What is a Welcome Bonus?

A welcome bonus is a promotional offer given to new players when they register and make their first deposit at an online casino. The most common form is a matched deposit bonus, where the casino matches a percentage of your deposit up to a maximum amount.

For example, a 100% bonus up to £100 means if you deposit £100, you’ll receive an additional £100 in bonus funds, giving you £200 to play with. A 200% bonus up to £200 means a £100 deposit gives you £300 total.

What are Wagering Requirements?

Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) specify how many times you must bet your bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. A 30x wagering requirement on a £100 bonus means you must wager £3,000 before withdrawing.

Some offers, like MrQ’s no-wagering free spins, have zero wagering requirements — meaning your winnings are yours immediately. Always check the wagering requirements before choosing a bonus.

Free Spins Explained

Free spins allow you to spin a specified slot game without using your own funds. They are typically awarded on a named game and may have a fixed stake per spin. Winnings from free spins may be subject to wagering requirements or, in the case of no-wager offers, credited as real cash immediately.

Deposit Match vs. Free Spins

Deposit match bonuses give you more funds to play a wide range of games. Free spins are limited to specific slots but can deliver real value if the game’s RTP is high. Some operators offer both together, making their packages particularly attractive.