Online casino bonuses represent a great way to build up your balance while you tackle many of the internet’s games. With a handy bonus, you can bolster your finances, allowing you to wager larger sums or play for longer periods, all in a bid to win extra cash. Of course, while you won’t want to turn your nose up to what can sometimes be free cash, there are still things you should know about what makes the best casino bonuses and promotions, and Gamesbelt is here to help you with that.
On this page, we’ll explore online casino bonuses, explain what they are, and discuss the perks and benefits of claiming offers. We’ll also showcase some of the better deals out there for you to claim. Let’s begin by explaining the basic purpose of casino bonuses for any newbies, though.
What Are Online Casino Bonuses?
Online casino bonuses are a casino’s way of providing you with an increased chance of landing a win. They aren’t going to do this by making their games easier, but they can provide you with extra cash and, on occasion, free spins on top slots. This ensures that you can play (and possibly win real cash) without risking your own.
Why Do Casinos Offer Bonuses?
There is no selfless good deed going on here. The casino has its reasons for offering such deals. The main reason is that they want you to be happy – a happy player is more likely to keep playing and wagering. A £100 welcome bonus costs them far less than traditional advertising, and happy players stick around. As long as players are aware of the casino’s motives behind issuing you bonuses, and as long as the bonuses are fair, there is no issue.
Real Example: You deposit £50 and receive a 100% match bonus = £100 total to play with. If you win £200, you keep the winnings (after meeting wagering requirements).
Of course, there are lots of different ways that an online casino can provide you with bonuses. We’ll touch on some of the most common ones next.
Types of Casino Bonuses (Best to Worst Ranked)
Here at Gamesbelt, we leave no stone unturned. If you want to know more about each type of casino bonus, we encourage you to follow our links to more description pages detailing each type of offer and how they work. However, for now, let’s introduce you to the basics behind each common casino bonus below.
No Deposit Bonuses:
Some casinos also provide no-deposit bonuses. As their name suggests, these do not require you to deposit to claim free cash or free spins. They, too, may be offered to newbies, or they can come as loyalty bonuses.
What You Get: £5-£20 or 10-50 free spins without depositing Best For: Testing casinos risk-free Typical Terms: 50-60x wagering, £100 max withdrawal Where Available: UK (UKGC licensed), Canada, New Zealand
Learn More: No Deposit Casino Bonuses
Welcome Bonuses:
A casino will typically reward new players with a welcome bonus, also known as a cash match. This comes as a percentage-based bonus. For instance, when you deposit £100, you may receive the equivalent of 100% of that (another £100) as a bonus. These offers may be singular or come as part of welcome packages with multiple offers to claim. When they are provided to already existing members (and this won’t be the case at every casino), they are called reload or re-deposit bonuses.
What You Get: 100% match up to £100-£500 Best For: New players ready to commit Typical Terms: 30-40x wagering on bonus amount UK Example: Deposit £100 → Get £100 bonus = £200 total
Multi-Deposit Welcome Packages:
UK Standard: £500 spread across 3 deposits
Canada: C$1,500 + 150 free spins (4 deposits)
Australia: AU$1,000 + 100 spins (3 deposits)
Reload Bonuses:
When they are provided to already existing members (and this won’t be the case at every casino), they are called reload or re-deposit bonuses.
What You Get: 25-75% match on subsequent deposits Best For: Regular players Frequency: Weekly or monthly UK Example: “Monday Reload: 50% up to £50”
Free Spins Bonuses
Free Spin Bonuses give players a set number of spins on selected slot games without using their own money.
What You Get: 10-200 spins on specific slots Best For: Slot enthusiasts Typical Terms: 40x wagering on winnings Popular Slots (2025): Starburst, Book of Dead, Gonzo’s Quest, Sugar Rush
Cashback Bonuses
Cashback Bonuses refund a percentage of a player’s losses over a specific period, helping reduce overall risk.
What You Get: 5-20% of losses returned Best For: High-volume players UK Example: Lose £500 this week → Get £50 back (10% cashback) Terms: Usually wager-free or low wagering (5-10x)
Loyalty and VIP Bonuses:
Loyalty bonuses are a casino’s way of rewarding you for playing with them. They can include free spins, free cash, cashback, and special offers. Players may also be able to accumulate loyalty points (or LPs/CPs) for wagering. These can be used to navigate your way up a tier-based scheme to land greater rewards. The uppermost tiers of a loyalty program are known collectively as the VIP Club, and they naturally dish out the best bonuses.
What You Get: Exclusive perks, higher bonuses, faster withdrawals Best For: Long-term players How It Works:
- Bronze Tier: 1 point per £10 wagered
- Silver Tier: 1.5 points per £10 + birthday bonus
- Gold Tier: 2 points per £10 + personal account manager
- VIP Tier: Bespoke bonuses, invitation to events, luxury gifts
UK VIP Example: £1,000 monthly bonus + 0.5% cashback on all bets
Learn More: Loyalty and VIP Casino Bonuses
High-Roller Bonuses:
Players who wager regularly or who deposit and stake vast sums of cash may be able to claim bespoke bonuses. These cash matches require a greater sum to be deposited by the player but offer substantial rewards for doing so, far more so than a typical reload, welcome or re-deposit bonus.
What You Get: Massive bonuses for large deposits (£1,000+) Best For: Players with big bankrolls Example: Deposit £5,000 → Get £5,000 bonus (100% match) Typical Terms: Lower wagering (20-25x) but higher minimum bets
Learn More: High-Roller Casino Bonuses
Live and Crypto Casino Bonuses:
Some casino bonuses may be tailored towards specific games. For instance, live casino bonuses may only be eligible for use on live dealer games, while crypto casino bonuses can only be claimed if you deposit using one of the site’s approved cryptocurrencies. In most cases, these will also be cash match bonuses, but not always.
What You Get in Live Casino Bonuses: 10-50% match for live dealer games Best For: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat players Why Lower? Table games contribute less to wagering (10-20%) UK Example: £100 deposit → £50 live casino bonus
What You Get in Crypto Casino Bonuses: Enhanced bonuses for Bitcoin/crypto deposits Best For: Privacy-conscious players Example: 150% match up to 1 BTC (vs 100% for fiat) Available Cryptos: Bitcoin, Ethereum, Litecoin, USDT, Dogecoin
Learn More: Live Casino & Crypto Casino Bonuses
Special Offers & Tournaments
- Special Offers: Special offers can be anything and everything in between. They may constitute free spins, cash matches, social media and achievement-based rewards, or anything else. They typically have a short lifespan, may be tailored specifically to you and not to other players, and some may require codes to trigger them.
- Tournaments, Prize Draws and Competitions: Tournaments, prize draws, and other competitions may also be hosted by a casino. While these aren’t necessarily promotions, some of them can be. They typically reward you with free spins or cash if you finish towards the top of a tournament leaderboard, beat other players, or if your name is selected at random.
What You Get: Time-limited promos, prize pools Examples:
- “October Slots Tournament: £10,000 Prize Pool”
- “World Cup Special: Bet £10, Get £10 Free Bet”
- “Instagram Giveaway: 100 Free Spins”
Of course, each casino will have its own array of promos and bonuses. Some may have a promotional setup that encompasses all the above, while others may be more selective in what they offer. Similarly, the value of each offer, the games you can use it on, and the terms and conditions that apply to each offer will vary from online casino to casino.
How to Claim Most Casino Bonuses and Promotions
While perusing Gamesbelt, you will likely come across a wealth of promos and bonuses at our trusted casino sites. If you like the look of one and you register at the casino, what do you do next? While the exact procedure may differ slightly depending on where you play, the following five steps will generally apply to most sites:
- Check You Are Eligible: Online casinos may have different promos for players in different countries. Alternatively, they may have one overarching bonus for everyone. Ordinarily, the bonus you see should fit the bill. However, you should check the T&Cs to ensure that you can claim it before going any further.
- Check the Requirements: While there, check the other T&Cs (detailed below) to ensure that the offer is fair and offers value for money. More on that in a second.
- Promo Codes, Opt-In, and Automatic Bonuses: Some casino bonuses require codes to trigger them. If yours does, you’ll find the code on the promotions page at the casino, in your e-mail, or via a newsletter. Enter the code either on the cashier page, with customer support, or where prompted at the site. Other bonuses may simply require you to tick a box or contact customer support to officially claim that you want to receive an offer (known as opting in), and many sites trigger bonuses automatically. If you don’t wish to receive an automatically triggered bonus, contact customer support and ask them to remove it.
- Claim the Offer: If you’re required to deposit to claim a bonus, head to the cashier page and do so, ensuring that your deposit is within the limits required in the T&Cs. If you want to claim a no-deposit bonus, you can skip this step.
- Start Playing: Your bonus should arrive immediately after you’ve taken the necessary steps to claim it. You can then use it on whatever games it is eligible for, and with a bit of luck, you’ll win real money. In the case of free spins on selected slots, you simply need to open the eligible slot game to find your spins waiting for you.
What Are the Best Casino Promo Deals Available Online?
Not every online casino bonus is worth your time. Some are more beneficial than others, and it is up to you to gauge whether you consider an offer worthwhile. However, our experts at GamesBelt have been claiming bonuses for years, and we know exactly what a good offer should (and should not) have. Let’s walk you through four key things that all fair casino bonuses should provide.
Fair T&Cs
Naturally, having fair terms and conditions is arguably the most important aspect of claiming any casino bonuses. New players don’t need to worry, as we’ll touch on these in a moment. However, the best way to identify if a bonus is fair is to check the terms and conditions page (a link to it is usually displayed under the bonus offer) and give them a once over. As long as you’re happy with them, that’s all that matters. If in doubt, you can always contact a site’s customer support team and ask them for the details.
Big Value Bonuses
We all want to claim bonuses that are epic in value and worth ample sums of cash and free spins. However, sometimes the biggest bonuses have unsavoury terms, such as high wagering requirements, or they may command a larger deposit to trigger the offer. To ensure that you’re getting value for money, you’ll want to weigh up the value of the bonus being offered, compared with what you’re being asked to deposit, and then compare that with the wagering requirements in place. The best bonuses will offer you plenty of cash (or spins), have low wagering requirements, and not ask you to deposit huge sums.
Simple to Understand Offers
While we do encourage you to read the T&Cs attached to bonus offers, sometimes the amount of “lawyer speak” can be a little tricky to wrap your head around. For this reason, we only recommend claiming bonuses where the casino has been fully transparent about what requirements are expected on your end. Speaking of transparency, we also shun any bonuses that don’t provide you with easy access to a T&Cs page or that are somewhat mum about wagering requirements and other conditions. The best offers will tell you everything you need to know and be upfront about it. Never claim an offer that tries to hide things.
Tailored To Your Needs
A casino bonus is no good if it can’t be used on the types of games you want to play. You need to ensure that you can use your bonus cash or free spins on whatever games tickle your fancy. Therefore, we encourage you to only claim bonuses that are eligible for games that interest you. The more restrictions there are on how much you can win, what gambling games you can play, how much you can withdraw or bet, and so on, the less desirable the online casino bonus will be.
Bonus T&Cs: All You Need to Know
As we’ve alluded to, on many occasions, how fair a casino bonus is will come down to its terms and conditions. You don’t have to be a lawyer to break these down, but for the uninitiated, allow us to explain what each stipulation is and what you should look for to ensure that you only claim the best online casino bonuses when playing.
- Wagering Requirements: Also called rollover or playthrough rates, these tell you how many times you must wager your bonus (or bonus and deposit total, or your winnings) before you can withdraw those prizes. With these, the exact figure can vary. 15x or less is ideal for free spin and no-deposit bonuses, while cash match bonuses should have wagering requirements of no higher than 40x. For instance, if you claim a £100 bonus with 40x wagering requirements on the bonus received, you’ll need to wager £4,000 before you can withdraw. Therefore, the lower the wagering requirements, the better it is for you.
- Game Eligibility: As touched on above, you need to ensure that your bonus can be used on the games you want to play. On the T&Cs page, there will often be a list of eligible or ineligible games associated with your bonus. This may include progressive jackpots or some table games.
- Minimum Deposit and Maximum Bonus Limits: If you want to claim a deposit bonus, there may be a minimum amount you’ll need to deposit. It is often around £20 to £30. Similarly, bonuses will have maximum caps. So, a typical 100% match may be valid up to £100. This means that you can deposit up to £100 and receive a bonus, but you won’t receive a bonus on anything you deposit above that figure.
- Maximum Wager, Win and Withdrawal Caps: Expect to see a few other clauses, too. For instance, there may be caps on how much of your bonus you can bet in one go. It isn’t uncommon to see limits of £5 a bet with bonus funds. There may also be limits on what you can win (common with no-deposit bonuses) and how much of your winnings you can withdraw without depositing. These terms vary from casino to casino.
- Expiration Dates: You may also want to pay attention to any expiration dates. There are two of these to consider. The first tells you how long you have to “claim” the bonus using the process described above. The second will tell you how long you have to clear any wagering requirements associated with the offer. If you don’t fulfil those wagering requirements before that second deadline, the bonus will become void, and any winnings you’ve acquired through it will be removed.
- Wager-Free Bonuses: While rare, these offers do exist. They are called wager-free because they allow you to withdraw whatever you win without having to fulfil any wagering requirements. As a result, these bonuses tend to be worth small sums of cash and a lower number of free spins than you’d get with typical offers with playthrough rates.
- Anonymous Casino and No Sign-Up Casino Bonuses: Lastly, we should touch on these two types of sites. Anonymous casinos and no sign-up casinos don’t generally offer bonuses. They facilitate fast withdrawals and instant cashouts, so they can’t burden you with wagering requirements. As a result, they may not offer bonuses at all. However, some may still choose to do so, but they will all be low-value, wager-free offers. You can learn more information about those types of casinos right here.
Find the Best Online Casino Bonuses at Gamesbelt
Now that you know a bit about online casino bonuses and promos, you may feel ready to claim one. If so, we encourage you to explore our top online casino reviews and recommended sites. We’ve detailed each of the bonuses offered in those reviews. You can also learn more about the best casino bonuses by visiting our guides to each offer found on this page.
Understanding Bonus Terms & Conditions
Wagering Requirements (The Most Important)
This tells you how many times you must bet your bonus before withdrawing winnings.
Formula:
Total Wagering = Bonus Amount × Wagering Requirement
Expiration Dates (Two Types)
- Bonus Claim Expiry: How long you have to claim the bonus
- Example: “Welcome bonus expires 7 days after registration”
- Wagering Completion Expiry: How long to clear wagering requirements
- Example: “You have 30 days to complete 40x wagering”
Typical Timeline:
- Claim: 7-30 days
- Complete Wagering: 14-90 days
Maximum Withdrawal Limits
Common with no-deposit bonuses:
- Example: Win £500 from free spins, but max withdrawal is £100
- Why? Prevents abuse of risk-free bonuses
- Deposit Match Bonuses: Usually no withdrawal limit
Minimum Deposit Requirements
To trigger bonuses:
- UK: £10-£20
- Canada: C$15-C$30
- Australia/NZ: $10-$30
- High-Roller: £1,000+
What Makes a GREAT Casino Bonus? (Our Checklist)
1. Fair & Transparent Terms
- Easy-to-find T&Cs (not hidden)
- Written in plain English (not legal jargon)
- No predatory terms (e.g., 100x wagering)
2. Reasonable Wagering Requirements
- 35x or less for deposit bonuses
- 50x or less for no-deposit bonuses
- Bonus-only wagering (not bonus + deposit)
3. Realistic Maximum Bet
- £5 or higher per spin
- Clearly stated in T&Cs
4. Generous Time Limits
- 30+ days to complete wagering
- No unrealistic 24-hour requirements
5. Wide Game Selection
- Usable on most slots
- Includes popular titles (Starburst, Book of Dead, etc.)
- Clearly lists excluded games
6. No Hidden Caps
- No maximum withdrawal limit (or reasonable one)
- No maximum winnings cap
7. Suitable for Your Budget
- Minimum deposit you’re comfortable with
- Bonus size matches your playing style
🚫 Red Flags: Avoid These Bonus Offers
- Wagering over 60x → Nearly impossible to clear
- Maximum bet under £2 → Too restrictive
- 7-day expiry → Not enough time
- Bonus + Deposit wagering → Double the work
- Hidden T&Cs → If it’s hard to find, it’s probably bad
- No license info → Unregulated casino = danger
- Max withdrawal £50-£100 on deposit bonuses → Unfair caps
Pro Tips for Maximizing Bonuses
Tip 1: Start Small
Test a casino with a small deposit before committing to large welcome packages.
Tip 2: Focus on One Bonus at a Time
Don’t claim multiple bonuses simultaneously – it complicates wagering tracking.
Tip 3: Play High RTP Slots
Games with 96%+ RTP give you better odds of completing wagering:
- Blood Suckers (98% RTP)
- Mega Joker (99% RTP)
- Starburst (96.09% RTP)
Tip 4: Check the Bonus Bar
Most casinos show your progress toward completing wagering requirements.
Tip 5: Read Casino Reviews First
Check GamesBelt’s online casino reviews before claiming bonuses.
Tip 6: Set a Budget
Bonuses are fun, but never deposit more than you can afford to lose.
Tip 7: Use Cashback Offers
These give you a safety net if you lose, often with low/no wagering.
Tip 8: Join Loyalty Programs
Long-term benefits often outweigh one-time welcome bonuses.
Special Casino Bonus Types Explained
Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonuses
Sticky (Non-Withdrawable):
- Bonus funds stay in your account as a “cushion”
- You play with your deposit first
- Bonus is removed when you withdraw
- Example: Deposit £100 + £100 sticky bonus = Play with £200, withdraw your winnings only
Non-Sticky (Withdrawable):
- Bonus funds can be withdrawn (after wagering)
- More valuable than sticky
- Example: Deposit £100 + £100 non-sticky = After wagering, keep bonus + winnings
Anonymous Casino Bonuses
These no-KYC casinos rarely offer bonuses because:
- They can’t track player identities
- Vulnerable to bonus abuse
- Focus on instant payouts instead
If they do offer bonuses:
- Very small (5-10 free spins)
- Wager-free
- No deposit bonuses rare
Mobile-Exclusive Bonuses
Some casinos offer special bonuses for mobile app users:
- “Download our app: Get 20 free spins”
- Mobile-only reload bonuses
- Push notification promos
Payment Method Bonuses
Extra bonus for using specific payment methods:
- Example: “Deposit with Skrill: Get 10% extra bonus”
- Common with e-wallets and crypto
Refer-a-Friend Bonuses
Earn bonuses for bringing new players:
- Typical: £50 for you + £50 for friend
- Requirements: Friend must deposit and wager minimum amount
How to Find the Best Bonuses on GamesBelt
- Visit our Casino Reviews
- Check the “Bonuses” section in each review
- Compare multiple casinos side-by-side
- Look for our “GamesBelt Recommended” badge
- Read player feedback in comments
We Update Our Reviews Monthly to ensure bonus information is current.
FAQs: Casino Bonuses and Promotions
If you still have questions about online casino bonuses and promos, we’re happy to help.
Do all online casinos offer bonuses and promotions?
No. You may come across no sign-up, anonymous, or instant withdrawal online casinos that do not feature bonuses and promotions. However, most of the best sites will have at least an offer or two.
- Instant withdrawal casinos (focus on fast payouts)
- Anonymous casinos (no-KYC, can’t track bonuses)
- No sign-up casinos (pay-and-play model)
However, 95% of licensed casinos offer at least a welcome bonus.
Check our Gamesbelt casino reviews to learn more about what each of our sites offer.
Can I use a casino bonus to play live dealer casino games?
That depends on where you play. Some online casinos will say yes, some will say no, and many have bespoke live casino bonuses dedicated to players who want to play these types of games. The same may also be true of crypto casino bonuses.
- Most deposit bonuses: No, or limited contribution (10-20%)
- Live casino bonuses: Yes, 100% contribution
- Check T&Cs: Always verify game eligibility
Some casinos have dedicated live casino bonuses designed specifically for blackjack, roulette, and baccarat.
Where can I find the T&Cs attached to online casino bonuses?
They should be available via a link underneath each offer. Failing that, casinos sometimes have a “bonus T&Cs” page accessible at the bottom of their homepage. You can also contact support for more details on each offer.
Why can’t I withdraw my online casino bonus?
You didn’t think the casino was going to let you walk away with their cash without playing at all, did you? You can’t withdraw the bonus. You must first playthrough the bonus and fulfil any wagering requirements attached to it before you can withdraw your bonus winnings.
Think of it as: The casino loans you money to play, and you “earn” the right to keep winnings by playing through the required amount.
What happens if I break bonus terms?
Your bonus and ALL winnings from it will be voided. Common violations:
- Betting over maximum limit (e.g., £5 per spin)
- Playing restricted games
- Not completing wagering before expiry
- Creating multiple accounts for multiple bonuses (bonus abuse)
Always read the T&Cs before claiming!
Can I withdraw before completing wagering?
Yes, but:
- Your bonus will be forfeited
- Any winnings from the bonus will be removed
- Your original deposit remains yours
Example:
- Deposit £100 + £100 bonus = £200
- Win £150 (total £350)
- Withdraw before wagering complete = You get £100 (your deposit) + £50 from deposit (not bonus winnings)
Most casinos let you cancel bonuses in your account settings.
Are casino bonuses worth it?
Yes, IF:
- Wagering requirements are fair (35x or less)
- You have time to complete them
- You enjoy the eligible games
- You can afford the minimum deposit
No, IF:
- Wagering is 60x+
- Maximum bet is £1-£2
- Expiry is less than 14 days
- You primarily play table games (low contribution)
Alternative: Look for wager-free bonuses or cashback offers.
What’s better: Large bonus with high wagering OR small bonus with low wagering?
It depends on your playing style:
Large bonus + high wagering (e.g., £500 bonus, 50x):
- Good for casual players who play regularly
- More entertainment value
- Higher risk of not completing
Small bonus + low wagering (e.g., £50 bonus, 20x):
- Good for strategic players
- Easier to complete and withdraw
- Less playtime required
Our recommendation: Medium bonus with fair wagering (£100-£200, 30-35x).
Do I pay tax on casino bonus winnings?
Depends on your country:
- 🇬🇧 UK: No tax on gambling winnings
- 🇨🇦 Canada: No tax for recreational players
- 🇦🇺 Australia: No tax on gambling winnings
- 🇳🇿 New Zealand: No tax on gambling winnings
- 🇺🇸 USA: Yes – report winnings over $600, 24% withholding on $5,000+
Consult a tax professional for your specific situation.
Can I use bonuses on progressive jackpot slots?
Usually NO. Most casinos exclude progressive jackpots from bonus play:
- Mega Moolah
- Mega Fortune
- Hall of Gods
- Major Millions
Why? To prevent bonus hunters from targeting massive jackpots risk-free.
Check: Some casinos allow bonus play on progressives but winnings from the bonus don’t count toward the jackpot.
What’s the difference between free spins and bonus spins?
Confusingly, casinos use these terms interchangeably. But technically:
Free Spins:
- Usually wager-free or low wagering
- Keep what you win (with limits)
- Part of no-deposit offers
Bonus Spins:
- Winnings subject to wagering requirements
- Part of deposit match offers
- Often tied to specific slots
Always check the T&Cs to see which type you’re getting.
Final Thoughts: Claim Smart, Play Responsible
Casino bonuses can enhance your gaming experience and give you more chances to win, but they’re not “free money.” Always:
- Read terms and conditions fully
- Choose bonuses that match your playing style
- Set a budget and stick to it
- Never chase losses with bonuses
- Use self-exclusion tools if needed (GAMSTOP for UK)
GamesBelt’s Mission: We review and recommend only casinos with fair, transparent bonuses. Check our latest casino reviews for updated bonus offers.
Related Guides
- No Deposit Casino Bonuses
- Loyalty and VIP Casino Bonuses
- High-Roller Casino Bonuses
- Live Casino & Crypto Casino Bonuses
- Online Casino Reviews
- Live Casino Guide
Last Updated: October 8, 2025
Gamble responsibly. 18+ only. BeGambleAware.org (UK) | GamCare.org.uk | National Council on Problem Gambling (US)
