The main bonus types, for a beginner
| Bonus | How it works | Good first choice? |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome match | The casino adds a percentage of your first deposit | Only with low wagering |
| No deposit | Spins or a few dollars without paying in | Yes, to learn the site |
| Free spins | A set number of spins on chosen slots | Yes, easy to follow |
| Cashback | A share of net losses returned | Yes, if paid as cash |
| Refer a friend | A reward when someone you invite deposits | Only if it suits you |
The sum that matters
Multiply the bonus by the wagering to see how much you must bet. A $20 bonus at 30x means $600 of bets. On a slot with 96% RTP that costs about $24 on average, so the expected result is slightly negative. At 10x the same bonus costs about $8 and leaves roughly $12 of value.
Many offers apply the wagering to deposit plus bonus. A $20 deposit with a $20 bonus at 30x on both means $1,200 of bets, twice as much.
Where beginners lose a bonus
- Betting more than the maximum stake while wagering, often $5 per spin.
- Playing a game that counts 0% or 10% toward wagering.
- Missing the deadline, which can be as short as seven days.
- Asking for a withdrawal before wagering is finished, which cancels the bonus.
Our guide to sticky and non-sticky bonuses explains what happens to your own money while a bonus is active.
A simple first plan
- Pick a casino whose licence you can check and that accepts USD.
- Set a deposit limit in the account before you claim anything.
- Choose a small offer with low wagering and play the slots it names.
- Make a small withdrawal when you finish, to see how the casino pays.