Welcome to the World of First Deposit Bonuses

At CheetahBonus, we’re all about helping you get more from your online casino experience—and that starts with the First Deposit Bonus, the most common and exciting perk you’ll find when joining a new casino. Think of it as a warm welcome gift: you bring the cash, and the casino matches it (sometimes even doubles or triples it) to give you more to play with right from the start.

But not all first deposit bonuses are created equal. So let’s break it down.

What Is a First Deposit Bonus?

A First Deposit Bonus is exactly what it sounds like: a reward you get when you make your first-ever real money deposit at an online casino. It's part of a broader "welcome package" that may also include free spins, cashback, or even no-deposit treats.

Most commonly, the bonus is a percentage match—for example, a 100% match up to $200. That means if you deposit $100, the casino gives you another $100 in bonus funds to play with.

Some casinos also throw in free spins on top of the match bonus, giving you a taste of their slot offerings.

Who Can Claim a First Deposit Bonus?

These bonuses are exclusively for new players—if you’re creating an account for the first time at a casino, you’re eligible. You’ll typically need to:

1. Register a new account
2. Make a qualifying deposit (usually $10–$20 minimum)
3. Enter a promo or bonus code, if required

That’s it! Once your deposit is processed, the bonus funds or spins are added automatically or after manual claim.

Why Do Casinos Offer First Deposit Bonuses?

Simple: it’s all about attracting new players. With hundreds of online casinos competing for your attention, welcome bonuses are a way for brands to stand out and give you an extra reason to try their site.

It’s also a way to help new players explore games, test out features, and build confidence without spending a ton of money upfront. For the casino, it’s an investment in potential loyalty. For you, it’s a chance to stretch your budget and maybe hit a lucky win right out of the gate. Casinos can go an extra mile and offer Exclusive First Deposit bonuses that are usually better than the standard ones, with a higher bonus percentage and lower wagering. You can check our Cheetah Exclusive Bonuses HERE.

What Can You Expect?

Here’s what most First Deposit Bonuses include:

• Match Bonus: Usually 50%–200% of your deposit
• Free Spins: Often tied to a specific slot game
• Wagering Requirements: Typically 30x–50x the bonus amount
• Game Restrictions: Bonus funds may only work on slots or specific games
• Time Limits: You might have 7–30 days to use the bonus before it expires

Always check the terms and conditions. That’s where you’ll find the fine print—like max bet limits while playing with bonus funds or eligible games for wagering.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Great value for new players
• Extends your playtime
• Try out more games with less risk
• Often comes with free spins

Cons

• Wagering requirements can be high
• Some games may be excluded
• Bonuses expire if not used in time

 Is It Worth Claiming?

Absolutely—if you do it smart. A First Deposit Bonus is one of the best ways to start your online casino journey with a boost. It gives you more chips to play with, more spins to enjoy, and more chances to win.
But not all offers are created equal. That’s why we’re here at CheetahBonus—to help you sort the gems from the gimmicks. We test, review, and break down every bonus so you know exactly what you're getting into.

So before you make your first deposit, check our hand-picked list of the best First Deposit Bonuses and start your gambling adventure the smart way—with a little extra in your pocket.