Table of Content 6
In short
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$0
What a no deposit bonus costs you to claim; the catch is in the wagering and cashout cap.
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Cashout cap
No deposit winnings are usually capped at a small amount, whatever you win.
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Live counts
The best bonus for a live player is the one that counts live games toward wagering.
Welcome and no deposit bonuses compared
Welcome bonus vs no deposit bonus
| Welcome bonus | No deposit bonus | |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit needed | Yes | No |
| Typical size | A match on your deposit, plus free spins at some casinos | A small credit or a set of free spins |
| Wagering | Applies to the bonus (sometimes deposit + bonus) | Usually higher than on welcome bonuses |
| Winnings cap | Sometimes | Almost always |
| Live games | Often 0–10% contribution; live welcome offers count more | Rarely allowed |
| Best for | Players who will deposit anyway | Trying a casino before depositing |
A worked example
Compare a $10 no deposit bonus with 50x wagering and a $100 cashout cap, against a 100% welcome bonus of $100 on a $100 deposit with 35x wagering on the bonus.
- No deposit: $10 × 50 = $500 turnover. At 96% RTP on slots the expected loss is $20, more than the bonus, and wins above $100 are cut off.
- Welcome on slots: $100 × 35 = $3,500 turnover, expected loss about $140, more than the $100 bonus.
- Welcome on live blackjack at 10% contribution: $35,000 turnover, expected loss about $175 at 99.5% RTP.
How to choose
- Want to test a casino's live lobby first? A no deposit bonus or free play is enough, but expect slots-only terms.
- Planning to deposit and play live tables? Look for a live welcome bonus or live cashback that counts the tables you use.
- Comparing two welcome bonuses? Compare the turnover (bonus × wagering ÷ live contribution), not the headline percentage.
See current offers on our welcome bonus and no deposit bonus pages, and our guide on whether live casino bonuses are worth it.
Questions and answers
What is a welcome bonus?
When a player makes their first deposit at an online casino, they are often rewarded with a live casino deposit bonus. It usually consists of a match bonus and sometimes even free spins.
What is a no deposit bonus?
A no deposit bonus does not need a deposit from the player. Just by creating an account at an online casino, players might earn free money or free spins.
Can I use both a welcome bonus and a no deposit bonus at the same casino?
The casino's rules will determine the answer. There are casinos that will let you claim both bonuses, while there are others that will make you choose one.
How do I withdraw my winnings from a bonus?
To cash out bonus earnings, players must first meet the casino's wagering requirements. Players who have completed all necessary steps may then submit a withdrawal request in accordance with the casino's withdrawal policy.
Can I use a no deposit bonus on live casino games?
Rarely. Most no deposit bonuses are limited to slots or count live games at 0%. Check the eligible games before you claim one.
Which bonus is better for live blackjack or roulette?
A live welcome bonus or live cashback that counts table games toward wagering. Standard welcome bonuses often count live play at 10% or less.
