Like any business, casino sites need to attract new customers. One of the most used tools to do this is to provide new players with free bonuses. This practice begins in brick-and-mortar casinos with free chips and drinks. Pretty much every online gambling site in the world will offer a welcome bonus to players depositing for the first time.

Welcome bonuses generally include some sort of deposit bonus. A deposit bonus is where a customer makes a deposit and the casino matches a certain percentage of the deposit, as a bonus. If the percentage is 100% it’s commonly referred to as a match bonus. Occasionally the bonus funds get split over a few deposits. Some online casinos might also add exclusive bonus rewards such as free spins.

The term deposit bonus and reload bonus is interchangeable, so be on the lookout for both.

bonus Australian money and casino chips

What is a Welcome Bonus?

Welcome bonuses are available to players who are newly signed up to an online casino or mobile casino. These bonus rewards can be given when a player signs up for an online casino, or it can be given the first time a customer makes a deposit.

The most popular welcome offer is a deposit bonus. It can either be rewarded on your first deposit or over several consecutive deposits. Some online casinos require players to enter a bonus code with the cashier.

With a deposit bonus, players collect a percentage of your deposit as a bonus, increasing your bankroll by a set amount, for instance, 50%, 75% or 200% of your deposit. At some online casinos, the banking method you choose can affect the size of your bonus.

Welcome bonuses usually have set limits. You’ll probably need to make a minimum deposit to activate the reward and a cap on how big the bonus can be. It’s always a good idea to read the bonus’ terms and conditions. That way you’ll be ensured that you can maximize your free cash.

How Do I Claim A Welcome Bonus?

The first thing you’ll want to do is decide which online casino best suits you. There are several reasons you might want to choose a specific operator. The casino games catalogue, free games, live dealer games, banking options, mobile casino there is plenty of factors that go into choosing a gaming operator. One of the big deciding factors for new players is the generosity of the welcome bonuses.

Once you decide on your ideal online casino, you’ll need to sign up. A few real money casino sites might even extend a ‘no deposit bonus’. Usually, this is a small form of casino credit or free spins. Keep in mind your free spins will probably only be for a specific pokies game.

If you do manage to make winning on your free spins, you’ll need to wager your winnings through the casino before you can make a withdrawal.

When dealing with a welcome package, you must register and make your first deposit. Generally, there is a minimum deposit requirement. Meet it and you’ll earn your free bonus money. To make your deposit, go to the cashier section and choose your preferred banking method. Decide on your payment amount and make your first deposit.

You’ll generally automatically receive your welcome bonus immediately after your deposit has been cleared. And you can start gaming.

If the bonus is given out over several deposits, you’ll be able to activate the remainder of the bonus every time you add money to your account. If you have any questions simply contact customer support.

Australian flag surrounded by money coming out of the tree

How Are Casino Bonuses Handed Out

Players can receive casino bonuses in a variety of ways. Bonus money, free spins and VIP points are all common rewards. Any of these free bonus types can be part of a welcome package.

If you want to get a casino bonus, you’ll need to follow all the relevant terms and conditions. For example, you need to be of the legal gambling age for your jurisdiction. In this case, Australian online casino players must be at least 18. Also, the relevant casino must be allowed to legally operate in Australia. Some players might try to use a VPN to get around this. If they do, they stand the chance to lose not only their bonus but also access to their casino account.

There are a few more important requirements you may need to meet. For example, to claim your reward, you must wager your bonus through the casino a set number of times. Or when making a deposit, you might need to click on the “claim bonus” box when trying to claim a deposit bonus.

Your best bet is to peruse both the general online casino and promotion-specific terms and conditions.

welcome bonus cash being handed out

Why Do Online Casinos Offer Welcome Bonuses?

To get new customers, online casinos need to offer something special to their new players. One of the most popular incentives provided by casinos is to give their players something when they sign up. The hope for casinos is that new players enjoy what the site and keep playing.

Casinos use welcome bonuses to differentiate themselves from the competition, encourage players from other sites to switch to their product and to get casino reviewers to notice them and post reviews online.

What Kind of Casino Games Can I Play With My Welcome Bonus?

The great thing about free casino bonuses is they are generally extended to all the games available at the online casino. Here is a list of casino games routinely available for Australian players.

What are Wagering Requirements?

Wagering requirements are one of the trickiest things for new casino players to get their heads around. Generally, when a player gets a bonus, it comes with certain terms and conditions.

When it comes to wagering requirements, they need to be fulfilled before you can withdraw your winnings. So, what are they? It means you can’t withdraw or transfer your winnings until you have played a set number games first.

Casinos want you to stick around. Wagering requirements are a good way to do this. Needing to play a set number of games means you’ll be able to experience the best that a casino has to offer. And not all games contribute the same amount to fulfilling these wagering requirements. Generally, slot games will count 100% but table games and live dealer games vary between operators.

Wagering requirements can vary from 10 to 70 times. Anything under 40 is pretty standard, anything above that can be a little harsh and you should watch out.

Just remember that not everything should be taken at face value. Don’t just look at the offer, but take into account the percentages, minimum and maximum bonus amounts and wagering requirements.

Casino Welcome Bonus FAQ's

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