Understanding Casino Bonuses
What Is a Welcome Bonus?
A welcome bonus is the first reward most online casinos give you when you join and make your first deposit.
It’s often a matched bonus that gives you extra funds to play with, or sometimes free spins on popular slots.
Some sites will offer a No Sticky Bonus that lets you play with your real cash balance first, while others might have a more traditional
Sticky Bonus that ties your deposit and bonus together.
Many new player offers include free spins too, which are perfect for trying out slots with minimal risk.
Always read the terms so you know the wagering rules and can pick the bonus that suits your style best.
Top Casinos for Welcome Bonuses
Sticky vs No Sticky Bonuses
Understanding the difference between a sticky and a no sticky bonus can help you choose the right offer for your play style.
A Sticky Bonus means your deposit and bonus are combined,
and you can only withdraw winnings above the total amount once the wagering is done.
In contrast, a No Sticky Bonus keeps your deposit separate,
so you can always cash out your real money balance if you don’t touch the bonus.
The favorite bonus chosen by players is so called no sticky bonuses, because it is basically a free lifeline to use.
You can see all casinos offering a first deposit bonus as a sticky bonus
here, or browse
no sticky bonus casinos if you’d rather keep things separate.
| Feature |
Sticky Bonus |
No Sticky Bonus |
| Deposit & Bonus |
Combined into one balance |
Kept separate — real money first |
| Withdraw Before Wagering |
Not possible |
Possible if you don’t touch bonus |
| Winnings Over Bonus |
Can cash out profits after wagering |
Can keep winnings any time |
| Risk Level |
Higher — bonus locked in |
Lower — more control |
| Player Preference |
High-rollers, big bonus seekers |
Casual players, low-risk |
Free Spins & Cashback
Free spins are one of the most popular bonuses you’ll find at online casinos — they’re a great way to try out new slots
without spending extra from your real balance. Most welcome offers include free spins alongside a matched deposit, or sometimes
you’ll find them given on their own as a no deposit bonus. Always check which slots the spins are valid for and what the
wagering requirements look like. Some casinos also run cashback deals
that refund a percentage of your losses from each week, but can also be for each day — these can be a safer option for players who prefer steady returns over risky big bonuses.
You can see our updated Free Spins Bonuses page to compare the best deals right now.
How Wagering Requirements Work
Wagering requirements are the number of times you need to bet your bonus funds before you can withdraw any winnings.
For example, if you claim a €100 bonus with a 35x wagering condition, you’ll need to place €3,500 worth of bets to convert the bonus into real cash.
Some casinos apply wagering only to the bonus amount, while others include your deposit too — so always double-check the terms as D+B bonuses means double the wager, for example 30x D+B equals 60x wagering while a bonus with 40x Bonus amount equals 40x wagering.
Knowing how this works helps you avoid surprises later and pick offers that match your play style and budget.
Best Low Wagering Casinos
30Bet
100% match bonus up to €100 + 100 free spins
Read Review
Arctic Casino
100% match bonus up to €100 + 100 free spins
Read Review
How to Choose the Right Bonus
Picking the best casino bonus isn’t just about grabbing the biggest number — it’s about finding an offer that matches how you like to play.
Look at the wagering requirements and whether the bonus is sticky or no sticky, so you know when you can cash out.
Check the games you can play with your bonus funds and see if there are any maximum bet rules that might limit your strategy.
It’s always worth comparing a few options, especially if you prefer lower wagering or extra perks like cashback or free spins.
The right bonus should help you enjoy the games with less risk and better value for your money.
Key Phrases Explained
- Sticky Bonus: A bonus that stays locked in your balance until you meet wagering requirements — only winnings above it can be cashed out.
- No Sticky Bonus: Your real deposit stays separate, so you can withdraw real money at any time if you don’t touch the bonus funds.
- Wagering Requirement: The number of times you need to bet bonus funds before you can withdraw winnings.
- Cashback: A percentage refund on losses, often with no or low wagering attached.
- Free Spins: Bonus spins on selected slots — winnings may be limited and have wagering conditions.