Best Online Casino Welcome Bonuses 2024

When you sign up, a casino welcome bonus offers you free spins and deposit matches, among other deals, to start playing at that particular casino.

But, the New Zealand iGaming landscape features a wide array of online casinos. This page will help you decide which welcome bonuses are best for you.

Read on while we explore what a welcome casino bonus is, how to find one, how to claim one, and the associated conditions.

Let’s take a closer look at the top 5 popular casinos and their welcome offers in NZ:

1. Christchurch Casino

Start exploring over 2,000 games from 70+ providers with a Get NZ$1000 + 500 Loyalty Points to elevate your status in the VIP program.

2. FuturePlay Casino

A Curaçao-licensed operator, FuturePlay Casino stands out as a crypto gambling site boasting 4,000+ games from 20+ providers, including Games Global (formerly Microgaming). New Players here can claim up to 4 BTC plus 400 free spins.

3. Novibet Casino

Launched in 2019 and with over 5,000 games to choose from, Novibet Casino is a leading operator in New Zealand. Plus, you can start exploring the lobby with 100% Up To $1000 + 100 Free Spins welcome package.

4. SkyCity Casino

Started in 2019 by the SkyCity Entertainment Group, SkyCity Casino is licensed by the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA). The lobby hosts 300+ games, and you can start playing using the 100% Up To NZ$200 Bonus + 70 Free Spins welcome offer. If you love live dealer games, consider the 100% up to NZ$150 deal.

5. BC.Game Casino

Another crypto gambling site, BC.Game Casino offers newly registered players a chance to claim up to Get Up To 360% on the first deposit.

Types of Welcome Bonuses

You’ll find different types of welcome bonuses at most online casinos. From deposit matches to free spins, the type of welcome bonus varies depending on the promotion and casino. In this section, we’ll dig into the types of deals you might find while helping you decide which bonus suits your gaming style.

No Deposit Bonus

No deposit bonus is rather self-explanatory. It’s also known as a sign-up bonus because all you need to do is sign up. Players who register at an online casino will receive a free bonus without making a deposit. In most instances, the free bonus may be a bonus amount or free spins.

With the free spins, you can spin the reels without digging into your pocket. But the free bonus amount is the best route to take. For example, you may receive NZ$25 to kickstart your adventure, and with it, you have freedom of choice when it comes to which game to play.

Note that no deposit bonus deals are often small. Fans of reels can look forward to no more than 30 free spins, while those interested in the bonus amount can expect nothing more than NZ$50.

Deposit Match Bonus

The deposit match bonus is the most common welcome bonus you’ll come across. As the name suggests, the online casino will match your deposit amount based on a percentage set by the operator. Let’s look at this example: a 100% deposit match of up to NZ$1,000.

In such a bonus, it means the casino will offer you the same amount you deposited as the bonus. But as the bonus states, the maximum bonus money you can receive is NZ$1,000. So, if you deposit NZ$100, you will receive NZ$100 as a bonus, taking your overall account balance to NZ$200.

Of course, you will need to sign up and deposit a minimum amount to qualify for the bonus.

Free Spins Bonus

A free spin casino welcome bonus strictly offers free spins. If you’re a slots fan, this is just the deal for you. However, this deal is slots-specific. That means the operator will specify which slot will be eligible for the free spins.

Additionally, the operator will also dictate the number of spins you will receive. Usually, this will be between 10 and 500.

Welcome Bonus Package

If you wish for something more comprehensive, more inclusive, a welcome bonus package will do the job. This deal offers a selection of various bonuses.
In most instances, the combination will include a deposit match and free spins. An example of a welcome package is a 150% deposit match of up to NZ$1,000 plus 150 free spins on Dog House Megaways.

Another important aspect of some of these deals is one bonus staggered across the first few deposits. An example is where you have the same NZ$1,000 plus 150 free spins, but instead of receiving it on your first deposit, the operator will split it into maybe 5 stages. Each stage offers NZ$200 and 30 free spins.

How to Claim a Welcome Bonus

Claiming a welcome bonus at your preferred online casino is usually a 5-step process. But that’s not always the case, as some casino operators may need you to jump a few hurdles before claiming the bonus. Sometimes, this may be a way of preventing bonus abuse.

1. Find a legit online casino, with an attractive welcome bonus. We’ve done the heavy lifting for you by providing a list of top casinos in New Zealand offering amazing deals.
2. Fill in your details, such as your phone number during the registration process. Note that some casinos may require you to confirm your email address and complete the verification process before claiming the welcome bonus.
3. Claim the casino’s welcome bonus. How you go about it will depend on the bonus. If you want to claim a no deposit bonus, there’s no need to fund your account. Instead, simply claim the bonus, which will be credited to your account. In some instances, you may also need to enter bonus codes to activate the bonus. If you wish to claim a match deposit bonus, you must fund your account with the minimum amount prescribed by the casino. Again, you may need to enter a code for activation.
4. Once the operator credits your account with the bonus, you can start playing. Various restrictions will apply, so read the associated terms and conditions.
5. Withdraw your winnings after utilising the bonus. To do that, you must complete the wagering requirements along with meeting other conditions attached to the bonus.

Did You Know? Some online casinos require you to insert a specific bonus code to activate a bonus. The bonus codes are usually alphanumeric, and you must enter the code as it appears.

Understanding Wagering Requirements

Before understanding wagering requirements, it’s crucial to understand what wagering is and what a wager is. For starters, a wager is simply a bet and the amount you put down on every game round.

Once you claim a certain bonus, you will come across what are known as wagering requirements. These requirements state how much you should wager before withdrawing the bonus or even collecting winnings from the bonus.

So, how does it work? It varies from one bonus to another and is often represented by a multiplier. For instance, let’s say you’ve claimed a NZ$100 bonus with a wagering requirement of 35x the bonus amount. This means you must wager the bonus amount 35 times before withdrawing. In this case, you must wager a total of NZ$3,500 (35xNZ$100).
There are bonuses that dictate you must wager the deposit sum and the bonus amounts. Using the same example, the bonus is NZ$100, and if you deposit NZ$100, the sum will be NZ$200 (NZ$100+NZ$100). Therefore, you must wager a total of NZ$7,000 (35xNZ$200).

Expiry Dates and Time Limits

Almost all welcome bonuses have expiry dates. The reason operators attach a ticking clock to these deals is to minimise bonus abuse since some players may want to hang on to bonuses for a long time.

Expiry dates come in two forms. One where the casino requires you to claim a bonus within a specified period and another one which applies after claiming the bonus. This will be the period within which you must meet the wagering requirements we discussed above.

If you fail to satisfy the playthrough requirements within the set period, you will void the bonus and surrender the winnings.

Game Restrictions and Eligibility

Game eligibility is another common condition. Playing restricted games may prevent you from clearing and/or claiming bonuses. This restriction is common in free spins, where an operator will restrict the usage of the spins on a specific slot game.

On the other hand, game restrictions could also be in the form of contributions. For example, a clause in the bonus conditions may state that live dealer games will not help you clear a bonus.

Additionally, you will find many operators restricting jackpot games. Remember, bonuses are gifts from the casino’s pockets, and operators want to limit their losses.

Maximum Bet Limits and Contribution Rates

A bonus may state in its conditions that slots contribute 100% toward the wagering requirement. That means every penny you wager on slot games will go toward your rollover requirement.

But if a certain game category contributes only 50%, it means 50% of what you wager will contribute to the playthrough. It’s also common to find certain game categories that contribute at all.

While meeting these requirements, you must also stick to a certain range of bets. Many online casinos set the maximum bet amount at between NZ$5 and NZ$10 per round.

Cap on Winnings

Wouldn’t it be nice if you could win an unlimited amount of money while using your bonuses? Unfortunately, you can’t. Casinos almost always set a limit on how much you can win when using bonuses to play. So, you want to check the terms and conditions to reach the maximum limit before claiming a bonus.

Cashable vs Non-Cashable Bonuses

Casinos offer a wide variety of options. But how do you know which offer is good for you? You have cashable and non-cashable bonuses and both deals have pros and cons.

Cashable Bonuses

These bonuses allow you to withdraw your winnings. But this will only happen once you’ve met all wagering requirements and adhered to other terms and conditions. The casino will then add your winnings to your real balance.
If you’re a player looking to win and withdraw real money from the bonus funds, this is the bonus to opt for. However, you must also be willing to complete the wagering requirements.

Non-Cashable Bonuses

Many players fear or shy away from non-cashable bonuses. One of the reasons for this is they tend to think they cannot withdraw any money from the bonuses.
But that can’t be any further from the truth. Instead, the casino will offer the bonus, and when it’s time to withdraw funds, the casino will deduct the bonus amount. That means you can only cash out the winnings generated from the bonus.

Did You Know? Some online casinos don’t have restrictions on how much in winnings you can cashout from a particular bonus.

Bonus Terms and Conditions

Don’t think for a second that casinos are as generous as offering free money. Besides, this will end up in losses. So, to have some level of control and also prevent bonus abuse, casinos attach certain terms and conditions to govern how you’ll use a particular bonus.

However, these conditions vary from one casino to another, but the best welcome bonus casino sets achievable targets. Be sure you read the fine print at any casino you choose to play at as terms and conditions may change.

Tips for Maximising Your Welcome Bonus

It’s not just about having fun when playing your favourite online casinos. You also want to squeeze your welcome bonus to the last drop. Doing so requires a strategic approach, and we have the best tips in the game to help you:

Did You Know? Many online casinos have a demo option, which allows you to play games for free and understand the game before playing for real money.

Understand the Bonus Terms and Conditions

It goes without saying that understanding the terms and conditions is the best way to get the most out of any online casino welcome bonus. Read the terms carefully to understand whether the bonus is good for you.

Choose the Right Bonus

Bigger isn’t always better. So, don’t let a flashy bonus blind you. Are the wagering requirements favourable? If they are, is the time limit reasonable to meet them? Ask yourself these questions before choosing.

Additionally, you must also opt for bonuses that match your playing style. If you’re a slots fan, consider free spins. On the other hand, if you love table games, such as blackjack or roulette, consider a bonus that offers higher contribution rates when playing table games.

Once you have a list of welcome bonuses, it’s time to rate each deal based on overall value. For that, analyse the bonus percentage, maximum win limit, wagering requirements, and other conditions that may affect the bonus value.

Play Games with Higher RTPs

Games with higher RTPs (Return to Player) offer higher chances of winning. When using a limited resource such as a welcome bonus, you want to maximise your winning potential by choosing games with RTPs of 96% and higher.

Plan Your Budget and Betting Strategy

Rarely will you meet the wagering requirements using the bonus amount. That means digging into your pocket to meet these requirements.

In that case, it’s important to have a budget for how much you can afford to lose while trying to meet the playthrough requirements. While at it, you must also formulate a betting strategy to help you extend your playing time.

Final Thoughts About Casino Welcome Bonus

Scouring the world of online casino welcome bonuses can be a real struggle. Thankfully, we have curated a list of operators with exciting welcome bonuses. So, all you need to do is choose.

Furthermore, we also explained the different types of welcome bonuses you can claim. On top of that, we have explained the various terms and conditions you’re likely to come across.

Overall, welcome bonuses are an amazing way for newly registered players to start enjoying their favourite online casino games. So, if you’re thinking of joining any of the casinos listed on this page, don’t miss out on their welcome bonuses.

References

New Zealand Gambling Commission

NZ Department of Internal Affairs

Problem Gambling Foundation of New Zealand

Safer Gambling Aotearoa

GambleAware