager the bonus amount before withdrawing winnings. | A €100 bonus with 0x wagering requirements. | Learn More About No Wagering Bonuses |
| Low Wagering Bonuses | Bonuses that have minimal wagering requirements, meaning you’ll be able to withdraw winnings more easily. Between no wagerin and low wagering casino bonuses, no wagering bonuses are more recommended. | A €200 bonus with a 10x wagering requirement. | Explore Low Wagering Bonuses |
| Free Spins on Deposit | A starter bonus that includes free spins on selected slot games as part of the first deposit offer. For example, the most common bonus comes with 10 free spins on deposit. | 50 free spins on Starburst with a €10 deposit. | Check Out Our Full List of Free Spins Bonuses for 10 Euro |
| Deposit Match Bonus | The most common type of first deposit bonus, usually a 100% or 200 match percentage of your initial deposit. | 100% match up to €500. | Discover Standard Welcome Bonuses |
| Exclusive Bonuses | Unique bonuses granted for loyal members or given during seasonal periods. | An exclusive €300 bonus available only to VIP members. | Find Exclusive Bonuses |
How CasinoAlpha Rates First Deposit Bonus Offers
CasinoAlpha and its team serve an important purpose. We exist to be your go-to unbiased experts for everything casino-related. So, how do we ensure we’re giving you the best info?
That’s simple: we look into the ins and outs of any question you might have. To rate any type of bonus or the casinos offering them, we research and test everything. When researching this bonus, here are a few of the aspects we focused on:
- Bonus amount and percentage: Less is more; it definitely doesn’t apply here. The bigger the bonus, whether relating to the monetary or percentage amount, the more money you’ll have to play with in the online casino.
- Wagering requirements: This can be a tricky one and an aspect that new casino players might not be aware of. We’ll discuss this a little later on, but for this section of our article, let’s just say, as a player, you want a lower wagering requirement. This will make it easier for you to withdraw any bonus winnings later on.
- Game restrictions: A lot of European online casinos only allow you to use your bonuses on specific types of games, such as slots. Given the flexibility to use your bonus on other games, such as virtual table games and live casino games, it is a huge treat. We’re here to let you know when and where such bonuses are available.
- Validity period: No matter how great a bonus is, you’ll want time to enjoy it. When an online casino gives you more time to play your bonus through, you’ll be able to think about where and how you place your bets rather than just meeting the requirements.
- Payment methods: To receive a deposit bonus, it’s no surprise that the way you make a payment might come into play. Customers like you value variety and accessibility. The more payment methods available, the higher the rate will be.
We hope that by evaluating these factors, we can help players find great first deposit bonuses that offer real value.
Understanding the Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements – also known as rollover requirements- are conditions set by online casinos that determine how many times you must wager your first deposit bonus amount before you can withdraw any generated winnings. Despite being seen as a hindrance, wagering requirements can be beneficial, ensuring that players engage with the casino’s games before cashing out bonus funds.
To put things in perspective, a bonus can come with a low wagering requirement of 10x or even 30x, or, it can hold higher rollover amounts of 65x. Keep in mind that some bonuses also impose a 200x wagering, so it’s important to check the T&Cs before redeeming a specific bonus.
Our Tip:
Sites falling under the umbrella of Casino Rewards casinos usually have exceedingly high wagering requirements of 200x, which is also a characteristic that is typical for them. When you come across one of these sites, be careful and read the T&Cs carefully.
Key Components for the Wagering Requirement
| Component | Definition | Example | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Multiplier | Indicates the number of times you must wager the bonus amount to meet the wagering requirements. | A 30x multiplier on a €100 bonus requires you to place bets totaling €3,000 (€100 x 30). | Promotes fair play and reduces bonus abuse. |
| Wagering Calculation | The process of multiplying the bonus amount by the wagering multiplier to determine the total amount you need to bet. | €200 x 25 = €5,000 | Helps players understand the total betting required to unlock their bonus winnings, aiding in financial planning. |
| Eligible Games | Specific games that count towards fulfilling wagering requirements. | Slots: 100% (e.g., Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest) Table Games: 20% (e.g., Blackjack, Roulette) Live Dealer Games: 5% (e.g., Live Roulette) Excluded Games: Progressive jackpots, certain bingo games | Players should focus their wagering on games that offer higher contribution rates to meet requirements faster. |
| Time Frame | The deadline by which you must fulfill the wagering requirements. | A bonus may require wagering €3,000 within 14 days of receiving the bonus. | Encourages timely use of bonus funds and prevents long-term holding of bonus money without engagement. |
| Contribution Rate | The percentage of each wager that counts towards meeting the wagering requirements. | Slots: 100% Roulette: 50% Blackjack: 10% | Differentiates game types based on their contribution, allowing players to strategize their wagering to meet requirements efficiently. |
As a player, paying attention to the wagering requirements for first deposit bonuses is crucial. Here’s how these components can impact your gaming experience:
- Easier Withdrawal: Lower first deposit wagering requirements (e.g., 20x instead of 40x) make it easier to convert bonus funds into withdrawable cash. This is why we also recommend trying out a bonus from a fast-paying online casino, since the combo between low wagering and fast cashouts is the way to go.
- Game Selection: Focusing on games with higher contribution rates helps you meet wagering requirements way faster.
- Time Management: Being aware of the time frame ensures you utilize the bonus effectively without losing your funds.
- Strategic Betting: Understanding how each game contributes allows for a more strategic approach to wagering, optimizing your chances of meeting requirements without excessive risk.
How To Calculate The Wagering Requirement for Your First Deposit Bonus
| Step | Action | Calculation | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Determine Total Wagering Required | Multiply Bonus Amount by Multiplier | €200 × 25 | €5,000 |
| 2. Allocate Bets to High-Contribution Games | Wager on Slots (100%) and Roulette (50%) | Slots: €3,000 × 100% = €3,000 Roulette: €4,000 × 50% = €2,000 | Total Contribution: €5,000 |
Step 1. Bonus Breakdown
- Bonus Amount: €200
- Multiplier: 25x
- Eligible Games: Slots: 100% contribution, Roulette: 50% contribution, Blackjack: 10% contribution
- Time Frame: 14 days
Calculate the total wagering requirement and determine how different games contribute towards fulfilling this requirement.
Step 2: Understanding the Multiplier
The multiplier indicates how many times you must wager the bonus amount to meet the wagering requirements.
Calculation:
Total Wagering Required = Bonus Amount × Multiplier
Total Wagering Required = €200 × 25 = €5,000
Step 3. Apply Contribution Rates
Different games contribute differently towards fulfilling the wagering requirements. Here’s how each game type contributes based on the Contribution Rate:
| Game Type | Contribution Rate (%) | Example Games | Key Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slots | 100% | Starburst, Gonzo’s Quest, Mega Moolah | Highest Contribution: Slots fully contribute to wagering requirements, making them the fastest way to meet your obligations. Ideal for quickly unlocking bonus funds. |
| Roulette | 50% | American Roulette, European Roulette, French Roulette | Moderate Contribution: Roulette contributes half towards wagering requirements. A balanced choice between risk and contribution. |
| Blackjack | 10% | Classic Blackjack, European Blackjack, Atlantic City Blackjack | Low Contribution: Blackjack offers minimal contribution, requiring significantly more bets to fulfill wagering requirements. Best used sparingly if needed. |
| Live Dealer Games | 5% | Live Roulette, Live Blackjack, Live Baccarat | Very Low Contribution: These games contribute minimally, making them less effective for meeting wagering requirements quickly. Suitable for immersive gaming experiences rather than fulfilling bonus conditions. |
| Poker | 20% | Texas Hold’em, Omaha, Stud Poker | Moderate Contribution: Poker games contribute moderately, offering a balance between engagement and meeting wagering requirements. |
| Bingo | 0% | Progressive Bingo, Classic Bingo | Excluded Games: Certain bingo games, especially those with progressive jackpots, do not contribute towards wagering requirements. Avoid these if your goal is to meet bonus conditions. |
Step 4. Strategic Wagering to Meet Requirements
To efficiently meet the €5,000 wagering requirement within the 14-day time frame, focus on games with higher contribution rates. Here’s a recommended strategy:
- Prioritize Slots: Since slots contribute 100%, wagering €3,000 on slots will fulfill €3,000 of the requirement.
- Supplement with Roulette: Wagering €4,000 on roulette will contribute €2,000 (since 50% of €4,000 is €2,000).
- Total Contribution:
Slots: €3,000 × 100% = €3,000
Roulette: €4,000 × 50% = €2,000
Total: €3,000 + €2,000 = €5,000
This approach ensures that the entire €5,000 wagering requirement is met within the 14-day period by leveraging games with higher contribution rates.
Online Casino First Deposit Bonus T&C – Complete Glossary of Bonus Terms & Conditions
| Bonus Term | Term Definition | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering Requirements | The number of times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings derived from it. | Determines how much you need to play through the bonus, affecting how quickly you can access your winnings. |
| Bonus Code | A specific code that you may need to enter to activate your first deposit bonus. | Ensures you receive the correct bonus and unlocks exclusive offers. |
| Minimum Deposit | The smallest amount you need to deposit to qualify for the bonus. | This allows you to choose a deposit amount that fits your budget. |
| Maximum Bonus | The maximum amount you can receive from a bonus, regardless of how much you deposited. | Caps the bonus to prevent excessive allocations. |
| Expiration Date | The deadline by which you must use the bonus or meet the wagering requirements before the bonus expires. | Encourages timely usage of the bonus, ensuring you won’t lose your promo. |
| Eligible Games | Specific games or activities where the bonus can be utilized or contribute towards wagering requirements. | Guides you on where you can use your bonus effectively, maximizing your chances to meet wagering requirements. |
| Withdrawal Limits | The maximum amount you can withdraw from a specific offer. | Controls how much you can take out from the bonus. |
| KYC (Know Your Customer) | A process where the casino verifies your identity by requesting documents like ID and proof of address. | Ensures security and prevents fraud, protecting both the player and the casino by verifying that users are legitimate and meet eligibility criteria. |
| Bet Limits | The maximum amount you can wager on a single bet when using bonus funds. | Prevents excessive risk-taking with bonus funds, promoting responsible gambling and protecting the casino from large, potentially unmanageable losses. |
| Game Restrictions | Specific games or types of games that are excluded from using bonuses or contributing towards wagering requirements. | Ensures fair use of bonuses and prevents exploitation by restricting bonuses to certain games. |
| Self-Exclusion | An option that allows players to opt-out of receiving bonuses or to restrict their gambling activities for a specified period. | Promotes responsible gambling by providing tools for players to manage their gaming behavior and prevent addiction. |
| Anti-Fraud Measures | Strategies and systems implemented to prevent misuse or exploitation of bonuses, such as identity verification and IP tracking. | Maintains the integrity of the casino by preventing fraudulent activities and ensuring that bonuses are used as intended. |
| Eligibility Restrictions | Conditions that determine who can qualify for the bonus, such as age, location, and account status. | Ensures that bonuses are granted only to eligible players, complying with legal regulations and maintaining fair play standards. |
| Partial Fulfillment | The ability to track and account for partial progress towards meeting wagering requirements. | Allows players to see their progress and manage their betting strategy accordingly, providing transparency and motivation to meet wagering goals. |
| Reset Policies | Conditions under which wagering requirements may reset or be extended, such as failing to meet requirements within the timeframe. | Ensures fairness by defining clear rules for when wagering requirements must be met and what happens if they are not, preventing ambiguity and potential disputes. |
Best 2025 Alternatives to First Deposit Bonuses
| Comparison Attributes | First Deposit Bonus | No Wagering Bonus | Low Wagering Bonuses | No Deposit Bonus | Cashback Bonuses | Loyalty Bonuses |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus Format | 100% Match Bonus | €50 No Wagering Bonus | €100 Low Wagering Bonus | €20 Free Bonus | 10% Weekly Cashback | Get 100% Match Bonus on the Game of the Month |
| Average Min. Deposit | €20 | €50 | €20 | €0 | €25 | €100 |
| Average Wagering Requirement | 20x | 0x | 10x | Varies (often 20x on bonus) | 1x on cashback | Varies (typically lower for VIPs) |
| Average Maximum Cashout | €500 | €500 | €1,000 | €300 | €200 | €1,000+ |
| Why Should You Claim This Bonus | Increase Your Bankroll on Initial Deposit | Immediate Access to Winnings | Easier Conversion to Cash | Risk-Free Exploration | Bankroll Protection | Exclusive Perks and Rewards |
CasinoAlpha’s 6 Advanced Tips To Get Better First Deposit Promos
To make the most out of your first deposit bonus, it’s essential to gather as many tips and tricks as possible. Here are 6 practical, actionable tips comprised by our CasinoAlpha team, together with our CEO, Tudor Turiceanu, to help you optimize your bonus usage and enhance your overall gaming experience:
- Subscribe to Newsletters and Emails: By subscribing to newsletters and emails from online casinos and CasinoAlpha, you receive the latest updates on exclusive bonuses, promotions, and special offers directly to your inbox.
- Unlock Hidden or Unadvertised Bonuses through Live Chat or Customer Support: Many online casinos offer exclusive bonuses that aren’t advertised on their main pages. Engaging with customer support via live chat can help you uncover these hidden offers.
- Stay Updated on the Go With CasinoAlpha’s New First Deposit Bonus Perks: Push notifications keep you informed about the latest bonuses and promotions in real-time, ensuring you never miss out on valuable offers.
- Ask a Friend for Referral Bonuses: Referral bonuses reward you for inviting friends to join an online casino. This not only benefits you with extra bonuses but also provides your friends with their own welcome offers.
- Use CasinoAlpha’s Quiz: By completing our quiz, you receive an exclusive bonus tailored just for you.
- Make Use of Our Filters and Search Bar: CasinoAlpha’s platform offers advanced filters and a user-friendly search bar to help you locate the best first deposit bonuses tailored to your preferences. You can either sort bonuses based on match percentage, wagering requirements, bonus types, and more or enter specific criteria or keywords to find exactly what you’re looking for in the search bar.
Best Payment Methods For Your First Deposit Bonus Offers
| Payment Method | Type of Method | Min. Deposit | Max Cashout | What to Watch Out For | Why It Matters | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Credit/Debit Card | Traditional Payment | €10 | €5,000 | Potential fees for transactions | Widely accepted and easy to use | Use a trusted card issuer such as Visa or Mastercard to ensure secure transactions |
| PayPal | E-wallet | €10 | €5,000 | Not all casinos accept PayPal | Fast processing times and secure transactions | Link your PayPal account directly to your casino account |
| Neteller/Skrill | E-wallet | €10 | €5,000 | Neteller-focused casinos may have separate fees for deposits and withdrawals. This is also the case for casinos accepting Skrill payments. | High security and anonymity for transactions | Verify your account to unlock higher withdrawal limits |
| Bank Transfer | Direct Bank Transfer | €20 | €50,000 | Longer processing times (3-5 business days) | Suitable for large deposits and high withdrawal limits | Plan your deposits in advance to account for processing time |
| Cryptocurrencies | Digital Currency | €20 | €10,000 | It’s too volatile | Instant transactions and enhanced security | Use reputable cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin or Ethereum |
How Often Do We Update Our First Deposit Bonus List?
First deposit bonuses are frequently updated to reflect the latest promotions, ensuring that our users have access to the most competitive and advantageous offers available. Here’s how we maintain the freshness and accuracy of our bonus listings:
| Update Interval | CasinoAlpha’s Authors & Reviewers Process |
|---|---|
| Weekly Reviews | We conduct comprehensive reviews of all active first deposit bonuses every week. This includes verifying bonus amounts, match percentages, and wagering requirements. |
| Monthly Audits | In addition to weekly checks, we perform in-depth monthly audits to identify new bonuses, remove expired offers, and assess the overall quality of each promotion. |
| Real-Time Monitoring | Our team continuously monitors the international online casino landscape for spontaneous promotions and exclusive offers, ensuring immediate inclusion in our listings. |
Key Takeaways:
- Consistent Updates: Our weekly reviews and monthly audits ensure that our first deposit bonus listings are always current and accurate.
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Real-time tracking allows us to capture and feature exclusive and spontaneous bonus offers promptly.
- User-Centric Approach: Regular updates enhance user experience by providing reliable and up-to-date information, enabling informed decision-making.
- Trust and Reliability: Maintaining an accurate and refreshed bonus list builds trust and positions CasinoAlpha as a leading authority in the online casino space.
