Casino bonuses are the main way online casinos compete for new players. Used wisely they stretch your bankroll and give you more playing time; claimed blindly they can lock up your money behind impossible terms. Here is how the Golden Reviews team breaks down every type of offer.
Welcome match bonus
The classic offer: the casino matches your first deposit by a percentage, for example 100% up to €500. Deposit €200 and you play with €400. Always check the wagering requirement and whether it applies to the bonus only or to deposit plus bonus.
Free spins
Free spins are rounds on a selected slot paid for by the casino. Compare the spin value, the eligible games and whether winnings are wager-free. Twenty wager-free spins can be worth more than two hundred spins with 60x wagering.
No deposit bonus
A small bonus or a handful of spins just for registering. It is a great way to test a casino risk-free, but expect high wagering and a low maximum cashout, often €50 to €100.
Cashback
Cashback returns a percentage of your net losses, usually 5% to 20%, daily or weekly. The best cashback deals are paid as real money with no wagering, making them ideal for table-game players.
Reload bonuses and VIP rewards
Reloads are smaller match bonuses for existing players, while VIP programmes reward loyal play with faster withdrawals, personal managers and exclusive gifts. We look at whether these rewards are realistic for ordinary players, not just high rollers.
Our bonus checklist
| Term | Fair | Watch out |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering | 35x bonus or lower | 50x+ or deposit + bonus |
| Time limit | 14–30 days | Under 7 days |
| Max bet | €5 or more | €2 or less |
| Max cashout | None | Capped winnings |