While games like slots and roulette require little practice, skill-based table games such as blackjack take some getting used to. Learning the ropes without the pressure of losing real money stakes is the perfect scenario for new players.
Most bonuses require players to make an initial deposit. Unless you’re depositing with an e-wallet, such as PayPal, this means sharing details such as your debit card number. With no deposit bonuses, there’s no hassle - you won’t have to set up a payment method at your casino’s cashier or provide any sensitive information.
What’s unique about the no deposit bonus is that it’s one of the few deals that give you the flexibility to use it without being tied down to a certain casino. With no real money funds deposited, there’s less pressure to fulfil wagering requirements and land a return from your first deposit. Plus, once you’ve used your no deposit bonus, you aren’t required to make any real money deposits - you could easily claim another no deposit deal elsewhere, should you wish to.
While the concept largely remains the same, there are a few different types of no deposit bonus. Let’s take a closer look to find out which one suits you best.
The most common type of no deposit offer sees online casinos hand out free spins. Of course, these are reserved for slot games, but you won’t be able to take your pick from the entire library. The spins are only available on selected games, and are usually worth under 20p per spin. Plus, you’ll likely have to use them within just a few days. The amount of spins up for grabs varies between casinos; you can claim anywhere between five to 100 at some of the UK’s top sites.
If you don’t want your no deposit gameplay restricted to a few online slots, a deposit-free bankroll boost is a great alternative. The UK’s top casinos offer £5 and £10 no deposit bonuses available for use across a wider range of titles, including classic table games like roulette and blackjack.
A number of casinos are providing new bonuses with player-friendly, transparent terms. Some offer deals with low or no wagering requirements, while others give players a free trial in the form of a no deposit bonus. On the other hand, casinos offering a combination of both are few and far between, but well worth looking out for. These casinos give you the chance to grab casino funds without making a deposit and withdraw your winnings right away.
If you have a certain game in mind that you’d like to spend your bonus funds or spins on, you’ll want to check that it’s on your chosen casinos listen of eligible games. Most no deposit bonus casinos restrict the games you can use bonus funds on to a select few. You’ll usually find this list in the bonus terms and conditions.
In most instances, no deposit bonuses are exclusive to new players, and players are restricted to one bonus per person, household or IP address. Of course, you’ll also need to be 18 or over to claim your bonus.
You can play using your bonus funds anytime between its issue and any potential expiry date, but you’ll find that casinos usually give players just a few days. If there are any wagering requirements, there’ll also be a time limit in place, in most instances. You’ll need to satisfy the requirements within this time if you want to withdraw your winnings.
If you manage to turn your no deposit bonus into a win you'll often need to meet specific requirements before you can withdraw any of those winnings. Unless you’ve claimed a no wagering deal, you’ll most certainly have to satisfy a ‘wagering requirement’, which is the amount you’re required to bet in order to make your bonus winnings available for withdrawal.
When working towards fulfilling your wagering requirement, it’s important to remember that stakes on certain games contribute more than others. Most casinos allow for 100% of your stakes on slots to contribute to the wagering requirement, whereas games such as roulette and blackjack contribute a smaller percentage. Look out for the casino’s weighting table that outlines this information - you’ll find it in the terms and conditions of your bonus.
Don’t set your sights on winning a huge jackpot using your bonus. Casinos make sure that handing out free money is a low risk manoeuvre by placing caps on maximum bonus winnings. The predetermined figure is usually stated in the small print, so keep a close eye out to know exactly how much you can expect to win. Some casinos stipulate that players can’t win more than the amount that was credited to them in bonus funds. While many will see this as a shortcoming it’s actually a small price to pay considering you’re essentially being handed free casino money.
Now that you’re all clued up on how you can claim your no deposit bonus and the casinos that offer them, you’re probably ready to sign up and get a free bankroll boost. Simply compare the recommended casinos our our list and take your pick! We’ve made it easy for you by prominently featuring the bonuses, unique features
Can I Withdraw The Bonus as Cash Straight Away?
No. This is everyone’s first thought, including the people who manage these promotions. You can’t even withdraw any winnings from the bonus straight away (see wagering requirements).
Can I Withdraw Any Winnings Made When Using My Bonus?
Yes, but not without meeting some fairly stringent wagering requirements first. For more on this see above.
Can I Win Real Money Without Depositing Anything?
Yes, but it is highly unlikely that you’ll manage to satisfy the wagering requirements for winnings without squandering your bonus winnings first. Pray for a jackpot!
What Is A ‘Wagering Requirement’?
A wagering requirement is the amount you will need to bet in order to make your bonus winnings available for withdrawal. Online casinos use wagering requirements to protect the free spins they give away.
Do I Need To Enter Payment Details To Get A No Deposit Bonus?
No, a casino shouldn’t ask you for any payment details to claim your no deposit bonus. They may prompt you to make a deposit but you can skip past this and still claim your bonus. What’s In It For The Casino? - For all you healthy sceptics out there wondering why a casino would be so generous, you’re right to be cynical. Aside from the low chances of anyone taking any money home, a no deposit bonus affords an enticing marketing opportunity to new customers that involves little risk for the casino.