How to claim a casino bonus without the usual mistakes

Most bonus problems we hear about come down to the order things were done in. Someone deposits, then remembers the code. Someone types WIN 300 with a space. Someone claims a deposit match, then tries to withdraw ten minutes later and finds the money locked.

None of that is hard to avoid. You just need to know what happens at each step.

Before you start: have three things ready

1. The right code for the right casino. Codes are brand-specific. PURPLE100 works at CasinoPurple, not at ZeSlots.
2. Your real details. Name, date of birth and address as they appear on your documents. You may be asked to verify them before a withdrawal.
3. A budget. Decide what you are depositing before you see the bonus slider. It is easy to get carried away by a 300% multiplier.

Current codes for all six casinos:

Step by step: claiming a deposit bonus

These steps apply to CasinoPurple, ZeSlots, CasinoWinner, YourWin24 and Cas2Bet, which all offer a first deposit match.

1. Open the casino site or app. Each one has an app for iPhone and Android that installs straight from its website; our casino apps guide shows how.
2. Read the welcome offer terms. They are in the promotions section. Look for the wagering requirement, the game contributions, any maximum bet while the bonus is active, and how long you have to complete it.
3. Register. If the sign-up form has a bonus or promo code field, enter the code there.
4. Go to the cashier and choose your deposit. If the cashier has a bonus code field or a list of available bonuses, enter or select the offer here too.
5. Check the bonus before you play. Your balance should show the bonus amount, often separately from your cash balance. If it does not, stop and contact support before you place a single bet.
6. Play eligible games. Slots usually count fully towards wagering; other games may count less. The bonus rules list them.
7. Track your progress. Most casinos show how much wagering is left in the account or bonus section.

Type the code exactly as written, in capitals, with no spaces. Copying it from our bonus codes page avoids typos.

Step by step: claiming a no-deposit bonus

LuckySlotPlay works differently. Its welcome offer is €5 free, no deposit needed, with code LUCK5.

1. Go to luckyslotplay.com or install the app from the site.
2. Register and enter LUCK5 where the casino asks for a bonus code.
3. Check that the €5 has arrived in your balance.
4. Read the terms that come with it, especially what you need to do before winnings can be withdrawn.
5. Play.

There is no deposit to make and nothing to lose, which makes it the easiest bonus in our lobby to claim. Full details on the LUCK5 code page.

Why a bonus did not credit, and what to do

Live chat is the quickest route. Give them your username, the code and the time of the deposit.

What to check in the terms

You do not need to read every line of a bonus policy, but these five points matter:

• Wagering requirement. How many times the bonus (or bonus plus deposit) must be played through before it becomes withdrawable. Our wagering guide does the maths.
• Game contribution. Which games count, and at what percentage.
• Maximum bet. Many bonuses limit your stake per spin or hand while they are active. Going over can void the bonus.
• Time limit. How many days you have to complete wagering.
• Withdrawing early. In many cases, withdrawing before wagering is done removes the bonus and anything won with it.

Choosing the right bonus for you

A bigger match is not automatically better. Think about how you play:

• Regular slot player, happy to play through: CasinoWinner's 300% (WIN300) or ZeSlots' 250% (ZESLOTS250).
• Casino and sport: YourWin24's 250% (YOUR250); see our sports betting guide.
• Smaller deposits, quicker to clear: CasinoPurple (PURPLE100) or Cas2Bet (CAS100), both 100%.
• Want to try first: LuckySlotPlay's €5 free (LUCK5).

If you are stuck between two, our best online casinos ranking and comparison pages break down who each casino suits.

Can you turn a bonus down?

Yes. If you would rather play with your own money only, with no wagering attached, simply do not enter the code, or ask support to remove a bonus before you start playing. Plenty of experienced players do this when they plan short sessions at live tables, where bonus contributions are often low.

A note on budgets

A bonus makes your balance look bigger than the money you put in. Treat the bonus part as a longer session, not as extra spending money. Set a deposit limit in your account the day you sign up; our responsible gambling guide shows where.