Unlike land-based casinos, making a deposit at an online casino is always advantageous: not only do you get an active balance, but you also get a bonus. This is an advantage that makes your online gambling experience much more enjoyable and profitable because with these bonuses it is possible to earn much more than the deposit amount. In this guide, we will explain with examples what casino match deposit bonuses are and let you make the most of them.
Almost all casino bonus offers are designed to encourage players to make a deposit and remain members. In this regard, deposit match bonuses are the most common promotion in the iGaming industry and can be found in every online casino. What this promotion does is clear from its name: when the player makes a deposit, the casino “matches” it with a certain amount of bonus cash.
As a very simple example, we can show the 100% match bonus: if the player deposits, for example, 10 Pounds, the casino will match it by 100% and assign an additional 10 Pounds to the player’s account. In other words, by depositing 10 Pounds, the player gets a bankroll of 20 Pounds. However, as we will explain below, being able to use this additional balance is subject to certain conditions.
You will receive this bonus automatically as soon as you deposit. Sometimes it may be necessary to use a code or a specific payment method, but the process is almost always automatic: once the deposit is complete, the bonus is instantly credited to the player’s account. However, it cannot be used immediately.
This is because in online casinos, players have two balances, “real” and “bonus”. You can top up the real balance with your deposits. The money in this balance can be used for gaming or withdrawn. Bonus balance, on the other hand, is always “locked”. Your bonus (or bonus winnings) will be credited to this balance and cannot be used until the wagering requirements are met. When these conditions are met, the money in the bonus balance is transferred to the real balance and becomes withdrawable. We’ll tell you more about the wagering requirements below.
In addition, it should be noted that this promotion is usually offered as a first deposit bonus. In other words, the target audience for match bonuses is predominantly new players in a casino. However, existing members can also benefit from this bonus with lower match rates. It is even possible to say that they are more advantageous in a way because the deposit match bonus for new players is known as the “welcome package” and can only be used once. Existing members, however, can benefit from this bonus multiple times (each time they make a deposit).
It is possible to divide deposit match bonus offers into many different categories based on factors such as activation conditions, wagering rates, and betting restrictions. However, the most basic distinction is made according to match rates. Below, we give examples of the most common match rates, share a formula so you can calculate the bonus amount for each, and give an example with it.
In this bonus, the deposit made by the player is matched by half (50%). It is a promotion that can be offered to both new and existing members. To calculate the amount you can earn with a 50% deposit bonus, you can use the following formula:
So, for example,
We can say that this is the most common match bonus type. Most casinos set the match rate to 100%, meaning they give a bonus of as much as the first deposit made. This promotion can also be offered to both new and existing members. The following formula shows how much you can earn with a 100% deposit bonus:
To give an example:
This match rate is mostly only offered to new members: it is extremely rare for existing members to get a 200% deposit bonus. With this promotion, you can earn twice the bonus of the deposit made. To calculate how much you can earn with a 200% deposit bonus, use this formula:
An example:
This match rate and above is only offered to new members. Existing members’ deposit bonus rate will never be this high (with the exception of VIP members’ special offers). This promotion allows you to earn three times your deposit as bonus cash. As a 300% deposit bonus formula, you can use:
Let’s give an example:
By using this offer, you can earn four times your deposit as a bonus. It is an offer only available in a new member welcome pack and is extremely rare. We recommend that you read the bonus terms carefully, as the wagering rate may be high. The 400% deposit bonus formula is:
You can see an example below:
This is a bonus only offered to new members and is very rare. Because it provides a bonus of up to five times the deposit amount. If you find such an offer, we recommend claiming it immediately, provided that the wagering rate is also suitable, as it will most likely be valid for a short time. For a 500% deposit bonus, use this formula:
Here is an example:
We mentioned above that both new and existing members can benefit from match bonuses. However, lower or higher match rates are not the only difference between these two bonuses: the scope of offers also differs. In this context:
Do not confuse these promotions with no deposit free spins: this is a special type of bonus and allows a small number of free spins to be won without making any deposits. It is usually only offered to new players or members who have reached a certain loyalty level. It is also non-permanent and can only be used once.
The difference between these two types of promotions can be understood from their names. Match bonuses always require a deposit and there is always a minimum limit for this payment. For example, only deposits of £20 or more can trigger the bonus. In this promotion, the player pays first and receives the bonus later. And the bonus cannot be used immediately: the player must first complete the wagering requirements.
There is no such requirement for no deposit bonuses. There is no need to make a deposit to trigger this promotion: just create a new account or reach a certain level of loyalty. As soon as one of these conditions is met, the casino automatically credits the bonus. This promotion allows you to win a cash balance or free spins. Moreover, it is possible to use both of them immediately. If you win money with bonus cash or free spins, you must complete wagering requirements to be able to withdraw that money. In addition, no deposit bonuses are not permanent and offer much less cash or free spins compared to match bonuses. To summarize:
Unless otherwise stated, there are no restrictions in this respect: you can use your bonus in any game. This promotion gives you a bonus cash balance that can be used in all games. If some games are excluded, it will be stated in the bonus terms.
Yes, you can withdraw the cash you have obtained with this bonus, but you must first complete the wagering requirements. Until they are met, your bonus cash will remain «locked». As soon as the wagering is completed, the money in your bonus balance is transferred to your real balance and can be withdrawn.
These bonuses are mainly for new members who have not made their first deposit yet, especially if the match rate is high (200% and above). However, match bonuses are also offered for existing members. Their match rate will be lower, but they can be used multiple times.