Best First Deposit Bonus Casinos UK In 2024

What Are First Deposit Bonuses?

The first deposit bonus is the most common form of welcome offer, and it’s called so because you get it after making your first deposit. In most cases, you will get a match bonus, which means that the casino will match your deposit by a certain percentage. A 100% match bonus is common, but up to a 500% first deposit bonus is possible. Sometimes free spins are also part of such offers.

How Do They Work?

If you get a 400% first deposit bonus, for example, the casino will give you £400 in bonus money if you make a deposit of £100. Keep in mind that there is usually an upper limit to the casino match bonus, and wagering requirements are not uncommon. That said, you can also find a no wagering first deposit bonus, although such offers are quite rare.

Why Do Online Casinos In The UK Offer First Deposit Bonuses?

The main reason UK casinos offer a first deposit bonus is to attract new players. Of course, in most cases, even the best bonuses comes with terms and conditions to be aware of. Sometimes you can even find offers without wagering, but in our experience it's not that common. All the online casinos compete against each other, and offering the best first deposit bonus is one way online casinos can stand out from the rest.

Types Of First Deposit Casino Bonuses

As you may already understand from the above, online casinos offer different kinds of first deposit bonuses. The bonus package combination can also vary from casino to casino, and the best offer is not always easy to determine. Once you have an understanding of how this bonus works, you can determine that is the best option for you. Below is an overview of what you can expect in terms of first deposit bonuses in the UK.

Match Bonus

As already mentioned, getting a match bonus is quite common when you make your first online casino deposit. It’s possible to find up to a 500% match bonus, but it’s rare to see anything beyond that in our experience. It’s far more common to get a 100% or 200% match bonus, but you will find a 400% first deposit bonus at some casinos as well. Either way, the casino will usually only match your deposit up to a certain limit, so always check the bonus T&C.

Free Spins

Getting free spins at a first deposit bonus casino is quite common as well, and free spins are usually given in addition to the match bonus. However, some casinos will offer only free spins as a welcome bonus, but this is not something we see too often. The free spins you get are usually tied to a specific slot or group of slots, and they typically come with wagering requirements. Always check the terms and conditions to be sure.

High Roller Bonus

The best first deposit bonus casino will typically offer a special bonus to high rollers. Many times high rollers will get a higher match bonus percentage and higher deposit limits. This is obviously because the casino values players who spend big money, and you should look for such a casino if you are that kind of player. High rollers get other benefits as well, such as better and more frequent reload VIP bonuses.

Package Bonus

A casino will many times offer a bonus package instead of just a first deposit bonus. Package bonus offers have become more common in recent years, as the competition between online casinos is tougher than ever. A package bonus will typically give you a bonus on your second and third deposit, in addition to your first deposit bonus. This is usually a match bonus, but free spins can also be part of the package sometimes.

How To Find The Best First Deposit Bonus Casino In The UK

We have done all the heavy lifting for you in this regard. Not only does our daily casino scan keep all our first deposit bonus information up to date, but our team of experts has also vetted every casino you’ll find in our table at the top of this page. All the casinos we recommend are fully licensed, reliable, and secure, and you can claim your next first deposit bonus immediately if you so desire.

What To Consider When Looking For The Best 1st Deposit Casino Bonus

Some will say that the best first deposit bonus casino no wagering is what you should look for, and we don’t disagree. However, there are more things to consider when you want to find the best bonus. We will walk you through what you need to be aware of below, as you don’t want any unpleasant surprises down the road. Always check the casino and bonus terms and conditions, and we sum up the most important T&C info in our best 1st deposit bonus casino table at the top of this page.

Casino Reputation

We always take casino reputation into consideration before the casino is added to our top list, and this is something you should consider as well. Of course, we have already done the hard work for you, as only reputable and safe online casinos get into our top list. We always care what different players experience with any given casino, in addition to our own experience, and so should you.

Country Restrictions

Regulations have only gotten stricter in recent years, and country restrictions are always the case with any given licensed and regulated online casino. Some casinos will allow players only from a relatively small number of countries, and it all depends on which casino licenses each casino holds. Finding the best first deposit bonus casino in the Uk, for example, is more challenging than it used to be since the UKGC license is the hardest one for a casino to get.

Payment Restrictions

When gambling online, you are bound to run into different payment restrictions. Casinos usually operate with deposit and withdrawal limits, and these can vary significantly from one casino to the next. This is something to consider when looking for the best first deposit bonus, and certain payment options may not be available depending on your country. You will find specific info about payment restrictions in each of our casino reviews.

Withdrawal Process

Another thing to consider when you’re looking for the best 1st deposit casino bonus is the withdrawal process. Obviously, you want withdrawals to be as fast and smooth as possible. Some casinos do offer instant or very fast withdrawals, but a processing time of up to 24 hours is not uncommon either. The withdrawal process will also depend on your choice of payment method, as some payment options are quicker than others.

Terms And Conditions For First Time Deposit Bonuses

Checking the first deposit bonus T&C is therefore an essential part of our vetting process, and it should be a priority for you as well. Wading through walls of boring text is hardly the most exciting part of playing slots, but you can shorten the time you spend on this significantly by knowing what to look for.

Bonus Amount

The percentage match amount is the main thing you’ll see when checking a new first deposit bonus, as it’s the main attraction. The casino will offer you anything from a 100% to a 500% bonus, but how much money you can actually get is determined by the bonus amount. Most casinos will match your deposit up to a certain amount only, and this amount can vary a lot from one casino to another.

Wagering Requirements

We always list the bonus wagering requirements in our top list. Having to wager your bonus money up to 40 times is not uncommon, and some casinos have even higher wagering requirements. You can also find a first deposit bonus no wagering occasionally, but most offers must be wagered in our experience.

Game Restrictions

It’s common for even the best first deposit bonus casinos to come with game restrictions, and this is typical in most jurisdictions actually. You will normally not be allowed to wager your bonus on games that have an unusually high RTP, for example, and certain bonuses can also be tied to a certain game or selection of games.

Bonus Expiry

Always check the bonus expiry date for any first time deposit bonus. In most cases, you have 30 days to claim and wager the bonus after making your deposit, but this can vary from one casino to the next. You do not want to miss out on the deal you signed up for, so always check this upfront.

Maximum Cashout

The best online casino first deposit bonus does not come with a maximum cashout limit, but this is still a common thing to look for. Some casinos put restrictions on how much you are allowed to withdraw when you win with bonus money, and always check the bonus terms and conditions to avoid any disappointments later on.

How To Claim The Best Online Casino First Deposit Bonus

It’s easy and straightforward to claim a first deposit bonus at any of our recommended online casinos. However, if you have never done it before, or if you feel unsure about how it can be done as smoothly as possible, feel free to follow the simple instructions below. This will get you started with your bonuses in no time:

Casino Slots With First Deposit Bonuses

As mentioned, first deposit bonus slots are usually restricted. Slots and games with an RTP (return to player) percentage that is significantly higher than average are usually not allowed when you wager your bonus. In our experience, the best slots to look for are games with a high RTP and low volatility. You want smaller wins frequently when you wager your bonus money, as you want to keep as much of the bonus money as possible when the wagering process is finished.

Pros And Cons Of 1st Deposit Bonuses

Final Thoughts

Having gone through all of the above, you can now consider yourself to be close to an expert on the first deposit bonus. At the very least, you are well-prepared to claim your welcome offer at one of our recommended casinos. Check the table at the top of this page, and do not hesitate to ask if you have any questions. All we ask in return is that you check the FAQ below first, and get back to us if you still have questions.