A first deposit bonus (also called a welcome bonus) is the most common type of casino promotion. After you register, you deposit funds and the casino matches some or all of your deposit — often with extra free spins. This is usually the best bonus type for overall value because it’s larger than no deposit offers and often has higher withdrawal potential.
The catch is always in the details. The real value depends on the wagering requirement (how much you must bet before withdrawing), the expiry (how long you have to clear the bonus), and the eligible games (slots often count more than table games). Some casinos also restrict bonuses by payment method or country.
Below you’ll find a comparison table and a clear guide on how to choose the best first deposit bonus for your budget and play style. If you want risk-free offers, see No Deposit Bonus Codes. For safer all-round picks, see Top Online Casinos.
🏆 Best First Deposit Bonuses (Comparison)
| Casino | Welcome Offer | Best For | Min Deposit | Wagering | Key Terms | License | Claim |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| CherryJackpot | 400% UP TO $4,000 | All-round value | €30 | x35 | Valid 7 days | NL/EU |
👉 Claim
T&Cs apply • 18+
|
| Grand Rush | 250% up to $750 | Higher deposits | €20 | x40 | Valid 14 days | US/CA |
👉 Claim
T&Cs apply • 18+
|
| Grand Rush (AU) | 250% up to $5500 | Lower wagering | $20 | x30 | Valid 14 days | AU/NZ |
👉 Claim
T&Cs apply • 18+
|
| WINADAY | 500$ Welcome | Beginners | $10 | x35 | Max bet limits may apply | US |
👉 Claim
T&Cs apply • 18+
|
✅ How First Deposit Bonuses Work
- Register an account and confirm email/phone (varies).
- Deposit the minimum amount using an eligible payment method.
- Receive bonus funds/free spins (some offers require opt-in or code).
- Wager according to the bonus rules (eligible games contribute).
- Withdraw after wagering + KYC verification (standard on most casinos).
🎯 How to Choose the Best First Deposit Bonus
🧾 Value Examples (Match Bonus in Real Terms)
Example 1: Deposit €50 on a 100% match → you receive €50 bonus. If wagering is x35 on bonus, you may need to wager €1,750 before bonus winnings are withdrawable.
Example 2: Deposit €20 on a 200% match → you receive €40 bonus. With x40 wagering on bonus, you may need to wager €1,600.
Tip: Two bonuses can look similar but differ hugely depending on whether wagering applies to bonus only or bonus + deposit.
💳 Payment Methods (Why This Matters)
Some casinos restrict welcome bonuses for certain payment methods (for example, specific wallets or prepaid options). If your bonus doesn’t activate, check the terms: it may be because your deposit method is excluded. Also confirm withdrawal options and minimum cashout amounts before depositing.
🚫 Common First Deposit Bonus Mistakes
- Chasing huge “up to” caps when you don’t plan to deposit that much.
- Ignoring expiry and running out of time to clear wagering.
- Playing excluded games that don’t count toward wagering.
- Missing max bet limits while using bonus funds (can void winnings).
- Not completing KYC early, causing withdrawal delays later.
Want safer all-round picks? See Top Online Casinos.
Prefer competitive promos? Explore Online Casino Tournaments.