Online casinos offer several types of bonuses. But no deposit bonuses are definitely among their most popular deals.
A no deposit bonus gives you the opportunity to make money just for completing registration. It typically comes in one of two forms: cash or free spins.
If you’re new to no deposit deals, you may wonder what the difference is between the two. This guide covers the basics of both offers and provides insight into how you can take advantage of these bonuses.
What Is a No Deposit Cash Bonus?
The path to any type of no deposit bonus begins with filling out a registration form. You must provide the online casino with all requested information, such as your name, email, country of residence, username, and password.
You may also need to enter a bonus code that qualifies you for the offer. If a code is required, then you’ll see it requested on the registration form.
Upon filling in all of the blanks, you submit your account for approval. Once approved, you’ll receive the no deposit cash. For example, you might collect $20 in funds after finishing registration.
You then use the no deposit bonus to satisfy terms and conditions, including wagering requirements (playthrough). You keep whatever is left over from the bonus, plus winnings, after satisfying terms and conditions.
Here’s an example:
- You register for an account.
- You receive $20
- as a no deposit bonus.
- Playthrough is 20x.
- 20 x 20 = $400 must be wagered.
The main thing to keep in mind here is that you’re using cash—not free spins—to rack up winnings. Assuming you get on a roll with these offers, then you’ll make some decent money.
Pros of No Deposit Bonus Cash
No deposit cash is typically worth more than no deposit free spins. You’ll usually receive $10 to $30 with cash offers, though occasionally you’re going to see offers outside this range. I’ve seen offers as low as $5 and as high as $100 a few times.
Free spins, in contrast, aren’t always worth much. Each free spin is normally only worth a quarter apiece. If you receive 25 free spins under this model, then you’re only getting the equivalent of $6.25.
With no deposit cash, you also have the ability to choose which game you want to play. You may be restricted to slots in some cases, but you’ll still be able to enjoy a wide variety of slots. Other times, you may be able to use your bonus on both slots and table games.
Real money online casinos sometimes restrict free spin bonuses to a single game. For example, you might receive 25 free games that can only be used with RTG’s Aztec’s Treasure.
Cons of No Deposit Bonus Cash
Many beginning gamblers struggle with the concept of how deposit cash bonuses work. Some believe that they’re getting free money upfront.
However, these offers don’t necessarily constitute free funds. Instead, they merely give you a chance at earning free money. You still need to meet the terms and conditions before requesting a withdrawal.
As per terms and conditions, you often have to make a deposit before cashing out, too. If the casino’s minimum deposit requirement is $20, for example, then you’ll need to fund your account with at least $20.
Other terms and conditions apply to these cash deals. With that said, you should always thoroughly read the terms and conditions before pursuing such offers. By knowing the terms, you stand a better chance at benefiting from no deposit deals.
What Are No Deposit Free Spins?
No deposit free spins provide the opportunity to play real money slots without risking your own funds. Just like with a cash offer, you merely need to complete registration to receive the free games.
For example, you might collect 25 free spins after signing up for an account. You then use the spins to generate winnings that can be cashed out upon meeting terms and conditions.
Here’s an example on how these bonuses work:
- You register for an account.
- You receive 25 free spins.
- You turn these spins into $30 in winnings.
- Playthrough is 20x.
- 30 x 20 = $600 must be wagered.
After satisfying playthrough and other terms, you’ll be able to cash out the winnings. Of course, online casinos cap your winnings to some degree.
For instance, you might only be able to earn up to $100 with the spins. Nevertheless, your winnings come with no risk involved.
Pros of No Deposit Bonus Free Spins
Simplicity is one of the best attributes to no deposit free spins. The concept behind this casino bonus is simple: You use these spins to win money that can later be withdrawn.
Beginning players won’t fall into the trap of thinking that they can withdraw the bonus immediately. After all, they’re merely dealing with free spins rather than cash.
In other cases, this bonus can be worth more than a cash offer. Although rare, no deposit “super” free spins are worth $1 apiece. If you receive 30 super free spins or more, then you’re doing better than the average no deposit deal.
Cons of No Deposit Bonus Free Spins
The biggest problem with no deposit free games is that they’re not always worth much. As mentioned before, the average no deposit bonus offers free spins worth $0.25 each.
Given that the free games don’t cost you anything, they can still be worthwhile. However, these low-value spins don’t provide as much of a chance to win serious money.
Certain casinos also restrict you to using the free spins on a specific game. They often give out no deposit bonuses as a means of convincing you to try a slot.
In this case, you’re still receiving free spins just for completing registration. However, you won’t be able to play any other games until meeting wagering requirements—unless you don’t mind nullifying the deal.
Which Type of No Deposit Offer Should You Pursue?
If you’re faced with a decision between no deposit cash and free spins, then you should consider the value behind each offer.
No deposit cash is rather easy to figure out. You simply need to look at the monetary amount that’s being offered (e.g. $20).
No deposit free spins require you to look at the terms and conditions. The terms and conditions should show how much each spin is worth.
Of course, many gaming sites only feature one type of no deposit bonus. You don’t need to make a decision in these cases. You’ll simply receive whatever the casino is offering.
Assuming you have a specific type of no deposit bonus in mind, you should consider scouring affiliate sites. Many affiliates list available no deposit bonuses that involve both cash and free spins.
You can simply click through their link and take advantage of whatever deal is appealing. In some scenarios, you might need to use a bonus code.
Nothing is stopping you from visiting different gaming sites and taking advantage of their no deposit offers. If you have the time, then you should hop around to various online casinos and see what’s available.
This approach will give you many opportunities to win free money. Even if you don’t win much, you’ll get to try out different games and casinos.
Conclusion
No deposit bonuses aren’t as widely prevalent as deposit bonuses. After all, some gaming sites don’t like taking the chance of handing out free money.
Nevertheless, you can find still find plenty of good deals throughout the industry. You just need to consider if you’re interested in cash or free spins.
No deposit cash comes in simple monetary form. These deals often supply you with between $10 and $30 worth of funds.
No deposit free spins provide you with a certain amount of free games. You use these spins to accumulate winnings.
Of course, nothing is stopping you from taking advantage of both types of deals. This being said, you should seek out multiple no deposit bonus opportunities and try your hand at winning free funds.
Michael Stevens
Michael Stevens has been researching and writing topics involving the gambling industry for well over a decade now and is considered an expert on all things casino and sports betting. Michael has been writing for GamblingSites.org since early 2016. …