Guide · 14 min read · Updated May 2026

A plain-English guide to casino bonuses.

Every offer comes with strings attached. We break down the five common bonus types — what they're worth in real money once the wagering math is done.

W

Welcome Bonus

Most common · 100–200% match

The largest offer most casinos run, designed to recoup acquisition cost. Almost always tied to a deposit, almost always with wagering requirements.

Typical examples

  • Royal Vegas$1,500 + 200 FS
  • Empire Gaming$2,000 + 100 FS
  • Golden Crown100% up to $500
N

No Deposit

Rarest · No deposit required

Free credits or spins on registration with no deposit needed. The catch: cashout caps are usually low ($50–$200) and wagering is brutal (50× or higher).

Typical examples

  • Golden Crown50 No-Dep Spins
  • Stellar Casino$25 free credit
  • Velvet Bet20 No-Dep Spins
F

Free Spins

Often paired with welcome

Spins on a specific slot, usually NetEnt's Starburst or Pragmatic's Sweet Bonanza. Winnings convert to bonus money — read the conversion cap closely.

Typical examples

  • Diamond Palace150 spins / 5 days
  • Lucky Stars100 spins / Starburst
  • Aurora Gaming50 spins / Big Bass
R

Reload Bonus

For returning players · 25–75% match

A recurring deposit match — typically weekly or monthly. Smaller than welcome offers but with friendlier wagering (often 20–25×).

Typical examples

  • Platinum Play50% Sundays up to $200
  • Royal Vegas$200 weekend reload
  • Monaco Royale75% midweek up to $300
C

Cashback

Loss-protection · 5–25%

A percentage of your net losses returned over a set period. The fairest bonus type: usually no wagering, paid in real cash. Common in VIP programs.

Typical examples

  • Diamond Palace15% weekly
  • Empire Gaming10% on live tables
  • Aurora Gaming25% VIP tier
V

VIP / Loyalty

Tiered programs · Long-term value

Points-based programs that escalate over time. The best ones offer dedicated managers, withdrawal priority, and higher cashback. Most aren't worth the chase.

Typical examples

  • Royal VegasDiamond — manager line
  • Monaco Royale5 tiers / 25% cashback
  • Platinum PlayInvitation only
Side-by-side

Bonus types compared.

Everything that matters at a glance. Numbers reflect industry medians from our 500+ operator dataset.

Type Avg. Wagering Cashout Cap Real-Money Value Best For
Welcome
 35× None / 5× deposit Medium-high New players willing to commit
No Deposit
 50×+ $50 – $200 Low (try-before-buy) Risk-free first impressions
Free Spins
 30–40× $100 – $500 Medium Slot enthusiasts
Reload
 20–25× None typically Medium Regular weekend players
Cashback
 0× (cash) None High High-volume / VIP players
VIP / Loyalty
 Varies by tier Variable High (long-term) Multi-year platform commitment
Tools

Calculate your bonus's real value.

We built a wagering calculator that strips out the marketing math. Plug in any offer and see what you'd actually take home.

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