Best Casino Bonuses in the UK 2023
A word about the casino bonus sites that we recommend. PlatinPlay operates on a basis of honesty and transparency, which means that we will only give our seal of approval to the best online casinos. If anything looks slightly shifty, you won’t find it here, no matter how tempting their online casino bonuses may seem.
In order to reach our definitive list of best UK casino bonus sites, we’ve taken a deep dive into the workings of these casino bonus offers to ensure that there are no unreasonable requirements or hidden terms and conditions. Only those that satisfied our strict standards were included.
Below, you’ll find our list of UK casino bonuses that we judged to be the cream of the crop.
What are Casino Bonuses?
Simply put, casino bonuses offer an incentive to play at a particular site by offering players something extra. A UK casino bonus comes in multiple shapes and sizes, which can add to the confusion. However, this guide is intended to dispel any myths surrounding such offers and to make it easier to understand how they work.
The most common form of casino bonus is the match deposit, where you’ll have a percentage of the deposit you make matched in free bonus money. A common example would be a 100% match deposit up to £50. This means that anything you deposit up to the amount of £50 will be doubled. So, if you deposit £10, you will receive £20 to play with.
Another common form of promotion you’ll find at UK casino bonus sites is the extra spins offer, where you will be given a number of spins added to your deposit for free. These can be for use on a specific slot, or on any slot you like depending on the conditions.
You will find several types of casino offers available. Some, like the casino welcome offer, are intended to attract new players. Others aim to entice players to return and make another deposit and continue playing at the site – these are called loyalty promotions. We will be delving deeper into each type of casino bonus a bit further down.
What to look out for in a Casino Bonus
All casino bonuses look shiny and bright at first glance. That’s their job, after all, to present a beautiful front that will convince players to sign up and make that first deposit.
However, it’s a reality that not all bonus terms and conditions (T&Cs) offer the best deal to players. This is why our team of experts doesn’t simply look at the superficial numbers when rating the best UK casino bonus sites.
We can’t say this often enough – going through the T&Cs is extremely important, because that’s where you’ll find the sneaky parts. We do realise that going through an entire page of fine print in complicated language is not everyone’s idea of fun.
This is why we also carry out thorough research in this aspect ourselves, so that when we recommend the best online casino bonus it’s not just empty words. We’ve actually delved deep in all the elements that make the difference between a splendid offer and another that’s not worth your time and money.
To help you understand our process better, below we explain in detail what we look out for when rating a casino offer, and what you should also be looking out for when trying new casino bonus sites.
Casino Credibility
The safety and security of your funds and data are our biggest priority, so the first thing we check out is the casino’s credibility. For starters, any casino bonus site we recommended must be licensed by the UKGC.
This is the only legal guarantee that UK players will be protected and that in case of any complaint you will be covered by UK law. The UKGC is one of the most respected gambling regulators worldwide, because it imposes some seriously strict standards on all UK casino bonus sites and it regularly audits them to make sure that they’re abiding by the conditions of their license. One violation is all it takes to incur a massive fine and possible suspension, so you really can set your mind at rest there.
We also like to see third party independent auditing, such as by eCOGRA or iTechLabs, because this is a sure-fire guarantee that the games are fair and the platform is secure. Finally, we look at the site’s reputation in the industry and among players themselves, even checking Reddit forums and online review sites to see if there are any major red flags.
Bonus Amounts
Size does matter! 50 free spins are better than 20, and a 100% matchup is better than 50%. Stands to reason, the amount of the casino bonus offer makes a difference. UK players nowadays have certain expectations in terms of how generous the best casino bonuses should be. For a casino welcome offer, it’s normal to expect 100% deposit matches up to £400 to £500, preferably coupled with bonus spins.
Terms and Conditions
The amount isn’t the only thing that matters when rating a casino welcome offer – the terms also have to make it worth your while. We look at things such as how long you have before the bonus expires; it’s not as great to be given a 100 free spins but you need to use them in 24 hours.
We also look at how long we have to meet the playthrough requirements as there needs to be a balance between this and the wagering requirements. Thus, it is perfectly possible to fulfil a 35x playthrough in seven days, but a 70x in the same time is probably too much for casual players.
Wagering Requirements
Every real money online casino comes with wagering requirements, it’s a sad fact of life. Without these, no casino bonus site would survive.
Put simply, wagering requirements show the number of times that a player needs to wager through the deposit and bonus money before being allowed to cash out any bonus winnings. You will find this quoted in the terms and conditions.
And so, a wagering requirement of 35x on both deposit and bonus money on a 100% match up with a deposit of £100 means that you’ll need to wager £7,000 before you cash out any winnings. If the wagering requirement is only on the bonus money, you can cash out with £3,500.
What’s a fair wagering requirement? This depends on the size of the bonus and other terms, but generally we look for a UK casino bonus that doesn’t exceed the 50x.
How to Choose a Casino Bonus
We’ve already given you details about the process that PlatinPlay experts follow in order to decide whether to recommend specific online casino promotions or not. You can use our list of criteria to help you reach your own decision, while also keeping in mind your personal preferences.
There’s a lot more to online gambling than whether an operator offers the top casino bonuses. Before picking new casino offers, take a look at the rest of the site and ask yourself whether you like what you see.
We suggest that you start out by checking the game selection, as this is the primary reason you’re on the site. Are you favourite casino software providers present? Is there enough choice? Are there also progressive jackpots, tournaments, live dealer games and other casino games available besides slots?
Casino payment options are also important, as you know best what is most convenient for you. Let’s say that a site has the most amazing casino bonuses UK, but it doesn’t offer the one withdrawal method that you prefer. In that case, it’s not really the best casino bonus site for you.
Once you’ve asked yourself all these questions while keeping in mind terms and conditions, including whether the wagering requirements match your budget, you can make the most informed decision.
Top Rated Casino Bonus Sites
Casino Bonus Types
The standing joke is that there’s a different kind of casino bonus for every different kind of player. It’s funny because it’s true. New players may find the different names confusing, especially as many of the casino bonus offers can appear to be similar to each other.
We’re here to clear any confusion with a thorough, but simple explanation of all the different kinds of online casino bonuses you’re likely to encounter.
Casino Welcome Bonus / Casino Sign up Bonus
A casino welcome bonus UK is what players making a first-time deposit with an operator will receive as reward. It’s known by various names, including sign-up offer and casino registration bonus.
There are several types of casino new customer offers, but at its essence a casino sign-up bonus offers extra rewards on top of your first deposit. At times you may need a promo code to activate this first bonus; this will always be clearly listed in the T&Cs. You will be given a time limit within which to use this bonus, usually anything between seven days to six months for the bigger ones.
The best welcome bonus casino typically offers a match deposit, free spins or both.
Casino Deposit Bonus
A casino deposit bonus is offered either as a thank you to returning players for making another deposit, or else even as a casino sign-up offer.
This promotion usually matches the amount that you deposit with additional bonus funds. So, for example, a 100% match deposit bonus means that if you deposit £50 in your account, you’ll receive an extra £50 in free bonus funds.
The very best UK deposit bonus casino can even go beyond the 100% match, and we’ve seen offers going up to 500% on some of our recommended sites. To avoid abuse, the casino will typically put a limit to the maximum amount, so you might see 100% match deposit up to £500 or even £1,000 and more.
Casino Free Spins Bonus
Free spins offers are hugely popular with UK players and the best casino bonus sites can offer anything between 50 and 200 free spins, either on their own or coupled with a deposit bonus. The spins can be limited to specific slots or software providers, or can be used on the majority of slots with some excluded games. All this information is usually reported clearly in the T&Cs.
Free spins are usually given out with a specific maximum bet amount. They also carry a wagering requirement and an expiry term, so be sure to take note of these.
Casino No Deposit Bonus
Casino no deposit bonuses are the best kind of promotional offer you can hope to find, as they don’t even require you to put down any of your own money. They are literally free. Unfortunately, they are also quite rare to find, although we’ll be keeping you updated on that regards too.
A no deposit bonus offer involves an amount of bonus money or even free spins that are added to your account without needing to make a deposit. They tend to have quite a number of conditions attached, especially with respect to how they can be used.
Be aware that you’ll still need to meet any wagering requirements before you cash out, so you might still be required to make a deposit if you want to withdraw the bonus cash.
Casino Reload Bonus
A casino reload bonus is intended to benefit existing players, rather than new ones. They are activated when a signed up player makes another deposit – i.e., reloads the casino account. Such offers usually take the form of a match bonus offer of 50% or even 100%, so you’ll get your new deposit matched with added cash.
Casino High Roller Bonus
Many UK casino bonus sites have special clubs and promotions for their most valued players who reach a certain amount in deposits. These are referred to as a casino high roller bonus, and they’re aimed towards players with a very high bankroll.
These big spenders are usually given exclusive perks such as more frequent reloads and cashbacks and even special day offers, such as birthday bonuses.
Casino Loyalty Bonus
A casino loyalty bonus does exactly what it says on the box, rewarding players for their loyalty. Any offer that is not a casino welcome bonus aimed towards new sign-ups falls under this wide umbrella. There are various types of loyalty promotions, including the match deposit, the reload and the cashback. As with all offers, these all come with individual T&Cs and wagering requirements.
Casino Cashback Bonus
A casino cashback bonus is an excellent opportunity for those who want to protect their bankroll from losses. Put simply, this offer returns a percentage of the funds that you would have lost while wagering at the casino. Typically, percentages run between 5% and 20% at the most generous UK casino bonus sites. The terms as regards to which games are eligible vary, as it can refer to anything from slots to live dealers and any other game.
Casino Live Bonuses
These are not a very common variety of bonus in the UK, although given that poker sites with live dealer games are increasing in popularity we might see resurgence. This bonus refers to any sort of offer that is applicable to live dealer tables like live roulette, live blackjack, live baccarat or live poker among others. It can take the form of a deposit match, cashback or reload, depending on whether it’s targeting new players or existing ones.
Casino Mobile Bonuses
Also not common, these are sometimes offered by operators to encourage players to use a casino mobile app. Such bonuses can involve extra deposit matches or free spins when a players signs up through the app, for example.
However, keep in mind that you can always claim the regular casino sign-up offer even playing from your mobile device, as nowadays all operators offer responsive platforms that allow you to pick up promotions on the go.
Casino Slot Bonuses
These are offers that are tied to a specific slot, or slots by a particular game provider. Free spins are popular to celebrate the launch of a new slot, for example, and to encourage players to give it a go. Software providers also offer regular tournaments and prize pool bonuses on slot sites in conjunction with operators, rewarding the top players with cash or bonuses.
New Casino Bonus
With so many UK casino bonus sites cropping up literally every month, operators have to work harder to keep attracting players. This spells good news, as it means that there are also new casino offers to pick up, with the latest sites trying their best to outdo the more established brands.
Of course, before we recommend any new casino bonuses we will make sure that they are of a high enough standard in keeping with PlatinPlay recommendations.
Keep checking in here, as we will regularly be updating our pages with the latest casino bonuses available in the UK that are approved by our experts.
How to claim an online casino bonus
Ready to give the best UK casino bonuses a go?
Picking up a casino offer is extremely simple but, if you’re a new player and feeling a tad cautious, worry not. PlatinPlay is here to pave the way for you with a step-by-step guide to walk you through the entire process.
Step 1: Choose your favourite PlatinPlay recommended casino bonus site
Our reviewers have done all the hard work so you don’t have to. All the casino bonuses UK that are listed on this page have been considered fair, so all you need to do is click our link to get to the offers.
Step 2: Sign up at your chosen casino
Again, this is a fast process that shouldn’t take you more than a few minutes. Click ‘Join Now’ or ‘Make a Deposit’ and follow the prompts. You may be asked to provide some documentation to prove you say who you are. This is entirely normal and it’s a legal requirement.
Step 3: Choose your payment method
Once you’ve created your account, navigate to the Cashier section and click on Deposit. Here, you’ll find a menu with all the payment options available.
Step 4: Make a deposit
Before you decide the amount, make sure you meet the minimum requirements to claim the casino deposit bonus. This is usually between £10 and £20 for UK players.
Step 5: Opt in if asked to
You will be asked to click a box in this case. Alternatively, you may also be asked to key in the promo code made available in the T&Cs.
Step 5: Start playing with your bonus
Navigate to the games lobby and start putting that bonus cash or free spins to good use!
Advantages of Casino Bonuses
Wondering whether it’s worth your while picking up a casino bonus? The answer is yes, especially as when you follow the casino bonus links from this page you’re being guaranteed fair terms and conditions that have been vetted by our experts.
If you’re still unsure, here’s why picking up a UK casino offer is a good idea.
- Increased bankroll: Extra bonus fund will add a free boost your initial bankroll, allowing you more funds to play with.
- Reduced risk: Using a casino bonus can help reduce risks as you will be using the bonus funds instead of your own money when placing bets.
- Opportunity to experiment with new games: Bonus money allows you to explore different casino games and try out new strategies without risking your own funds.
- Practice your skill: Free offers help you improve your gameplay over time.
- Opportunity to try new casino sites: A good casino bonus offers a strong incentive for you try out a new operator and to discover different platforms.
Casino Bonuses FAQs
Want to know what many players are asking about casino bonuses? Check out our FAQ section on Casino Bonuses here!
A casino bonus is a promotional offer provided by online casinos to attract and reward players. It usually involves awarding extra bonus funds, free spins, or other incentives that can be used to play games on the site.
This depends on the terms and conditions that are attached to it, such as wagering requirements, minimum deposit and expiry terms. This guide includes a list of casino bonus sites that have been thoroughly vetted by our experts, so you can rest assured that they are all fair and worth it.
The best casino bonus varies for each player, as it depends on the specific gaming preferences and goals, as well as whether you’re a new or existing player. Factors to consider include the bonus amount, wagering requirements, game restrictions, and any additional perks or rewards offered by the UK casino bonus site.
A 100% deposit bonus is a type of casino bonus where the casino matches the player’s deposit amount with an equal bonus amount. For example, if a player deposits £00, they will receive an additional £100 as a bonus, resulting in a total of £200 to play with.
The process is very simple, and includes creating an account, making a qualifying deposit, entering a bonus code (if applicable), or opting in through a promotional page. This guide offers detailed step-by-step instructions to claim your casino bonus.
Wagering requirements are conditions imposed by casinos on bonuses, requiring players to wager a specific amount of money before they can withdraw any winnings associated with the bonus. These requirements are usually expressed as a multiplier (eg. 30x), indicating the number of times the bonus amount must be wagered.
Whether a player can claim a casino bonus more than once depends on the specific terms and conditions set by the casino. Welcome bonuses, as the name implies are aimed towards new players and can only be used once with the first deposit. However, other casino bonus offers may be available multiple times. These include reload bonuses or weekly and monthly promotions.
There are many UK casino online bonuses to choose from but not all of them offer the same generous terms or high level of casino. On this guide we’ve shortlisted the best of the best, as our experts have compiled a list of top casino bonuses that are accessible to UK players, including match deposits, free spins and more.
Before cashing out your bonus winnings you’ll need to meet the wagering requirements. Once these are fulfilled, you can request a withdrawal by navigating to the Cashier section and clicking on ‘Withdrawal’. It’s important to review the casino’s terms and conditions regarding bonus withdrawals to ensure a smooth process.
Yes, it is possible to win real money with a casino bonus. Casino bonuses provide players with additional funds or free spins that can be used to play games, and any winnings generated from these bonus funds can usually be withdrawn after meeting the wagering requirements and other terms and conditions set by the casino. However, it’s important to note that the terms and conditions associated with the bonus should be carefully reviewed to understand any restrictions or limitations on winnings obtained from bonus funds.