Best Welcome Bonuses in Canada
Welcome bonuses are one of the highlights of online casinos, offering you a generous reward for joining that can be used to explore the casino lobby and all that’s on offer.
Our online casino experts have reviewed the many online casinos available to bring you this comprehensive guide and help you find the best welcome bonus casino in Canada.
1Red
15,450 CAD + 100 Free Spins
4.5/5
T&Cs Apply
- Sportsbook
- Big Welcome Bonus
- Multiple payment options
Payout Speed Instant
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
1Bet
150 CAD + 150 Free Spins
4/5
T&Cs Apply
- Sport bonuses and casino bonuses
- Very wide selection of sports to bet on
- Daily promotions
Payout Speed 1-2 business days
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
BingoBonga
Get up to 20% cashback on every deposit
4.5/5
T&Cs Apply
- 20% Cashback
- Multiple payment options
- Lots of slots
Payout Speed Instant
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Bitkingz Casino
4500 CAD + 225 Free Spins + Cashback
4.2/5
T&Cs Apply
- Crypto Gambling
- Big Welcome Package
- Instant cashbacks
Payout Speed 3 hours
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Boomerang Casino
500 CAD + 200 Free Spins
4.7/5
T&Cs Apply
- Choosing welcome bonus
- Well organized casino
- Swift payouts
Payout Speed 3 hours
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Casino Rocket
C$1500 + 150 Free Spins
4.4/5
T&Cs Apply
- Over 2,500 slot games available.
- User-friendly mobile site
- Supports popular Canadian payment methods
Payout Speed Instant
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Bally Bet
C$250 risk free
3.9/5
T&Cs Apply
- Licensed by iGaming Ontario
- Good selection of slots
- Rewards program
Payout Speed 1-3 days
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Casino Quatro
700 free spins + C$100
4/5
T&Cs Apply
- Nice free spins bonus
- Best microgaming slots
- Good banking options
Payout Speed Instant
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Casumo Casino
2000 CAD
4/5
T&Cs Apply
- Fast withdrawals
- Exclusive games available
- 3,300+ games from award-winning providers
Payout Speed 1-2 business days
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Golden Star Casino
1000 CAD
4/5
T&Cs Apply
- Golden Star Lottery
- Great selection of banking options
- Phone support
Payout Speed Instant
Play now Read ReviewLicenced by Khanawake gaming commision, Malta Gaming Authority (MGA), iGaming Ontario
Introduction to Online Casino Welcome Bonuses
To kick things off, let’s look at an online casino welcome bonus and what to expect from welcome bonuses in Canada. Many welcome offers comprise several bonuses, each with its terms and conditions.
You must read through the terms carefully before claiming any bonus offers to know what you’re up against regarding wagering requirements, validity periods or any other restrictions.
What Is a Welcome Bonus?
Online casino operators use promotional offers to attract new players. Depending on the operator, these bonuses come in various forms, like free spins, deposit match bonus funds, loyalty points, or sometimes no-deposit bonuses.
The primary purpose of these bonuses is to entice new users to sign up and start playing by giving them extra funds or spins to explore the casino lobby.
From a player’s perspective, they’re a fantastic way to familiarize yourself with the casino platform and check out the game offerings without risking much of your money.
Deposit vs No-Deposit Welcome Bonuses
The most significant difference is whether you need to make a deposit or not to claim the bonus. While no-deposit bonus offers are less common, they do exist in Canada. The main differences between the two are summed up in the table below:
| No-Deposit Welcome Bonus | Deposit Match Welcome Bonus | |
| Definition | A bonus given for registering as a new player without requiring an initial deposit | A bonus given for registering as a new player that matches a percentage of your initial deposit |
| Features | Bonus cash or free spins to explore casino contentAwarded for registering and (usually)validating your accountUsually smaller value | Bonus funds awarded as a percentage match of your first (or first few) deposit/sRequires a minimum deposit to claimOften offer larger amounts, usually for depositing larger amounts |
| Benefits | Risk-free way to explore the casino’s gamesGreat option for beginners or players new to online casinos | Large bonus values availableUsually lower wagering requirements compared to no-deposit bonusesMore flexibility in-game options |
| Pitfalls | Likely to be higher wagering requirementsLimited or capped winningsShort validity period | Initial investment requiredTerms and conditions can be complicated to understandThere is the potential for loss |
Types of Welcome Casino Bonuses in Canada
There are many elements to a welcome bonus, which are combined in different ways by online casino operators to tempt you to sign up for an account at their site—a myriad of options you can use to explore the available games.
We listed what to look out for in the best online casino welcome bonus offers in Canada below:
Deposit Match Bonus
A deposit match is the most likely welcome bonus you’ll likely encounter at online casinos in Canada. When you sign up as a new player, the operator will match a percentage of your initial deposit—or initial few deposits.
It’s typical to see up to 100% deposit match welcome bonuses, but remember that the bonus is usually awarded as casino credits, which cannot be withdrawn until wagered. A minimum deposit value is required to activate deposit match bonuses.
No Deposit Bonus
Far less frequent but not unheard of, no-deposit bonuses do not require you to place a deposit and are awarded once you have registered and verified your new account.
No-deposit bonuses are typically of lower value and more commonly awarded as free spins, but they are a fantastic way to explore a casino risk-free.
Free Spins
Another common feature of the best online casino welcome bonus offers in Canada is to see a nice slew of free spins thrown into the mix. These are usually restricted to a specific title, although sometimes you may have a limited choice.
Free spins will be fixed at a low wagering value and can sometimes have a different wagering rate to your bonus funds.
Loyalty Points
Many online casinos have a loyalty program that allows you to turn points into prizes. Some operators will start your loyalty journey with a lump sum of loyalty points as part of your welcome bonus.
High-Roller Offers
These offers are specific to high rollers and generally require a much higher value deposit to qualify. In return, you get the additional perks expected from high-roller players.
Cashable vs. Non-Cashable Welcome Bonuses
The fundamental difference between cashable and non-cashable bonuses is your ability to withdraw the funds, as detailed below:
-
Cashable Bonuses
With cashable bonuses, you can withdraw the bonus and your winnings as cash after meeting the wagering requirements set out in the bonus terms and conditions. Cashable bonuses allow you to convert your bonus funds into real cash. The key is meeting the bonus wagering requirements within the allocated validity period. -
Non-Cashable Bonuses
It only allows you to withdraw the winnings, not the bonus. Non-cashable bonuses, often called “sticky” bonuses, are essentially “use it or lose it” rewards that expire if not used within the allocated time. Non-cashable bonuses are bonus funds you can use to play casino games. If you win while playing with bonus funds, you keep the winnings like regular cash. The bonus amount itself, however, cannot be withdrawn with your winnings.
Understanding Welcome Bonuses Terms & Conditions
Reading through and understanding the terms and conditions of casino bonuses is critical to getting the most out of your bonus and should be a significant research focus. You do not want to get caught for not reading the fine print.
Luckily, operators usually offer separate T&Cs for your welcome bonus aside from their main content wall, so they’re easier to navigate. We summarise the main points to look out for in the table below:
| Welcome Bonus Terms & Conditions | |
| Claiming the offer | Sometimes, you will need online casino bonus codes. Other welcome offers require you to opt in or select the offer at a certain time during the registration process. In other circumstances, the offer is automatically applied when you register. |
| Minimum deposits | Minimum deposits are usually required to access a bonus. When making your first deposit, remember that the minimum requirement for the welcome bonus might differ from the minimum you can deposit at the casino. |
| Game eligibility | When free spins are included, they are usually restricted to playing on a set selection of slot games or even just one game. |
| Playthrough/wagering requirements | One of the most important terms is the playthrough requirement. It indicates how many times the bonus amount you need to wager before you can withdraw any winnings accrued while playing with bonus funds or free spins. The best online casino welcome bonus has low wagering requirements.Pay particular attention with deposit matches, whether the playthrough relates to the bonus amount or the bonus amount plus your deposit amount. |
| Game contributions | Many operators have limits on which games contribute to your wagering requirement, so check to see what’s included. Slots usually contribute 100%, but table games and live casinos tend to contribute a far lower percentage, if at all. |
| Time limits/validity periods | Expiry dates are key to check out for on your quest to find the best welcome bonus casino in Canada. Some operators give you a very short amount of time to complete your wagering requirements, while others are far more generous with validity periods. |
| Payment methods | Certain casino operators restrict eligible payment methods for welcome bonuses. This is usually due to regulatory compliance and the requirement for correct KYC protocol. |
The Pros and Cons of Welcome Casino Bonuses
The table below sums up the pros and cons of playing with online casino welcome bonuses as determined by our casino experts:
- Risk-Free Exploration:No-deposit bonuses allow you to try out the casino without risking your own money, while deposit match bonuses allow you to stretch your balance further.
- Intro to New Games:Welcome bonuses help you explore games and features you might not ordinarily consider.
- Extended Playtime:You can enjoy longer playing sessions with additional funds or free spins.
- Wagering Requirements:Many bonuses come with wagering requirements that must be met before you can withdraw any accrued winnings.
- Game Restrictions:Some bonuses are limited to specific games, which might not be your preferred choice.
How to Claim Your Welcome Bonus
To claim a welcome bonus offer at online casinos in Canada, follow these simple steps:
Research your options, paying particular attention to the T&Cs associated with the offer.
Sign up for an account via our trusted registration links.
Add funds at the cashier. Remember to check the minimum deposit required to claim your bonus and ensure you make what’s needed to claim it.
Explore the casino lobby using your bonus funds and free spins.
Complete your wagering requirements per the T&Cs, and you can collect your winnings when completing them.
How to Find the Best Welcome Bonus Casino in Canada?
While we can’t tell you which is the best welcome bonus casino in Canada for you, we can certainly make recommendations based on the opinions of our team of online casino experts.
Consider the following factors and ask these questions before committing to a particular operator. And remember, when things sound too good to be true, that’s usually because they are!
- What’s included in the bonus?
- Is the casino licensed?
- Do the terms and conditions seem fair?
- Does the operator accept my preferred payment method?
- Are the bonus funds available for my favourite games?
How We Chose Online Casinos with the Best Welcome Bonuses in Canada
As mentioned, our review team is backed by many years of industry experience. We share a passion for the game and a desire to share our knowledge with you.
We consider many factors to help us determine the best welcome bonus casino, not just the value of the bonus itself but how the operators compare when measured against our strict review criteria. This includes the following factors:
- Bonuses & Promotions: We consider the value and quantity of bonuses available and the attached terms and conditions. We look for loyalty programs, cash-back offers, reload bonuses, and more.
- Licensing & Regulation: Our first port of call is to ensure that an online casino is licensed to operate and regulated by a reputable industry body.
- Game Selection: Casinos should have a well-stocked games library, including slots, table games, and live casino games from reputable developers.
- Site Security: We check website security certificates and the operator’s privacy policy to ensure it’s committed to protecting your data.
- Customer Support: It’s essential that an operator site offers plenty of communication channels and that the customer support team can quickly resolve your issues.
- Withdrawal Times: Banking methods are another critical consideration for our team, particularly the speed at which a casino processes your withdrawal requests.
- User Experience: Finally, we analyze the overall user experience to ensure you get the most out of your time gambling online, whether you’re a new player or an online casino extraordinaire.
Final Word
So that’s the low-down on welcome bonuses at online casinos in Canada, as our team of experts curated. So, now’s the fun part—it’s time to put those operators to the test and have a few spins yourself.
For more insights, check out our expert casino reviews and the rest of our guides to online casinos in Canada.