How To Claim and Use Your No Deposit Bonus
No deposit bonuses are hugely popular, allowing you to try out a casino’s games and software without risking hard-earned cash. If you're new to online gambling or simply looking to take advantage of a no deposit bonus, our team of iGaming experts has put together this guide on how to claim and use your no deposit bonuses.
Type of No Deposit Bonuses
Before we dive into the specifics of using your no deposit bonus, let's look at the different types of bonuses you can find at the online casinos on this page.
- No Deposit Bonus Free Bet - Given to you when you register with a new UK casino and added to your bankroll. The amount is often in the form of a free bet. In other words, you can place a bet on a sports market without risking your own money. The amount of the free bet can vary, and the winnings are often paid out as net profits, meaning that only the profit from the wager is paid out, not the initial stake.
- No Deposit Free Chips - This type of bonus is pretty infrequent and primarily geared towards table games. Like a free bet, you get a certain amount of chips added to your account upon activation. You can use them on various casino games, and no deposit is needed to convert the winnings into real money.
- Free Spins No Deposit - You can receive no deposit spins on specific casino slots or slot games without risking your own money. Once you sign up, the casino offers a set number of free spins to use on a specific slot game, such as NetEnt's hugely popular Starburst. Your free spins may be spread out. For instance, you could either get 30 free spins, with 10 free spins awarded daily for three days, or 200 free spins, with 20 over five days.
Terms and Conditions
It's important to note that no deposit bonuses often come with terms and conditions, so you should always read them carefully before claiming the offer. Here are some of the main requirements to look out for:
Wagering Requirements
To cash in on your winnings, in most cases, you must meet the wagering requirements, which specify how many times you must play through or roll over the bonus amount. This means if you receive a £10 bonus with 30x wagering requirements, you'll need to wager a total of £300 (£10 x 30) before you can cash out your winnings.
Some casinos might offer you deals with no wagering requirements, although these are pretty rare.
Bonus Expiry
Most casino bonuses have a deadline by which you need to meet the wagering requirements to withdraw bonus funds. This timeframe can vary at each casino from as little as 24 hours to a month, with many giving you either 7 or 14 days.
This may be fine if you plan to start playing right after registering, but it's essential to remember when deciding on the offer size you want, as you’ll forfeit the entire amount if you fail to play through your bonus before the deadline. A big bonus might appear fantastic, but if you can't meet the wagering requirements in time you will lose it.
Only accept bonuses that you can cash in later.
Game Restrictions
Another factor when evaluating online casino bonuses is the restricted game list. As previously mentioned, some bonuses are only valid on select casino games or specific game categories so ensure it’s your type of game before claiming.
Maximum Bet
There is another common bonus condition you need to be aware of - maximum bet limitations. These limits set the maximum amount you can bet in a single stake while using an active bonus.
Most online casinos have different stake limitations, so you must check them out before playing. If you exceed the maximum stake amount, you could risk losing both your bonus and your winnings, as the casino may void them.
Using a No Deposit Bonus
Once you've familiarised yourself with the terms and conditions and claimed a no deposit bonus using one of our exclusive links, it's time to start using it. Here are some tips from our expert team to help you get the most out of your bonus:
- Try New Games - No deposit bonuses are a great way to try out new games that you might not have played before. Use your bonus to explore the casino's offerings and find new favourites. You can find our guide here if you want to know more about how to play slots.
- Test the Software - Another advantage of no deposit bonuses is that they allow you to test out the casino's software and see if you like it before you commit to making a deposit. This can be especially useful if you're considering multiple online casinos and want to compare their software and user experience. Remember, we review every site we feature on our lists, so if you need the expert lowdown, check them out.
- Be Mindful of Limits - Some no deposit bonuses come with limitations on how they can be used. For example, there may be a maximum bet size or certain games that do not contribute to wagering requirements. Check the terms and conditions so you don't accidentally invalidate your bonus.
- Manage Your Bankroll - Just because you're not risking your own money doesn't mean you shouldn't be mindful of your bankroll. Even though no deposit bonuses tend to be low in value, always play within a budget.
Conclusion
No deposit bonuses are a great way to try out an online casino without risking any of your own money. However, it's important to read the terms and conditions carefully and be mindful of any limitations on how the bonus can be used. Following these tips and strategies, you can make the most of your no deposit bonus and have a fun and rewarding online gambling experience.
All the casinos linked on this page offer you no deposit bonuses, so take a look at the different offers available and click “Claim Bonus” to sign up and put your newfound knowledge to the test at some of the UKs leading online casinos today.