Both have their pros and cons. Deciding which one works for you depends on what you’re looking for in the game.
Nowadays most casinos offer a welcome bonus for signing up on their platform. From free spins to playable cash, bonuses help you stay in the game a little longer, and who doesn’t enjoy a freebie? However, every bonus comes with its own terms that will affect your game, and it’s important to understand them.
In this article, we will review low deposit vs no deposit bonus, see what they offer, and share some tips on how to determine which bonus works better for your gambling purposes.
A no deposit bonus means you don’t have to put any money in your account to receive it. The casino will offer you a bonus just for registering at their platform. After you sign up, the bonus will be deposited on your account in the form of free spins or some cash. Sometimes you might need a bonus code to get your bonus.
The no deposit bonus is almost exclusively offered to new users. For you as a player, this creates an opportunity to try a new platform or a new title without committing any of your own money. At this point you don’t even need to provide your payment details.
Casinos, on the other hand, use this promo offer to attract new customers. If they like the test run, there is a high chance they’ll stay and continue playing with their own money.
No deposit bonuses are typically smaller than welcome bonuses, have stricter wagering requirements, and are sometimes tied to specific games (unlike a deposit bonus that can usually be used across the platform).
A deposit bonus requires a player to fund their playing account. Once the money has been deposited, the casino will offer a cash bonus or free spins that can be used in the game. Most deposit bonuses come in the form of a welcome bonus when the player makes their first deposit. However some casinos offer a deposit bonus on subsequent deposits as well.
Standard casino deposits typically start from £10, though sometimes you need to fund your account with a larger sum to qualify for a welcome bonus. Any deposit below £10 is considered low.
Compared to no deposit bonuses, deposit bonuses have a larger selection of eligible games and have slightly easier rollover requirements. However, if you’re looking at a low deposit bonus, they may not be as generous as standard deposit bonuses.
Some casinos will offer you a bonus for as little as a £1 deposit. It may not seem like a lot, but it can keep you in the game for quite some time, especially with games like slots that allow very low minimum bets.
To be eligible for a £2 deposit bonus, it’s enough for you to put this amount into your account. Your reward might be a little higher.
Casinos that offer £3 deposit bonuses require you to commit this particular amount. While still pretty rare, they’re a little easier to find than the previous two.
If a £4 deposit bonus is added to your account, you already have enough funds to stay in the game for a while. The wagering requirements might still be quite high.
£5 deposit bonuses are the most frequent among the low deposits, as more casinos allow you to start playing after committing £5.
No deposit bonuses offer smaller benefits but are a good way for players to try a new casino or game risk free. Deposit bonuses provide a higher value but require an investment from the player. Some casinos will offer to match your deposit or even give you 200% of the amount you commit.
No Deposit
Low Deposit
Cost to claim
Free
Small amount deposit required
Bonus size
Small (few spins, small funds)
Larger
Wagering requirements
Strict
Less strict
Max cash out limits
Limits apply
Limits apply
Risk level
Low
Medium
Availability
Rare
Rare
Best for
Test runs; new players
Full experience; players ready to commit
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Budget saving. You don’t need to top up your account with your own funds to receive it | ❌ Smaller bonus value. No deposit bonuses offer smaller amounts and fewer spins than most deposit bonuses. |
| ✅ Low risk. Since you don’t commit any of your own money, you don’t put your budget at risk. | ❌ Strict wagering requirements. To withdraw your no deposit bonus, you need to wager higher value. |
| ✅ Helpful for beginners. If you’re new in gambling, no deposit bonus helps you try your hand at various games and gain some experience. | ❌ Withdrawal limits. Even after you fulfill the wagering requirements, your payout might be subject to limitations. |
| ✅ Exploring new opportunities. If you’re a seasoned player but want to check out a new casino or title, you can do so without spending your money. | ❌ Limited titles. In some cases, no deposit bonus can only be used on specific titles. |
| Pros | Cons |
| ✅ Higher bonus value. Low deposit bonuses offer larger amounts or more free spins that you can use to stay longer in the game. | ❌ Rarity. Even at casinos with the minimum deposit below £10, low deposit bonuses are hard to come by. |
| ✅ Lower wagering requirements. While still higher than for standard deposit bonuses, there is less pressure on the player. | ❌ Requires commitment. It may not be as high as with standard deposit bonuses, but you still have to put some of your money into the game. |
| ✅ Available for new and returning players. Low deposit bonuses can be offered as a welcome bonus or as a loyalty reward for existing players. | ❌ Strict conditions. Low deposit bonuses give a little more room but you’ll still need to meet high wagering requirements. |
| ✅ Flexible use. In many cases low deposit bonuses can be applied on all games across the platform. | ❌ Withdrawal limits. Here too you might face tighter withdrawal limits than with standard bonuses. |
When comparing low deposit vs no deposit bonus conditions, you’ll notice that both have their advantages and disadvantages. To make a decision which bonus works better for you, you need to define what you’re looking for in the game.
If you’re new to gambling or want to try a new online casino without risking your own money, go for no deposit bonuses. If you’re ready to commit but would prefer to stay on a low budget, low deposit bonuses might be the best option for you.
Both have their pros and cons. Deciding which one works for you depends on what you’re looking for in the game.
No deposit bonuses offer the best value to newbie gamblers or players who want to test a new online casino or game. They can play without risking their own funds and see if they want to stay.
Although you don’t have a large budget to stay in the game for longer and increase your opportunity of winning, you still have a chance to win when playing with a low deposit bonus. But remember that there are no foolproof guarantees of winning in gambling.
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