Welcome bonuses are the headline offer extended to new players. They typically combine a deposit-match (e.g. 100% up to £200) with free spins on a featured slot. Most are restricted to first deposit only — once claimed, you're outside the welcome scheme and only reload offers apply.
UK welcome offers must comply with UKGC and ASA standards: the headline value, wagering requirement, expiry and any restrictions must be transparently disclosed. Operators that bury terms or use unclear language are subject to ASA rulings.
Things to evaluate before claiming: minimum qualifying deposit, eligible payment methods (PayPal and e-wallets are sometimes excluded), wagering requirement, game weighting, time limit, maximum cashout cap.
Example usage
- 100% up to £250 + 50 free spins (mainstream UK welcome)
- £88 no deposit + 100% up to £200 (888-style two-tier welcome)
Related terms
- Deposit match — A welcome offer where the casino matches your first deposit by a set percentage, up to a cap.
- Free spins — Spins on a slot game awarded by an operator, with any resulting winnings usually subject to wagering.
- Reload bonus — A recurring deposit-match offer for existing players, usually weekly or monthly.
- UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) — The independent regulator of all commercial gambling in Great Britain, established under the Gambling Act 2005.
- Wagering requirement — A multiplier that tells you how much you must stake before bonus winnings can be withdrawn.