TOP 10 casino bonuses right now
Place | Casino | Bonus |
#1 | Cashed | 100% Up to $750 + 200 Free Spins |
#2 | Frumzi | 100% Up to $750 + 200 Free Spins + 1 Bonus Crab |
#3 | LuckyWins | Up to $8,000 + 500 Free Spins |
#4 | Vegas Now | Up to $8,000 + 500 Free Spins |
#5 | Winmaker | Up to $10,000 + 700 Free Spins |
#6 | Jackpot City | 100% Up to $1,600 |
#7 | Lemon Casino | 100% Up to $300 + 100 Free Spins |
#8 | Legiano | 100% Up to $750 +200 Free Spins |
#9 | NovaJackpot | 100% Up to $750 + 200 Free Spins |
#10 | Lucky Ones | 100% up to $20,000 + 500 Free Spins |
Casino bonuses explained – why and how you should use them
Canadian players have been increasingly turning to online gambling, and one of the main reasons behind this trend is the bonuses. They let you play longer, try new games, and discover new favorites. Still, you need to learn how to maximize casino bonuses to make the most of them. Let’s start with the basics.
What is a casino bonus?
You can think of a casino bonus as a reward the casino gives to you – it can be bonus money, free spins, cashback, tournament entries, loyalty points, or a mix of these.
Usually, casinos offer deposit matches and free spins to attract new players, as the competition online is fierce. However, they also use bonuses to keep their regulars happy so that they don’t turn to their rivals. At this point, the bonuses range from reload bonuses to weekly free spins and various loyalty perks like cashback.
If you are a beginner, you might think that the bigger the bonus amount, the better the deal. But there’s a catch—bonuses always come with conditions. Most of the time, you need to meet the wagering requirements before you can withdraw any winnings. You should also check the eligible games that will help you meet these requirements, as well as the minimum deposit, maximum withdrawal limits, and how long you have to meet the conditions.
We’ll cover each of these factors in depth in the next section .
Why use online casino bonuses?
Casino bonuses offer a long list of benefits to players if they are fair and transparent. Here are the main reasons I find bonuses useful:
- They give you more funds to play with
- You can try out games or explore a new casino risk-free
- Longer sessions without spending extra money
- You can place higher bets and win larger prizes
- They lower the impact of a bad run
- More opportunities to win and play comfortably
How do you choose the best casino bonus?
You can find thousands of online casino bonuses on the market, but not all of them are made equal. To find a valuable deal, here are a few quick pointers to follow:
- A bonus with a deposit match of at least 100%
- At least $100 maximum bonus amount
- Decent number of free spins—typically 50 or more
- The minimum deposit is as low as possible, e.g. $10-20
- Wagering requirements that range from 20-40x
- Non-sticky deposit bonuses
- Long enough bonus expiry to meet the wagering
- High enough maximum bet, such as $5
- Available across a wide variety of eligible games
Casino bonus strategies – how to maximize your bonus?
Casino bonuses can offer great value if you know how to make the most of them. Here are some strategies to help you maximize the benefits:
- Select bonuses that have clear and player-friendly conditions
- Pick bonuses that have no win caps, avoid ones that do
- Make full use of no-deposit bonuses or free spins
- Play high-RTP and eligible games with the bonus
- Complete wagering requirements with low-volatility games
New trends in Canadian casino bonuses in 2024
This year, online casinos are focusing more on personalization. They offer more customized bonuses based on each player’s needs. This means that players are getting offers that actually match their interests—like more cashback for table game fans or extra free spins for slot lovers. The idea is to make the experience more personal and enjoyable.
On top of that, casinos are simplifying the bonus terms, so there are fewer strings attached, and it’s easier to take advantage of the offers. This new approach makes bonuses more valuable, especially for players who play smart and know how to use them.
How to spot a valuable casino bonus among the many available deals
Each player has different preferences when it comes to choosing the best casino bonuses – one might prefer wager-free spins, another can like deposit bonuses (even when they come with high wagering requirements), and a third can look for cashback for the live dealer tables. Still, there are a few common features that can add value to any bonus.
When comparing different bonuses, you might be focusing on things like the high percentage of deposit matches or the number of free spins. While that’s a good start, it’s only the tip of the iceberg. There are several factors you need to take into consideration to make a smart decision.
Let’s break down these factors to help you find the best bonus for your needs.
The key to withdrawals: understanding wagering requirements
Wagering requirements show you how many times you must bet the bonus amount (or sometimes the bonus and deposit amount) before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, if you get a $100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement, it means you’ll need to bet $3,500 before you can cash out.
These requirements can range from 5x to 50x and sometimes even more. The rule is simple: the lower the wagering requirements, the easier you can withdraw your winnings. A 10x requirement on a $100 bonus means you only need to wager $1,000, which is much more achievable than a 50x requirement where you would need to wager $5,000.
Obviously, it would be ideal if the bonus comes with no wagering requirements. However, this is difficult to find, and usually, casinos that offer no wagering bonuses only provide free spins with maximum win limits or fewer eligible games. So, while you won’t have to worry about wagering, you’ll still have a smaller payout potential.
What is a realistic wagering requirement to expect?
A typical wagering requirement at Canadian casinos is 35x, which is manageable for most players. In general, realistic requirements for Canadian players typically range between 20x and 40x.
Requirements lower than 20x are very favorable, giving you a strong chance to turn your bonus into real cash. On the other hand, anything above 40x might make it difficult to profit, as you would need to bet a lot before seeing any real return.
Always compare these numbers and pick bonuses that balance a generous bonus amount with a reasonable wagering requirement.
The difference between sticky vs. non-sticky bonuses
Looking at the wagering ‘number’ alone doesn’t tell the whole story. You also need to understand if the bonus is sticky or non-sticky. The wagering requirement applies only to the bonus amount in non-sticky bonuses and both the bonus plus deposit amount in sticky bonuses.
Let’s say you deposit $100 and receive a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement.
With a sticky bonus, you’ll need to wager ($100 deposit + $100 bonus) x 30 = $6,000 before you can withdraw any winnings. This makes sticky bonuses harder to clear because, in reality, you need to meet higher wagering requirements.
With a non-sticky bonus, you’ll need to wager $100 x 30 = $3,000 to clear the bonus. This is much easier and increases your chance of withdrawing your winnings sooner, making non-sticky bonuses generally more player-friendly.
Game contributions affect the actual bonus value
The bonus terms typically specify where you can use the bonus. For example, free spins are often limited to only one game and come with a minimum bet for the given slot. Meanwhile, deposit bonuses are more flexible, and you can use them on both slots and table games.
Most Canadian casinos also specify which games count towards meeting wagering requirements. Usually, online slots contribute 100%, while table games like blackjack may only count 10-20%. Live dealer games and specialty games, such as bingo or scratch cards, are often excluded from most deals.
Referring back to the same example ($100 bonus with a 30x wagering):
If you want to play slots, that contribute 100%, you’ll need to wager $3,000 to clear the bonus.
However, if you prefer blackjack, which only contributes 10%, you’ll need to wager $30,000 to meet the same requirement. This is because, for every $100 you wager, only $10 will count toward wagering.
This is why it’s best to bet on games with higher contributions while you clear the bonus – it increases your chances of ultimately cashing out. After all, your time is limited.
Bonus validity period: How long do you have to meet wagering?
Bonuses usually have a ‘deadline’ for using the bonus and meeting the wagering requirements. This can range from a few days up to 30 days at most Canadian casinos.
Short bonus expiry periods can make it difficult to clear larger bonuses. On the other hand, longer expiry periods let you play at your own pace without extra pressure.
For example, if you get a $500 bonus with a 14-day validity period and a 40x wagering requirement, you would need to wager $20,000 in just two weeks. This is unrealistic for most casual players, lowering the value of the bonus itself.
It’s better to go for bonuses that give you breathing room to enjoy playing and gamble responsibly instead of rushing to meet deadlines and not being able to maximize the bonus.
The importance of planning your initial deposit
The minimum deposit required to qualify for a bonus is important – a lower minimum deposit makes it easier for more players to claim the bonus. However, this is not the difficult part, as most Canadian casino sites offer minimum deposits ranging from $10 to $20.
The more important step is to think ahead and plan your initial deposit – it determines how much bonus money you can get but also how manageable the wagering requirements will be.
Let’s assume the bonus is “250% up to $10,000.” You must not claim the full $10,000 if that’s out of budget. Instead, you can deposit a smaller amount and receive a smaller proportionate amount – say, deposit $100 and get a $250 bonus. With a 40x wagering requirement, you would need to wager $250 x 40 = $10,000.
This is much lower compared to going for the full bonus amount, where you would need to wager $10,000 x 40 = $400,000, which might be out of reach for most casual players.
Without proper planning, a higher initial deposit could turn into additional deposits and extended gameplay that’s out of your budget.
Other key considerations to make
- Maximum bonus amount: Defines how much you can get from the bonus. For example, if the casino offers a 100% match up to $5,000, anything you deposit above the cap won’t earn you extra bonus money. So, even if you deposit $10,000, you’ll still be able to receive $5,000 only.
- Maximum withdrawal limits: Some bonuses have a cap on how much you can withdraw from your bonus winnings. For example, if you receive a free spins bonus and win $1,000, but the maximum withdrawal limit is $200, you will only be able to cash out $200. Understanding these limits will help you set realistic expectations, and don’t be disappointed when you win big but can’t withdraw the entire amount.
- Maximum Bet: This is the maximum you can wager per spin or hand while trying to clear the wagering requirements. This rule exists to prevent players from betting large amounts to quickly clear the wagering requirements. If the maximum bet is $5, and you exceed this limit, you risk losing the bonus and any winnings you earn with it.
Why should you always look for transparent bonus terms and conditions?
If you ask me, this is the most important thing to look for because it will help you understand the exact wagering requirements, eligible games, maximum withdrawal limits, and more. Clear terms let you decide how much risk you’re willing to take, show you which games offer the best chance to clear a bonus, and whether the potential payout is worth your effort.
This way, you’ll know exactly what you’re signing up for without any surprises. Plus, transparent casinos are more likely to offer fair play, a secure environment, and user-friendly services.
If the terms are vague or confusing, that’s a huge red flag. You might miss an important rule that could later make it impossible to clear the bonus. Also, it might set unrealistic expectations – thinking that a bonus is worth your money and expectations, only to be disappointed later on.
Are casino bonuses always worth it?
Not always. In my opinion, while bonuses can add value, too restrictive terms might mean you end up losing more than you gain.
For example, high wagering requirements and strict game restrictions can turn what seems like a generous bonus into a real challenge. You might even start chasing losses, spending more money just to fulfill the wagering requirements. If you’re not careful, this can lead to excessive spending and frustration.
Due to this, you must always read the fine print and only claim a bonus whose conditions make sense to you.
Different types of casino bonuses
New Canadian casinos offer a range of bonuses in an effort to attract and keep players. Let’s go over the different types of bonuses you can find at online casinos in Canada.
- Deposit bonuses
- Free spins
- No deposit bonuses
- Cashback offers
Great starting point
Welcome bonuses are the most common type of bonus that you can find. They are offered to new players upon signing up and usually include a deposit bonus.
With deposit bonuses, the casino offers you extra money to play on top of your deposit. Say you deposit $100. If the casino offers a 100% deposit bonus, it will double your deposit and give you another $100 to play. This means you’ll start playing with an account balance of $200.
Nowadays, casinos offer deposit matches of up to 250% or sometimes even more due to increased competition.
Canadian casinos also offer weekly deals to existing customers. When the deposit bonus is offered to existing customers, it’s called a reload bonus. It’s very similar to a welcome bonus but typically has a lower percentage match, such as 50%. This makes sense as reloads are recurring (say every Wednesday) while welcome packages are one-off deals.
Discover new slot games
Along with deposit bonuses, free spins are the most popular bonuses among players. They are available for new players in welcome packages, with or without a deposit match, as well as ongoing promotions for regular players.
Usually, Canadian casinos offer free spins on the most popular online slots in Canada, such as Book of Dead, Starburst, and Mega Moolah. However, casinos also often use free spins to promote new game releases.
Keep in mind that free spins usually come with a pre-defined value per spin, such as $0.10 or $0.20. Most of the time, you also have to meet the wagering requirements, but some casinos offer wager-free spins, also called cash spins.
Play risk-free
As the name implies, these bonuses don’t require you to make a deposit. They are quite rare these days, but you can still find them at some casinos.
No deposit bonuses usually offer a smaller deposit amount or fewer free spins for new players. However, most reputable Canadian casinos offer these bonuses as a loyalty reward to their regulars. At this point, they come in the form of free spins, small cash rewards to play any game, or even cashback bonuses to help soften the blow of any losses.
These bonuses are great for players who want to try out the casino without risking their own money, but they often come with high wagering requirements and withdrawal limits. The casino often implies strict bonus conditions to minimize their own risk.
Get some of your money back
Cashback acts as a safety net, giving you back a portion of the money you lose while playing.
Canadian casinos offer a percentage of your losses over a set period, whether it’s on a daily, weekly, or monthly basis. For example, a common offer is 10% weekly cashback. This means that if you lose $500, you will get $50 back to keep you playing.
Some casinos go the extra mile and offer you cashback on all wagers, not just on losses. In loyalty programs, the cashback percentage often increases as you progress through the levels. For example, entry-level players might receive 5% cashback, while VIP members could receive up to 20%, which is a great incentive for loyal customers.
These bonuses are designed to soften the blow of a losing streak, helping you extend your gameplay without having to dip further into your own wallet. Unlike other bonuses, you usually get cashback without any wagering requirements, meaning you can immediately withdraw it as cash or use it for further play – the choice is yours.
Quick guide: How to compare different bonuses?
The easiest way to do this is to use our comparison tool in the table. However, if you want to compare casino bonuses outside our list, here are step-by-step instructions on how to do so.
First, you need to decide the bonus type: deposit bonus, free spins, or cashback. Then, you can start browsing offers at different casinos and comparing their terms.
Check the wagering requirements
Calculate realistically—how much you are willing to spend at the casino, and whether the wagering requirement fits within your budget and playing style.
Research game restrictions
Many bonuses exclude high-RTP games, such as blackjack or roulette. So, make sure the game you plan to play is eligible for the bonus.
Compare bonus percentages and maximum bonuses
The bonus percentage tells you how big a multiplier you’ll get on top of your deposit. These can range from 50% to 500%. With all other conditions equal, the bigger this percentage is, the better. Also, keep an eye on the maximum bonus, as it limits how much you can withdraw.
Carefully read the whole fine print
Even though this might seem unimportant, you should take the time to review the fine print. After all, missing a small but key detail can result in losing the bonus and any winnings with it.
The most popular bonuses among players
While many players jump at the biggest bonus they can find, it’s not always the best move. To really make the most of casino bonuses, you need to compare more than just the size.
If all other terms and conditions are favorable, you can move on to comparing the bonuses based on their sizes.
100% casino bonus – The easiest way to double your bankroll
A 100% deposit bonus is a common offer you can find at most Canadian online casinos. It’s super popular among players because it’s easy to clear, and also for casinos because it’s relatively affordable to offer.
With a 100% casino bonus, the casino doubles your deposit up to a certain amount. For example, if you deposit $100 with a 100% bonus, your bankroll will be $200.
200% casino bonus – Lets you triple your starting balance
As Canadian online casinos compete for new players, the 200% deposit bonus has become much more common. It’s a great way to boost your initial bankroll by tripling your deposit.
For example, if you deposit $100 with a 200% bonus, you start with $300.
However, since these bonuses cost the casino more, they may come with more restrictions, like higher wagering requirements or lower maximum bonus amounts.
500% casino bonus – Six times your initial balance
While these types of bonuses are harder to find, they still exist at high-roller casinos. They let you start with a significantly larger balance, making it one of the best deals available.
For example, if you deposit $100 with a 500% bonus, you’ll have $600 to start playing with.
However, keep in mind that these large bonuses often come with very high wagering requirements. For example, a $5,000 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement means you’ll need to wager $175,000 before withdrawing any winnings.
New casino bonuses in 2024 – What’s trending?
Players’ expectations have been rising, and Canadian online casinos have started to meet these new demands. The latest bonuses offer more flexibility than ever, leveraging new payment methods, customization, and technological advancements.
New Canadian casinos are introducing fresh bonus concepts
Canadians can access over 2,100 online casinos , which makes the competition online fierce. To differentiate themselves from established casinos, new casinos have started introducing innovative types of casino bonuses.
A recent trend has been modifying the terms and conditions to make them more favorable to online gamblers. For example, casinos have introduced cash bonuses, which are the opposite of deposit bonuses. With a cash bonus, players first need to fulfill the wagering requirements on their own deposit and receive the bonus amount as cash in their account.
Another popular bonus variation is timed deposits, where you need to deposit within a specific timeframe to qualify. For example, a casino might offer a bonus that is only available if you deposit between 6 PM and midnight.
Crypto bonuses are the new player’s favorite
Cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Dogecoin provide faster transactions, lower fees, and better privacy, making them a favorite among players. At the same time, they are cheaper for casinos to process, allowing casinos to offer better deals for crypto users, such as higher bonus percentages and thousands of free spins.
Crypto payments often have fewer restrictions, meaning players can access their bonuses and winnings more quickly. Usually, these transactions are instant or take up to an hour, compared to traditional methods like Visa or MuchBetter, which can take up to a few business days.
At some casinos, you can choose between using traditional payment methods and crypto for the welcome bonus, while at others, there will be only exclusive bonuses for crypto users. Canadian casinos have recently been introducing crypto VIP clubs, where members get special perks such as higher cashback, exclusive tournaments, and personalized bonuses.
Personalized bonuses through VIP programs
Almost all Canadian casinos have started offering loyalty programs and VIP perks to returning customers. These programs are one of the main things that keep players loyal and prevent them from hopping between casinos and searching for welcome bonuses.
Loyalty programs often include benefits such as cashback on losses, free spins, exclusive bonuses, and faster withdrawals.
Dedicated VIP managers also provide tailored bonuses based on your playing style and preferences. For example, you could receive free spins on your favorite games if you love slots. On the other hand, if you prefer live dealer games, you can get cashback.
Most of these programs are tiered, meaning the more you play, the better benefits you’ll get. So, you might start with basic perks like small cashback percentages and a few free spins, but as you move up through the tiers, you can enjoy better benefits such as higher cashback rates, personalized gifts, and invitations to exclusive events.
Casino tournaments – bonuses for the most competitive
Many online casinos now host casino tournaments that come in different formats, rules, and prizes. Most tournaments focus on slots, with players competing to collect as many points as possible to climb the leaderboard and win rewards.
Casino tournaments can generally be categorized into freerolls and cash tournaments. Freerolls are free to enter, while cash tournaments require an entry fee but have larger prize pools.
Depending on the tournament format, players need to complete specific tasks, such as playing the highest number of rounds or landing the biggest win in a single round, to accumulate points and climb the leaderboard. The higher you rank on the leaderboard, the bigger the potential reward.
Prize pools in Canadian casinos can climb up to $10,000 or even $2,000,000 in network tournament series.
Wager-free spins are attractive but still hard to find
Lately, Canadian casinos online have started offering free spins with no wagering requirements, also known as cash spins. This means that any winnings are immediately available for withdrawal. Wager-free spins are practically risk-free, offering players the chance to build up their bankroll with no strings attached.
However, they are not as widespread as the rest of the bonuses here, as there’s not much of a benefit for the casino.
The lessons I’ve learned after testing 100s of casino bonuses
Over the years, I’ve played at hundreds of different casinos, so I’ve had some good, some bad experiences, and some that aren’t even worth mentioning. Naturally, I’ve learned some valuable lessons and pointers along the way that now help me spot which bonuses are worth claiming.
There are numerous Canadian casino bonuses that add value to your experience. However, there are also some that are best avoided.
The first lesson I’ve learned is that focusing solely on the bonus percentage is a rookie mistake. It’s important to look at the entire package—this means not only the bonus amount but also its terms and conditions. Transparency is key, and nowadays, I only choose casino bonuses with clear and easy-to-find conditions.
When are wagering requirements achievable, and when they are not
The wagering requirement is one of the most important factors when deciding whether a casino bonus is worth it or not. If the wagering requirement is too high for you, it can be impossible to cash out your winnings. So, why would you even claim the bonus in the first place?
In my opinion, a wagering requirement is fair if it’s 35x or lower. Obviously, the lower the requirement, the easier it is to turn your bonus into withdrawable winnings.
Also, check which part of the bonus is subject to wagering (think sticky vs. non-sticky). The best bonuses only require wagering on the bonus amount, making it much easier for players to eventually cash out.
My most profitable casino bonuses over the years
I think the best bonuses I’ve claimed over the years were the ones that combined high bonus amounts, reasonable wagering requirements, and low restrictions.
By far, the best bonuses I’ve claimed were 200% non-sticky bonuses and cash spins. These types of bonuses give you the most value for your money and the best chance to make a profit.
Red flags in bonus terms – What to watch out for
Reputable casinos in Canada have transparent terms, but there are still some that try to hide key details in the fine print. Here are a few common pitfalls to watch out for:
- Win caps – There’s a maximum you can win, meaning your winnings might be limited.
- Eligible games – Only certain games, such as slots, might count fully toward the wagering requirements.
- Time limits – You have a limited time to meet the wagering requirements, or you could lose the bonus and winnings.
- Excluded payment options – Deposits with some payment methods (usually e-wallets like Skrill and Neteller) might not qualify for bonuses.
Is it always worth claiming a bonus? It’s not, and here’s why
Some bonuses cause more harm than good, so it’s not always worth claiming a bonus. Here are a few examples of when a bonus might not be worth redeeming:
- High wagering requirements – If the bonus has a wagering requirement of over 35x, there’s a high chance you’ll lose your winnings before meeting the requirements.
- Low winning caps – Bonuses with win caps limit your potential earnings. A low cap can make you lose most of your winnings, even if you meet the wagering requirements.
- Short bonus validity – A bonus that comes with a short time limit, such as a day or two, might prevent you from meeting the wagering requirements in time. This means you risk losing both the bonus and any winnings.
- Confusing terms – If the bonus terms and conditions are vague and customer service can’t clarify things, I would avoid the bonus. Unclear terms often complicate things, which outweighs any potential benefits.
Loraine Couturier
Canadian Casino Content Writer
Loraine Couturier, is a senior editor at Onlinecasinofinder.ca and knows everything about the Canadian online casino market. She has been writing reviews and articles for our site since 2021, but her passion for Canadian casinos started more than 20 years ago.
Loraine likes to share her passion for online gambling, focusing on the importance of consciously dealing with the dangers.