One of the reasons online casinos have emerged in the entertainment mainstream is the growing number of bonuses online casino operators are able to offer their users. In a land-based casino, the game play is the main spectacle due to the rigid confines of the table and equipment for a game of blackjack, roulette, or baccarat.

However, in the digital realm, the infinite space afforded to online casino providers and the increasing number of programming capabilities means a larger variety of offers and bonuses can be created.

From the first stage of creating an online account and having it verified, users at online casinos then encounter the payment method barrier. Along with the customary welcome bonus, bonuses can also be handed out for making a first deposit, in the form of deposit matches or free spins on online slots titles. These are extremely welcome of course and are evidence of the digital add-ons that operators can give to their users as a token of their appreciation.

On the topic of incentives and bonuses, there are also bonuses that do not require deposits or payment action. In the UK, online casinos licensed by the UK Gambling Commission can offer customers something called no deposit bonuses.

How are no deposit bonuses awarded?

The difference between no deposit and deposit bonuses is the nature of how they are awarded. While bonuses such as free spins are credited to a player’s account directly after they make a deposit via a desired payment method, no deposit bonuses are usually awarded to existing customers as a way of rewarding loyalty.

There is usually no action required. Just normal game play and betting. There is no set regularity of no deposit bonuses awarded but players who remain loyal to a certain provider can expect the odd surprise. Any bonuses are credited directly to an account or claimed via a ‘click and claim’ function and can often be used immediately.

Beware of Potential Playing Restrictions

With most actions on an online casino, it is essential to be aware of the terms and conditions and although no deposit bonuses might seem like free cash or free spins on the outset, bonuses of this type can sometimes be tagged with specific requirements to fulfil before any real cash or winnings can be claimed.

The term “wagering requirements” comes up with great regularity on online casino platforms and it is worth noting the definition of this term. If you encounter this, usually in the form of a number with an ‘x,’ which indicates the multiplying symbol, this means that the bonus must be played that many times before it is possible to claim and withdraw any profit.

Wagering requirements do sour the initial taste of receiving a bonus and leads to players questioning whether no deposit bonuses are worth it. But not all no deposit bonuses come with this specification, and it is certainly worth checking the fine print to see if it does or not. With the knowledge that wagering requirements might be included, expectations can be set for when such bonuses arrive.

Not Available on all Titles

Another restriction that could affect no deposit bonuses is the range of games the bonus can be applied to. Like with wagering requirements, it is worth checking the small print to see which games the bonuses can be used on and more importantly, if that game suits your personal preferences.

Online casino is supposed to be an experience controlled entirely by the player (besides from the game play of course) and that extends to the choice of game. It could be the unfortunate case that the bonus does not apply to one of your favourite titles, but that could easily be reversed with another bonus that arrives at another stage.

Do Your Research

On the face of it, no deposit bonuses are a positive thing. They are designed to reward loyal customers without tipping any players into the realm of risk. However, as we have discovered, they can come with their own stipulations. Nowadays, there is more literature around online casino activity and more resources to find out more about no deposit bonuses.

However, each online casino operator will also their own terms and conditions and privacy policies, so it is worth doing the research before you start using the bonus. In the ever-developing online casino industry, knowledge is a currency in itself and the more accumulated, the more realistic the expectations.