1st Deposit Bonus – Find the best first deposit casino bonuses in UK
Get a bonus on your first deposit and play with more money! That is how simple the 1st deposit bonus to online casinos is. But should you claim it or just reject it?
Well, that depends, because casino bonuses are also subject to wagering requirements and 1st deposit bonus is no exception. So if you don’t want to play a long session do complete bonus wagering, then don’t claim the 1st deposit bonus.
In most online casinos accepting the bonus is optional and you have always the option not to accept it. If this cannot be done by you while making a deposit, contact customer support before you start playing.
Best first deposit bonus casino UK list
There are hundreds of casinos available in the UK and most of them offer a first deposit bonus. This can make it very difficult to choose as you need to compare not just the bonus amounts but also the terms and conditions to see which one suits you best.
To help you decide, here’s a comparison of the best first deposit casino bonuses for UK players that we’ve chosen:
| Casino | First Deposit Bonus | Wagering Requirements | Minimum Deposit | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| MrQ | 30 Free Spins | None! | £10 | 5/5 |
| Jackpot.com | 50 Free Spins | None! | £15 | 4.9/5 |
| Lottoland | 100 Free Spins | None! | £20 | 4.9/5 |
| Casumo | 100% up to £100 + 50 Spins | x30 (deposit + bonus) | £20 | 4.8/5 |
| Duelz | 100% up to £100 + 100 Spins | x30 (deposit + bonus) | £20 | 4.8/5 |
What Is A First Deposit Casino Bonus?
A first deposit casino bonus is a special promotion offered by UK online casinos to attract new players. When you sign up and make your first deposit, the casino rewards you with a bonus which will give you more to play with on top of your own money.
This bonus acts as a welcome gift, enhancing your overall gaming experience and giving you more opportunities to win. It’s an enticing way for casinos to encourage new UK players to join and for you to kickstart your gaming journey with a bit of an edge.
Pretty much all online casinos offer a first deposit bonus to UK players. It’s very rare to find sites that don’t have one as it might immediately put players off from signing up.
How Do First Deposit Casino Bonuses Work?
To get a first deposit bonus UK, all you need to do is create a new account and then make the minimum deposit – usually £10 or £20. In most cases, the bonus will then be credited to your account immediately. However, some casinos require you to bet the amount before releasing the bonus too.
Most UK online casinos let players use their own money first. If you win then you can choose to withdraw the cash straight away with no restrictions. However, you’ll need to forfeit your bonus amount to cashout. If you lose your own money then the bonus acts as a second chance to win. However, you can only withdraw it once certain terms and conditions are met (more on that later).
Types Of First Deposit Bonuses
The type of first depost bonus you get depends on each casino but here are the most common:
- Match Bonus: Anything you deposit will be matched in bonus money up to a certain amount. Let’s say a casino offers 100% up to £100 and you decide to deposit £50. The casino will match that amount and give you another £50 in bonus money for £100 to play with overall. However, if you deposited £150 instead then the casino would only give you £100 in bonus money as that’s the maximum they’re willing to give.
- More Bonus Cash: This works in a similar way to the match bonus, except the percentage the casino is willing to give is higher or lower. Let’s say a casino offers 50% up to £100 and you decide to deposit £100. The casino will give you half that amount in bonus money (£50) so you have £150 to play with in total. However, if a casino offers 200% up to £100 then the amount changes completely. A deposit of £50 would see you given a £100 bonus for a total of £150 overall.
- Free Spins: Some casinos might give you a batch of free spins instead of bonus money. A free spin allows you to play a slot machine without using your own money to bet. It’s common for casinos to offer at least 50 free spins to those making a first deposit.
- Combination: Plenty of casinos offer a mix of bonus cash and free spins. Let’s say a casino offers 100% up to £100 + 100 free spins. If you deposit £50 then you’ll be given £50 in bonus cash plus 100 free spins to use on slots.
Common Terms & Conditions
It’s crucial to understand the associated terms and conditions of first deposit casino bonuses. Most of them include wagering requirements, which means you have to bet the bonus amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw any winnings. For instance, if the wagering requirement is 30x and you received a £50 bonus, you would need to wager £1,500 using the bonus cash before you can cash out any winnings.
Additionally, not all games contribute equally towards meeting the wagering requirements. Slots often count 100%, so if you bet £1 then that will contribute £1 to completing the wagering. However, table games like blackjack or roulette might contribute much less. Always check which games are eligible to make the most of your bonus.
Lastly, be aware of time limits. Many bonuses need to be used within a specific period, such as 7 days, or the bonus and any associated winnings might expire. Make sure to use the bonus and complete any wagering within the allotted timeframe.
How To Choose The Best First Deposit Bonus Casino In The UK
Choosing the best first deposit bonus at a UK casino can seem overwhelming, given the sheer number of offers available. However, if you keep a few key factors in mind, it becomes much easier to identify the right one for you.
- Consider the bonus terms and conditions. Choosing offers that have more favourable terms can make a big difference. For example, those with low or even no wagering requirements make it much more likely that you’ll be able to cashout some kind of winnings.
- Evaluate the deposit match percentage. Even though it might sound good to get the biggest bonus available, remember that this can make completing the wagering more difficult. The more bonus you get, the higher the wagering in general.
- Check which games are excluded. Some bonuses can only be used on specific games (usually slots), so it’s worth checking if your favourite games are included. This ensures that you’ll genuinely enjoy your gaming experience.
- Look at the accepted payment methods. Some casinos offer bonuses only to players who use certain payment methods to make a first deposit. The most commonly accepted options are debit card and bank transfer, with popular e-wallets like PayPal sometimes excluded.
By thoroughly examining these aspects, you can narrow down your search and pinpoint the best first deposit bonus casino in the UK tailored to your preferences and gaming style. Taking the time to compare offers and read the fine print will ensure you get the most out of your first deposit bonus experience.
Benefits Of First Deposit Bonuses For New Players
First deposit bonuses provide an array of benefits for new players. One of the key advantages is the boost to your playing balance. By giving you more than just your initial deposit amount, casinos effectively hand you extra money to play with. This increased bankroll allows you to explore a wider variety of games to see which ones you enjoy the most.
For those who enjoy slots, some first deposit bonuses often come in the form of free spins. These spins can offer a fantastic opportunity to try out new or popular slot games without risking your own money.
Another benefit is the extra chance to win they offer players. If you aren’t lucky when using your own money first to play then you might get lucky the second time around. However, due to the wagering requirements and other terms, it is harder to win when using bonus money.
Common Mistakes To Avoid With First Deposit Bonuses
First deposit bonuses can be a great way to kickstart your online casino experience. However, there are some common pitfalls that players should be aware of to make the most out of these offers.
- Ignoring Wagering Requirements: Wagering requirements are often the most challenging aspect of a bonus. These requirements specify how many times you must play through your bonus before you can withdraw any winnings. Ignoring these can lead to disappointment, so it’s vital to know what you’re getting into.
- Overlooking Game Contributions: Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Slots might contribute 100%, but table games often contribute less. Be sure to check which games are eligible and focus your play accordingly to meet the terms faster.
- Focussing Only on the Bonus Amount: A massive bonus can be enticing, but it’s not the only factor to consider. Look at other aspects, such as the variety of games you can play with the bonus and the site’s overall reputation. A smaller bonus with fair terms can sometimes be more beneficial.
First Deposit Bonus Slots: What You Need To Know
Most casinos permit you to use your first deposit bonus on a wide variety of slots. This gives you a great deal of freedom to explore different games. It’s another great advantage of a first deposit bonus as you can try out a range of slots until you find certain types that you like.
However, it’s important to note that some slots may be excluded from bonus play. These exclusions often include games with a high Return to Player (RTP) percentage. High RTP slots offer a better chance of winning, making them less favourable for casinos to include in bonus offers. You’ll find any slots excluded from use with a first deposit bonus in the casino’s terms and conditions.
Legal Regulations For First Deposit Bonuses In The UK
All UK casinos offering a first deposit bonus must be licensed by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). This licensing ensures that the casino adheres to strict regulations that promote fair and safe gambling. As a result, only licensed sites are legal to operate in the UK. On this page, we only list first deposit bonus casinos with this licence, ensuring you are directed to legitimate and regulated platforms.
The UKGC has put in place specific rules regarding first deposit bonuses to protect players. The casinos must clearly display the terms to you while ensuring they are not too complicated or difficult for players to meet. This approach guarantees a fairer gaming experience, allowing players to fully understand what they are signing up for and what is required to benefit from the bonus.