In casino sites, your first deposit invariably activates a casino bonus reward. However, there are several important features to be aware of.

Claiming a bonus:

Firstly, always check the casino bonus offer before you download the casino software or deposit money. This will indicate whether the bonus is a 'free-play' or 'deposit' bonus offer.

Deposit bonus offers:
Check to see the required deposit level needed to gain a bonus award. For example, you may need to deposit £20 or more to receive a match bonus equal to your deposit. If you deposit a qualifying sum of money, your bonus cash will instantly be transferred to your bonus account (see below for details of the 'bonus account'). Click on this link to find out more about the deposit methods which are available when depositing money at a casino in order to claim your bonus.

Free-play bonus offers:
Unlike the deposit bonus offer, you can play free-play bonuses without making a deposit. In addition the bonus sessions can be instantly launched the first time you load-up the casino (many casino will flash-up a 'Claim your Bonus' icon; alternatively, navigate to 'My promotions'). If you win during the session, you must then make a deposit to get your hands on the cash (again, make sure you read the small print to find the required deposit level needed to transfer your winnings into your bonus account). Typically, you will need to make a deposit within 7 days to claim your winnings.

Bonus account versus cash account:
The most important part of any casino bonus offer is understanding the difference between 'bonus accounts' and 'cash accounts'.

Cash account:
Your cash account contains the cash you personally deposit to fund your gaming. You are free to withdraw this cash at any time you wish.

Bonus account:
Your bonus account contains the free cash won or claimed with the sign-up bonus offer. The money will only be transferred to your cash account, once you have wagered the money through a set volume of gaming. For example, high-class casinos such as Spin Palace require the bonus cash to be played through 'x30 play-throughs' (so, if you have a bonus bank of 100, you must attain a x3000 play through level). Note: check the individual casinos for the value of play through points. Typically, slot games offer the highest play through points). Play-through limits exist to stop gamers from winning the free bonus cash and instantly withdrawing their winnings without placing any real bets. If you play regularly you can quickly meet the withdrawal limit and game for free with the bonus cash.