Casino Welcome Bonus Guide

Types of Welcome Bonuses

We want you to understand how each type of casino welcome offer works. You may have seen top competitors like Casino.org or AskGamblers list many promotions side by side. We believe it’s more helpful to explain each type in simple terms. By doing so, we help you find one that fits your playing style.

Deposit Bonus

We often see that most sites, including the big names in the industry, start you off with some form of first deposit deal. A deposit bonus adds extra funds on top of what you pay in. This might be 100% (a match bonus) or sometimes a mix, like 50% plus a batch of free spins. For example, if a site offers 100% up to NZ$250 and you deposit NZ$100, you start with NZ$200. If you go as high as NZ$500, you’d have NZ$750 total because the free amount tops out at NZ$250. Always check if there’s a minimum deposit required to claim it.

Free Spins

Some casinos, unlike others we’ve reviewed, replace deposit bonuses with free spins. These are extra slot rounds you play at no extra cost. Sometimes you can use them on any game, but it’s common that only certain slots qualify. Most free spins are worth around NZ$0.10 to NZ$0.20 each. High-volume competitors sometimes offer better-value spins at higher deposit levels. Still, it’s normal that these free rounds are tied to a limited selection of games.

Cashback Bonus

A few casino sites stand out by offering a permanent cashback deal. We’ve noticed that while big-name competitors highlight large match deals, some players prefer an ongoing percentage of their losses back. For example, if a place offers 10% cashback and you lose NZ$100 in a week, you’ll get NZ$10 back. This might not seem exciting at first, but over time, this can be more valuable than short-term promotions. We find this structure fair, although not every brand offers it.

No Deposit Bonus

We’ve seen that no deposit offers are rare in today’s market. While some big competitors might advertise them, they’re often small amounts like NZ$5 to NZ$25. You get them without depositing first, but usually you must deposit later to withdraw winnings. Most reputable sites choose not to offer this type because it tends to attract bonus hunters who never stick around. If you do find one, make sure you read the rules. These deals sound great, but they come with strict conditions.

What are Wagering Requirements?

We know many top competitors skim over wagering requirements, but we think it’s vital you understand them. You cannot withdraw your free money right away. First, you must wager it a set number of times. These “playthrough” requirements tell you how much you need to bet before your bonus cash turns into real cash. Always read these rules before claiming an offer. Many well-known sites only mention this in the fine print, but we want you to know upfront.

Playing Through

Once we’ve explained wagering requirements, you’ll know how to handle them. Your account often shows both a bonus balance and a real money balance. At some places, you can withdraw the real money anytime. But at many casinos, you must meet wagering requirements before withdrawing anything. Slots usually count 100% toward these requirements. Table games, however, often contribute less—sometimes only 10% to 20% of each wager. This is standard across the industry, including many top competitor sites.

To clear these requirements efficiently, we suggest sticking to slots. Table games slow down your progress. Always read the terms to see which games count. Some offers exclude certain games altogether. We’ve seen competitors mention this in hidden terms, but we prefer making it clear and easy to understand.

Types of Bonuses

We’ve noticed some competitor guides gloss over the difference between bonus types. All offers fit into three categories: cashable, sticky, or post-wager. Let’s break these down, so you know which type gives you the best value.

Cashable Bonus

Cashable bonuses are the most common, and we think they’re usually the best. After meeting the requirements, the free money converts to real cash. You can then withdraw it if you like. For example, if you deposit NZ$100, receive NZ$100, and must wager NZ$2000, once you finish, the free money becomes yours to take out. Cashable deals often offer the highest long-term value.

Sticky Bonus

Sticky bonuses are less common and not as appealing. After meeting the requirements, you keep only the winnings, not the bonus itself. For instance, if you end up with NZ$300 after wagering, and NZ$100 of that was the original bonus, the NZ$100 vanishes. You withdraw only the winnings. This reduces your expected value. Some big competitor sites highlight these deals for their size, but we know that in reality, they’re weaker over time.

Post-wager Bonus

Post-wager bonuses are unusual. Here, you must meet the wagering requirements before receiving the free money. Once you’ve cleared the hurdles, the bonus funds appear and can be withdrawn right away. This is rare, and we’ve seen only a few casinos offer it. It can be appealing if you like a clear-cut challenge before getting your reward.

How to Claim?

We know that top competitors often show you large lists of offers. We do things differently by guiding you step-by-step. First, compare several licensed casinos. Look beyond the advertised bonus amount. Check the time limits, wagering requirements, and any codes you need to enter. After choosing the site and offer that suit you, create an account, and make your first deposit. Make sure to enter the correct code if required, or tick the box that lets you claim the offer. We do this ourselves before recommending any deal, ensuring you have a smooth experience.