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Geraldine Nguyen
by Geraldine Nguyen

Best Casino Bonuses in Canada

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What is a casino bonus?

A casino bonus is a promotion created by an online casino to encourage people to sign up and play their table games and slot games. Bonuses give us the chance to save some money, play games for free, or maximize our winnings – all at the expense of the casino. In return, casinos get new customers and keep their existing players happy and engaged. It’s a bit of a win-win. However, keep in mind that a casino bonus often comes with a catch – something that’s not always explicitly mentioned on the flashy promotional banner.

As we’re going to see, there are tons of different casino bonuses out there for Canadian players. Welcome bonuses (meaning a casino bonus for brand new players only) are often the most valuable, since they’re how the casino attracts new gamblers. This is usually in the form of bonus cash as a percentage of your deposit (eg. 100% up to £100), as well as a number of free spins.

Other types of bonuses, or loyalty program rewards, can also be either no deposit bonuses, match-up bonuses, free spins bonuses or cash bonuses.

Types of Online Casino Bonuses WEB

Different Types of Online Casino Bonuses

Match-Up Bonuses

It’s called a ‘match-up’ bonus precisely because the casino matches your real cash deposit by a certain amount. To know how much it will match up, you have to pay attention to the percentage. This information will allow you to calculate how much money you stand to gain – for example, a 100% match-up bonus on a deposit of C$50 results in $100 to play with; the C$50 you deposited and C$50 (100% of your deposit) that the casino gives you as part of the bonus.

100% Match-Up Bonus

As we mentioned in the previous example, ‘100%’ match-up bonus will double your deposit because it will match 100% of your money. If you deposit $50, the casino will match 100% of that $50 with another $50. That way, you’ll have $100 total in your casino account to play with.

50% Match-Up Bonus

A ‘50%’ match-up bonus means the casino will meet you halfway. If you deposit $50, it will match 50% of your money by giving you an extra $25. That means you’ll have a total of $75 to play with.

Match-up bonuses always come with a limited number. So, the online casino will present it as ‘100% up to $100’, or ‘50% up to $100’. What this means for the player is that the casino will not go beyond $100 in bonus money, even if you deposit beyond this amount.

Let’s say you decide to deposit $200 instead of $100 on your first time. If the limiting number is up to $100, the casino will not match you with another $200 to play with $400. Instead, it’ll cut off the bonus money at $100 so you’ll have $300 to play with.

No Deposit Casino Bonuses

No deposit bonuses or sign-up bonuses are either small cash bonuses, usually anywhere between $10 – $30, or a small number of free spins.

It’s nowhere as easy to find as a match-up bonus, but no deposit bonuses do have their own perks. These bonuses do not require any deposit from the player to activate. Instead, the casino automatically awards the player with a no deposit bonus package the second they create an account. It’s a reward simply for signing up!

Of course, like all other bonuses, there are bound to be some restrictions on this kind of bonus, so always make sure you read through the fine print.

Free Spin Casino Bonuses

This type of bonus is self-explanatory. Instead of bonus money, players get awarded free spins. Usually, it’s a set amount of free spins which can range from 50 free spins to 200 free spins on average.

In addition, the casino will also specify which slot/s these free spins can be used on. For Canadian players, this is normally a selection of Play’n GO, Microgaming or NetEnt slots.

Spinback Casino Bonuses

Some casinos have introduced innovative new bonuses that can’t be found anywhere else, such as Wildz Casino’s Spinback feature. This is currently exclusive to the Book of Dead video slot, and it gives players a free spin whenever they miss on five consecutive game rounds. So far, Spinback is exclusive to Wildz Casino, but it probably won’t be long until others start introducing similar incentives. It’s certainly a tempting bonus offer for players going through a dry streak.

On-going Promotions

As well as welcome bonuses, many casinos have all kinds of regular bonuses and promotions for existing players that go beyond a one-time sign-up bonus. The packages may be different but the motivation is the same: to keep players happy and engaged, and discourage them from signing up to a rival site instead.

All of the bonuses we’ve already mentioned can also appear as regular promotions with slight variations on the name. For example, deposit bonuses for existing users are known as reload bonuses. Casinos sometimes pick a certain day to encourage players to play, like Cashback Tuesdays or Free Spin Sundays.

Casino Loyalty Bonuses

Loyalty bonuses are an online casino’s way of saying thank you and encouraging players to keep playing. Often, casinos will contact players to let them know they have qualified for a loyalty bonus. Then it is up to the player to accept or refuse.

Many times loyalty bonuses are free spins or bonus funds, with the bonus amount varying from one casino to another, and also depending on how much money the player has spent at the casino (the higher the bets the player places, the more casinos are willing to throw bonus offers their way to keep them playing).

Live Casino Bonuses

If you would rather enjoy some live casino games than spin some reels then you should look for live casino bonuses. Live bonuses can be used on popular live dealer games including blackjack, roulette, poker and video poker, baccarat, and more.

It’s worth noting that live casino games are often excluded from the typical bonus package, and that if the bonus can be used on a live casino game, it will explicitly say so.

Refer A Friend Bonuses

With the social element of online casino gaming becoming more mainstream, some casinos have started introducing rewards for clients who refer a friend to the casino. This means that if you send a link to a friend, and they sign up at the casino and/or make a deposit, you will get a reward.

It’s a great way for new casinos to get their name out there – the digital version of word of mouth – and makes the whole gaming experience much more friendly and communal.

Keep in mind that here too there may be certain restrictions in place – for example, the friend you refer may have to adhere to a certain deposit amount in order for you to be eligible for the bonus.

Bonus Codes

Some online casinos prefer to offer codes for players to use so they can access bonuses or promotions. These bonus codes can be found directly on the casino’s website, or by checking online forums for match bonus codes or bonus spins codes. Of course, you can always just check out Playcasinos.ca – we regularly update our site with the best casino bonus codes. Just check down below for our latest list.

Slot Game Casino Bonuses

You can also find bonuses on certain slot games. Here are a few of the different kinds of slot game bonuses you may come across:

Bonus Games – The bonus game is a game within the main slot game, which usually offers players the opportunity to achieve even higher payouts. Bonus games are usually unlocked when you trigger a specific combination of symbols. You may also be able to benefit from free spins when playing the bonus games.

Bonus Rounds – Bonus rounds are free spins that can be played within the base game or the bonus game. They are usually triggered by a specific configuration of symbols. Bonus rounds are good to have because they mean you can continue spinning for the chance of winning real money, without using any of your own bankrolls.

Multipliers – Multipliers are a popular feature in many slot games that double, triple, quadruple or otherwise increase your wins when they appear on the reels. Multipliers can go as high as 10 x or 20 x!

Cashback bonuses – You know how it is on a slot – you win some, you lose some. Cashback bonuses give you the chance to take the sting out of losing and recoup a percentage of your losses.

Are Casino Bonuses Only For New Players?

No, casino bonuses are not limited to new players. Only welcome bonuses are strictly for new players signing up to a new online casino for the first time and making a deposit.

Returning customers will be offered various other casino bonuses, such as:

  • Reload bonuses: Usually given out by online casinos on any subsequent deposits over a certain amount, in order to keep existing players coming back rather than signing up at another site.
  • Second, third, and fourth deposit bonuses: While the first welcome bonus generally tends to be the biggest (often 100% your deposit) while any subsequent bonuses offered are usually not as hefty. However, they’re still worth claiming if just to get some extra cash in your bankroll.

Rewarding loyal players with bonuses is a key trait of some of the best online casinos out there.

What are the most popular games to get bonuses on?

Casinos usually award bonus packages on slots that are either really popular or else new slots whose profile they want to raise. Here are some of the games which you’ll commonly find in association with free spins bonuses.

How Do You Use a Casino Bonus?

To a certain extent, it depends on the casino. Often, you can claim a bonus using a promo code or bonus code. This is a short password (normally one word) that unlocks your bonus. For a welcome bonus, you may need to type in your promo code during the registration process, and if you don’t you’ll miss your opportunity.

Sometimes however you can type in the code after you’ve already signed up, in the cashier or in your account profile. Bonuses where you need to take some kind of action – whether it’s by typing in a code, checking a box or emailing your casino – are known as opt-in bonuses.

There are also bonuses that don’t require you to opt-in. In this case, you might sign up to a new casino and find your account automatically gets credited with your bonus, no code required. Some bonuses are also linked to specific casino payment methods. In this case, the casino will specify which method and how to opt-in.

Claiming a casino bonus

  1. Sign up for an online casino
  2. Check their promotions or bonuses section
  3. Choose a bonus
  4. Read the T&Cs
  5. Apply or Claim your selected bonus

As long as you read the instructions carefully, you should have no trouble using a casino bonus. If you sign up to one of our recommended sites via our links, we can even help you claim your welcome bonus right off the bat.

Withdrawing a casino bonus

Once you’ve claimed your bonus and met any wagering requirements you can withdraw your cash, here are the steps you need to follow:

  1. Sign in to your account
  2. Head to the banking section
  3. Check your balance
  4. Click withdraw
  5. Enter the amount and choose your prefered payment method

How Do You Find the Best Casino Bonus

Generally, you don’t have to search too hard! Casinos do a good job of advertising their bonuses since they represent their chief method of marketing the site to new players.

The best place to find your ideal casino bonus or welcome bonus is right here at Playcasinos. We know exactly what makes a great welcome bonus for Canadian players.

We review all the top sites available for Canadians, and one of the first things we consider is the welcome bonus. And we don’t just mean the headline offer. We dig into the small print to let you know exactly how valuable a bonus really is, how to claim it, wagering requirements (more on those later) and much more.

Check out our list of recommended sites to get an idea of all the bonuses out there for Canadian players. If it made it on to our list, it’s worth your consideration. Here’s what we look for when it comes to finding the best casino bonuses for Canadian players:

  • Does the casino offer CA$?
  • What are the wagering requirements?
  • How many bonuses does the casino offer?
  • How long do players have to complete the playthrough requirements?
  • What casino games does the casino have?
  • What payment options are available?

Why should I take a casino bonus?

Casino Bonus Pros

Where do we start?! The right casino bonus can be genuinely transformative to your casino experience. In our opinion, the perfect bonus for everyone is out there. Here are some reasons why.

Put simply, bonuses mean you get to play more. Thanks to deposit bonuses, Canadian gamblers regularly start out with double the bankroll. More money means more spins, more games, more chances to win. There are plenty of lower stakes players out there who either don’t want to or prefer minimum deposits.

Getting a little extra cash to play some casino games without worrying whether they can afford it makes a huge difference.

No deposit bonuses let you sign up and play for real money totally free – perfect for testing out a new casino without risking real money.

Ultimately, bonuses are fun, which is what gambling is all about.

Casino Bonus Cons

If you have bonus money in your account, casinos tend to require you to use that before any regular cash. This means a big win won’t be much good if you still need to complete further wagering requirements.

Some players don’t like the extra hassle of bonus cash and prefer to know that they are playing for instant wins at all times. Apart from that, the cons are few and far between. The beauty of casino bonuses is that they’re optional – you can choose whether to claim them or not.

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Casino Bonuses FAQ - Mobile Banner in English

Casino Bonuses FAQ

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Are Casino Bonuses a Scam?

No, casino bonuses are not a scam. If you play at a licensed and recommended casino like the ones listed on our site, there is no need to worry about being scammed. However, we do recommend you check out the t&cs before signing up to any bonus.

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Can I get CAD Casino Bonuses?

Yes, at Playcasinos.ca we make a strong commitment to our players to find the best casinos that accept CAD. All the casinos listed on Playcasinos.ca either offer casino bonuses in CAD or accept payments in CAD.

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How do I make a casino bonus work for me?

Most bonuses can truly work out to your advantage if you proceed with caution. For instance, do not deposit $400 on your first deposit if the casino has a wagering above 40x. That’s going to lead to some insane conditions which you might not be able to meet in the period of a month.

But, most match-up bonuses, free spin bonuses and no deposit bonuses can really add an extra kick to your casino experience. They can give you more for less, and make it worth your while to play at an online casino.

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Can I refuse a casino bonus?

Of course, you can! It’s entirely possible for players to refuse a casino bonus if they prefer not to play with bonus cash. In order to opt out of a bonus, players should contact customer support and inform them not to add any bonuses to their account.

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Why would I refuse a casino bonus?

Opting out of a bonus may seem like a dumb idea at first – after all, why would you want to turn down free cash in your bankroll? The upside to it, however, is that you won’t be subjected to those pesky wagering requirements which are attached to practically all casino bonuses.

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Can I make money from casino bonuses?

You can, but beware of the fine print. Always be on the lookout for wagering requirements, and read the fine print carefully before scooping up those bonuses.

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Are all payment methods eligible for casino bonuses?

Most payment methods are generally acceptable when it comes to claiming a deposit casino bonus, however, there may be exceptions in some cases. Some casinos will not award you with the welcome bonus if you deposit with payment options like Skrill or Neteller.

Always make sure you read the relevant bonus terms and conditions before signing up for a welcome bonus in order to avoid disappointment.

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Can you win from free spins?

You can win real money from casino free spins, but before you withdraw your winnings, you will usually have to complete certain wagering requirements.

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Can I get casino bonuses on my mobile device?

Yes, you can claim a casino bonus on your smartphone or tablet. Sometimes, you can even get an exclusive bonus on mobile devices even if you’ve already claimed a bonus on the desktop version of the casino. Keep your eye out for these types of offers!

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Should I sign up for a casino's loyalty scheme?

Yes! If you have found your favourite casino and play regularly signing up to a loyalty program is a no brainer. You can expect rewards like bonus money, cashback, free spins, better bonus conditions and great prizes like luxury cars or events.

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Can I claim multiple welcome offers?

Yes, just not at the same casino. Many players tend to sign up and create accounts at different new casinos for this reason. So if you spot a couple of casinos with great welcome offers, why settle for just 1?

Geraldine Nguyen
Geraldine Nguyen Author
47 Articles
Born and raised in Toronto, Geraldine is a proud Asian-Canadian writer with a passion for storytelling and a deep love of casino games. After earning her degree in English Literature from the University of Guelph, she began her career as a freelance ... Read more about Geraldine Nguyen