Navigating Casino Bonuses
Welcome bonus vs first deposit bonus
They often overlap — here is how sites use the words and what to check.
People use these phrases interchangeably, but they are not always identical.
Welcome bonus
A welcome bonus is the package for new customers. It can include:
- A match on your first deposit (for example 100% up to £100)
- Free spins
- Sometimes a second- or third-deposit leg (“100% on first, 50% on second…”)
So “welcome” describes who it is for (new players), not only the first payment.
First deposit bonus
A first deposit bonus is specifically the reward tied to your first real-money deposit. That is often the main part of a welcome package — but a welcome offer might also add spins on registration or later deposits.
Practical difference
- If a site says welcome package, read whether it is one deposit or several
- If it says first deposit only, later deposits may not get the same match
- Wagering, min deposit, and game weighting apply either way
On Casino BonusRush we usually show the headline welcome / first-deposit line in our tables. Always confirm the live wording on the operator site before you deposit.
