The Most Popular Types of Welcome Bonuses

Online casino operators are always cooking up new ways to reel in and keep new players. One strategy that has consistently hit the mark for them is dishing out online casino sign-up bonuses. But these promos can come in all sorts of flavours, which can leave beginner gamblers scratching their heads trying to figure out the best deal. So, this guide breaks down all the common casino welcome bonus variations you’ll find in Canada and how they actually work.

What Exactly Is a Casino Welcome Bonus in Canada?

A casino welcome bonus is essentially a thank you gift for new players after they’ve finished signing up. Typically, you’ll need to make an initial deposit and sometimes enter a bonus code to snag the reward. A few bonuses might even pop up without requiring a deposit at all! Whichever way it happens, the bonus cash itself is usually non-withdrawable. You’ll need to meet specific wagering requirements before you can cash out any winnings you’ve racked up from the bonus.

Top Casino Signup Bonus Rewards for Canadians

As mentioned, online casino bonuses and promotions come in a bunch of different varieties. Some require you to deposit cash, and others don't require a dime from your pocket. Here are the most common casino welcome promotions you’ll find here in Canada:

Match Deposit Bonus

The match deposit bonus is probably the most common online casino deposit bonus out there. With this type of welcome package, the casino usually asks new players to make a minimum deposit to activate it. This could be why it's so popular in the Canadian online gambling scene.

This bonus is typically a percentage of your first deposit. You’ll see ratios ranging from 50% to 200%, though 100% is pretty standard. For example, a Canadian casino might welcome you with a 100% match deposit bonus up to $1,000. If you deposit $100, you’ll get an extra $100 in non-withdrawable bonus funds to play with.

No Deposit Bonus

Some players argue that this is the best casino signup bonus players can find. That's true, considering the players don't need to make a minimum real money deposit to trigger this reward. Gamers must only create an account and enter the welcome bonus code to claim it.

But as good as it comes, this welcome bonus is usually smaller than a deposit bonus. Still, no deposit bonuses offer players a great way to try out new casinos without risking their hard-earned money.

Reload Bonus

Another bonus for new players is a reload bonus. As the name hints, this casino welcome bonus is given on subsequent deposits after making the first payment. The motivation behind this reward is to encourage new gamers to make real money deposits and play.

Because a reload bonus is usually tied to the overall deposit bonus amount, these bonuses are almost identical. However, reload bonuses have lower percentage rates, usually 50% or less. Also, loyal patrons can get reload bonuses on special occasions like holidays and birthdays.

Free Spins Bonus

Free spins are popular bonuses for new players and loyal customers. It's a welcome bonus, primarily for slots. With this welcome reward, the casino will give new gamblers several free spins on particular slot games.

It's vital to remember that free spin bonuses can come as a standalone offer or part of a deposit bonus. Also, players must fulfil bonus terms like wagering requirements before withdrawing free spin winnings. Most casinos offer 20 to 100 spins, although it could be more.

How to Find the Best Welcome Bonus

Casino welcome bonuses can look like free gaming opportunities from a distance. However, it's vital to remember that the biggest bonus package isn't necessarily the best.

Below are some tricks to help players find the best casino bonuses:

• Confirm the wagering requirement: The wagering requirement is a condition that applies to all casino rewards. It's the number of times to play using an amount equal to the prize before withdrawing winnings. The best online casino welcome bonus must have a low wagering requirement. Some casino bonuses don't have any wagering requirements at all.
• Low minimum deposit: Players don't need to break the bank to trigger the casino bonus. Ensure the minimum qualifying deposit is manageable, usually between $10 and $30.
• Extended validity period: This is the duration players have to fulfil the bonus conditions and withdraw winnings. The best online casino bonuses often have extended expiry periods of up to 30 days.
• Slot RTP and variance: If the casino specifies the slot machine to use the free spins on, it's advisable to check the slot's RTP and variance before claiming the reward. A slot machine with a high RTP and low variance makes winning a payout from the bonus easier. The RTP should be anything more than 96%.
• Bet and win limits: Casinos specify the minimum bet and maximum win for the bonus to prevent abuse. With a higher minimum bet limit, players can fulfil the wagering requirements quicker by placing bigger stakes. The win limit should also be as high as possible. Winning $10,000 only to be allowed to withdraw $200 because of bonus terms could be disappointing.

Conclusion

This article has discussed some standard welcome bonus variations at the best online casinos. But always remember that casino welcome bonuses function differently. Some may require a minimum deposit, while others are free to claim if players sign up successfully. But considering the advantages and disadvantages of each bonus, players must choose what works best for them.