How to Claim and Activate Online Casino Bonuses

One of the best things about online casinos is the abundance of casino bonuses and campaigns. However, the act of claiming a bonus is not always straightforward, as there are many terms and conditions to adhere to. But do not worry, as we are here to help you!

In this guide, we will cover everything you need to know to claim online casino bonuses.

Contents

  1. How to claim a no deposit bonus
  2. How to claim a deposit bonus
  3. What are bonus codes
  4. T&Cs of casino bonuses
  5. FAQ

How to claim a no deposit bonus

No deposit bonuses are online casino bonuses that don't require you to make a deposit. So how can you then claim them? If it is a so-called registration bonus for new players, the process will normally look something like this:

  1. Open the casino website offering the no deposit bonus
  2. Click to register an account
  3. Fill in your details in the registration form
  4. Include a bonus code if required
  5. Complete the registration and log in to use your bonus
NOTE

Since the bonus is for newly registered players only, it will often be added automatically to your account after signup. But in some cases, you will be required to include a bonus code in the signup process or by messaging customer support. This will activate the bonus and add it to your account without the need for any deposit.

If a no deposit bonus is offered at a later time, ways to activate it can include the following:

  • Clicking on a specific link from a marketing email or SMS
  • Activating a bonus or entering a bonus code while logged into your casino account
  • Contacting customer support with a specific bonus code
  • Opening a specific game where the bonus is given

Simply put, you will need to perform a certain action in order to claim a no deposit bonus.

How to claim a deposit bonus

Deposit bonuses, on the other hand, are bonuses that are linked to a deposit. This means that you need to make a deposit in order to claim the bonus. For your first deposit bonus, the process will normally look something like this:

  1. Open the casino website offering the deposit bonus
  2. Register an account and log in
  3. Make an eligible deposit and start playing

Since the bonus is directly linked to your deposit, it will normally be added automatically as long as the deposit is eligible. In order to be eligible, the deposit needs to meet set requirements such as a minimum wagering amount, acceptable payment methods, etc.

NOTE

You might be required to include a bonus code when registering your account or making the deposit. Alternatively, some casinos require you to choose and activate the bonus from the signup, deposit, or campaign page.

Most casinos offer several bonuses and campaigns for their players, so after the first (welcome) bonus is completed, you will probably be able to claim more offers on your subsequent deposits. Again the process can then require you to include a specific code or somehow make an action that activates the bonus and automatically adds it to your account.

What are bonus codes and how do they work?

In both sections above, we've mentioned the use of bonus codes. These are simply unique codes that sometimes need to be included in order to claim a bonus.

You can think of them as coupon codes when shopping: if you include the code, you get a discount (or similar). For online casinos, the codes simply help the casino software detect that a bonus should be added to your account.

Bonus codes are most often used for no deposit bonuses, since there isn't any deposit that can automatically add the bonus. But it can also be used to differentiate between different bonuses on offer, where you specify to the casino which bonus you wish to activate by including the specific code. And, in some cases, you can claim exclusive casino bonuses with the use of an exclusive code.

There are three main ways to include a bonus code:

  1. During the registration process
  2. When making a deposit
  3. By messaging the customer support

What the code is, where it should be included, and all other relevant details, will be stated in the terms and conditions of the bonus.

Read all T&Cs carefully

When it comes to online casino bonuses, the most important thing to remember is that they will all have various terms and conditions attached. While we have tried to cover the "standard processes" of claiming a bonus in this guide, the exact details of what you need to do can vary a lot.

This is why it is extremely important that you always read the T&Cs carefully. By doing so, you can ensure that you don't miss out on a bonus or any potential winnings from it simply because you didn't know what was expected of you. If anything at all is unclear, you should not hesitate to contact the casino's customer support for further guidance.

For more information, we recommend you to check our introduction to casino bonuses guide or our guide to wagering requirements.

FAQs

Do all casino bonuses require bonus codes for activation?

No, not all casinos and bonuses require bonus codes. If it is required, it will be clearly stated in the T&Cs.

Can I claim multiple casino bonuses at the same time?

No, normally online casinos only allow you to have one active bonus at a time. Of course, it is possible to claim bonuses from different casinos (but there might be restrictions there too, for example, if they are operated by the same company).

Are there any time limits for activating or using casino bonuses?

Yes, normally bonuses are only available for a set time which is specified in the terms and conditions. If you don't claim and/or wager the bonus within the set time limit, the bonus and any potential winnings from it will be lost.

Is it possible to activate bonuses on mobile casino platforms?

Yes, most casinos will let you claim bonuses from the device of your choosing, and some might even offer exclusive bonuses for mobile players.

How can I avoid common mistakes when activating casino bonuses?

To ensure that you do everything correctly, you simply need to read the T&Cs of the bonus carefully and follow all the rules set.

What should I do if I encounter any issues while trying to activate a casino bonus?

If you don't get your bonus or any other issues arise, you should contact the customer support of the casino for assistance.

Anita (1)

Anita is a full-time content writer from Norway, living in sunny Spain. She holds a Journalism BA honours degree from the University of Roehampton and has been working with online content for more than a decade. For the last few years, she has specialised in online gambling, creating content for casino-related websites. From this work, she has acquired an expert understanding of online casinos and betting sites. Her aim is that she can share her knowledge with casino players looking for information that is objective, honest and easy to understand.