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A casino bonus is a marketing incentive: extra bonus funds or spins, with conditions attached. This guide explains the common types and the terms that decide what a bonus is worth, with tips on reading them. It doesn't rank or recommend offers.
The casino adds bonus funds as a percentage of your deposit, up to a limit. Example: a 100% match up to $500 on a $500 deposit adds $500 in bonus funds. Some casinos spread a welcome package across several deposits, with a different match on each.
Spins on set slot games at a fixed value per spin. Winnings are usually bonus money with wagering, not cash. See how spin offers work.
A small bonus or spins for signing up, with no deposit needed. Wagering is often higher and winnings are often capped; check the terms.
A refund of a share of net losses over a period. Example: 10% cashback on a $100 net loss returns $10. Check whether it's paid as cash or as bonus money with wagering.
A match bonus for existing players on later deposits. Example: a 25% reload on a $100 deposit adds $25 in bonus funds.
Points earned from real-money play, exchangeable for bonus credits or other rewards. Perks vary; see the programme terms. For the Casino Rewards programme, see loyalty explained and the VIP programme.
The wagering requirement (play-through) is the amount you must bet before bonus funds, or winnings from them, can be withdrawn. It can apply to the bonus alone or to deposit plus bonus. Example: a $100 bonus at 35x on the bonus alone needs $3,500 in bets.
At the Casino Rewards casinos CoolShades covers, the first and second deposit bonuses carry 200 times play-through and bonuses from the third deposit 30 times. The terms give the example "If a Player receives a $100 bonus, they will have to wager approximately $20,000 should they wager on slot games (100% contribution) before attempting a withdrawal." That shows the 200x applies to the bonus amount (Yukon Gold terms and Casino Kingdom terms, checked Oct 17, 2026). Other brands' terms may differ. See wagering requirements explained.
Not every game counts in full toward wagering. In the Casino Rewards terms, slots count 100% and table games, live games and "all other game types count 2%" (Yukon Gold terms and Casino Kingdom terms, checked Oct 17, 2026). Other brands' terms may differ. See game weighting.
Many bonuses limit single bets while the bonus is active. In the Casino Rewards terms, single bets of 25% or more of the bonus before wagering is met count as irregular play (Yukon Gold terms and Casino Kingdom terms, checked Oct 17, 2026). Some bonuses also cap what you can withdraw from bonus winnings. See the max-bet rule and max cashout.
Bonuses and spins usually expire if unused or if the wagering isn't met in time. The period varies by offer; check the terms.
Current offers, with their wagering and check dates, are in each review and on our Casino Rewards comparison. Offers change; check the casino's current terms before you deposit.
Understanding the terms can help you avoid bad terms. A reasonable bonus with clear terms is easier to use than a large bonus with conditions most players won't meet. A bonus doesn't change the house edge of any game.
Set a money and time limit before you play. Help is free and confidential: see the helpline list for every province on our responsible gambling page.