Best No Deposit Bonus in the UK 2024

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You can reduce your financial risk and still play for cash prizes with the right no deposit bonus UK offers, but these deals aren’t easy to find.

That’s why we’ve scoured the internet to find high-quality UK casinos with no deposit bonuses and let you in on how to get maximum value from the best no deposit bonus offers.

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Why Do Casinos Offer No Deposit Bonuses?

No deposit casino bonuses are the product of generosity and necessity. They’re necessary because the UK online gambling market is highly competitive.

Operators need ways to stand out, and the best ones default to a position of generosity. The most obvious expressions of generosity are no deposit bonuses because you get free credits without any financial commitment or risk.

Types of No Deposit Bonus Casino Offers

Every casino no deposit bonus is slightly different. The underlying premise is always the same: you get a reward without needing to deposit any money.

However, the ways in which rewards are released differ. Let’s take a look at the most popular no deposit bonus UK offers so you can see how to play for cash prizes without any upfront risk:

No Deposit Welcome Bonus

The simplest way to get a no deposit bonus in the UK is by joining a new site. The top UK casino operators always welcome new customers with open arms, and one of the best ways to do this is by giving them bonus credits when they create an account.

The beauty of these no deposit bonuses is that you only have to complete the registration form to unlock them. Therefore, because you get credits before making an initial deposit, you can try the site without any risk. In this regard, you’re getting a free trial with the added benefit that you can win cash prizes.

Free Play or Site Credits

Free no deposit bonus credits allow you to play real money casino games without any upfront risk. We say “upfront risk” because you may have to wager money at some point to release the prizes you’ve won. However, initially at least, you’ve got the chance to win prizes without risking any money.

Free Spins

Like site credits, free spins are a type of online casino no deposit bonus that allows you to play games without any financial risk. Those games are, as you can guess, slot machines.

Cashback

Cashback offers aren’t as common in the UK as they are elsewhere in the world. However, if you use offshore casinos, you can get money back when you lose. Rebates are a percentage of your net loss over the course of a week and get credited to your balance as bonus cash. Thus, you’re getting bonus credits without depositing money.

Loyalty Points

The most reliable way to get a no deposit bonus in the UK is via a loyalty rewards program. As is the theme of our discussion, rewards aren’t predicated on deposits. Instead, you earn loyalty points by playing real-money casino games. Points determine your VIP status and unlock a series of ongoing rewards. If you’re an online casino regular, loyalty rewards are the best type of no deposit bonus.

Terms and Conditions for No Deposit Bonuses in the UK

There’s no such thing in life as a free ride. Even when we use terms such as free bonus no deposit offers, there’s always a caveat. That caveat comes in the form of wagering requirements.

These requirements are terms and conditions that govern every aspect of casino bonuses in the UK, from the ways you claim them to the withdrawal process. Every bonus is different, but the sections below explain the terms and conditions commonly associated with casino no deposit bonuses.

Before that, we should point out that wagering requirements aren’t something you can ignore. In fact, not checking them is a rookie mistake.

Why? Because you can only claim bonuses and reap their rewards if you comply with the terms and conditions. Therefore, it’s your responsibility to understand how an offer works before you start playing. That’s why you need to understand these common conditions:

Playthrough (aka Wagering Targets)

Playthroughs, aka wagering targets, are the most overlooked and underappreciated bonus terms. We’ll explain why in a moment, but let’s define what we mean by the term playthrough:

A playthrough target, expressed as a multiplier, is the amount of money required to unlock bonus credits. For example, if you’ve claimed a £5 no deposit casino UK bonus with a 10x playthrough, you’d need to wager 5 x 10 (£50) to unlock your bonus.

We use the term “unlock” because bonus credits can’t be withdrawn until you’ve hit the playthrough. The same rule applies to any prizes you win from the bonus credits, i.e. if you win £25 by betting your £5 bonus, that money is locked until you hit the playthrough.

Casino newbies often overlook playthrough targets and their significance. You want the playthrough target (aka multiplier) to be as low as possible because it means you have to wager less to unlock your rewards.

Playthroughs are also misunderstood in the context of online casino no deposit bonus offers because people think it goes against the spirit of the deal. It doesn’t. You don’t have to make a deposit to get these bonuses or hit the playthrough.

However, if you want to release your bonus, you need to hit the target. So, the offer is still risk-free on the front end. However, on the back end, you might have to deposit and bet.

No Deposit Bonus Codes

Some offers require no deposit bonus codes. These codes have to be entered before bonuses are released, so you can’t make any mistakes. We’ll walk you through the basics of using no deposit bonus codes later on in this guide.

Eligible Games

Free bonus no deposit credits can be used on some games and not others. Trying to play ineligible games will result in spending money from your bankroll rather than your bonus credit balance.

The same goes for wagering targets. For example, you might not be able to hit a wagering target by playing high-RTP slots or live games. Therefore, any bets on these games are wasted. On this point, some games are better than others when it comes to hitting playthrough targets.

Slot bets have a 100% contribution weighting, which means every penny you wager goes towards hitting the playthrough target. In comparison, blackjack bets typically have a 10% weighting, which means 10% of every bet you make goes towards your playthrough target.

Expiry Date

Nothing in life lasts forever, and that applies to no deposit casino bonus offers. There will always be a limit on the time you’ve got to claim bonuses and hit playthrough targets.

As a general rule, UK casino no deposit bonus offers have shorter expiry dates than other bonuses. That’s because, unlike deposit bonuses where some sort of financial commitment is required, you’re getting something for nothing.

Win Limits

There will often be a limit on the amount of money you can win from bonus credits. This term mainly applies to free spins no deposit bonuses because, if you read our guide to UK online slots for real money, you’ll know that their payout potential is better than any other casino game.

Check out the best payout online casinos in the UK.

Min/Max Stakes

The amount you wager might have to fall within a minimum and maximum limit. No deposit bonuses that contain free spins have a fixed value. For example, each spin will be worth £0.10.

Payment Method Restrictions

You won’t need to worry about payment methods when it comes to no deposit bonus casino UK offers. Restrictions might be applicable when it comes to making deposits so you can hit playthrough targets. However, because deposits aren’t required, payment method restrictions aren’t a concern.

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Do You Need No Deposit Casino Bonus Codes?

No deposit casino bonus codes aren’t always necessary, but there will be times when they’re required. Bonus codes are typically used by operators to monitor how popular offers are. They’re also used for exclusive bonuses.

For example, if we’ve managed to secure an exclusive no deposit bonus for UK customers, we’ll attach a code to it. if that’s the case, you’ll need to enter the code when prompted.

The point at which you’re prompted depends on the bonus. For example, if it’s a no deposit welcome bonus, you’ll need to enter the code during the registration process. If it’s a loyalty bonus, you may have to go into your account settings and activate the offer by entering a code.

If the bonus terms don’t mention anything about a code, you don’t need one. That means you simply need to comply with the terms and conditions to get your free no deposit bonus credits.

How to Activate a No Deposit Bonus

There are a few ways to claim offers at the best no deposit bonus casino UK sites. Some are obvious, but others require a bit of inside knowledge.

  • Click to claim: the most common way to claim the best no deposit bonus offers for UK players is to click our secure sign-up links. The links activate offers and take you directly to the registration page of UK online casinos offering no deposit bonuses. Once you’ve done that, complete the registration process and the rewards are yours.
  • Use a code: as we’ve said, some no deposit casino bonus offers require codes that need to be entered when prompted. Our tip is to look for exclusive no deposit bonus codes. We often have offers that can’t be claimed anywhere else, and we use these codes to make sure they’re only available to our readers.
  • Play: loyalty rewards and cashback no deposit bonuses are unlocked by playing real-money games. We’ve got two tips here. Firstly, never risk more than you can afford to lose. Bonuses are great, but only if they enhance your gaming experience. The second tip is to play slots, if possible. Slots allow you to wager more per hour, which means you can accumulate loyalty points and/or cashback at a much faster rate compared to other games.

Secret No Deposit Casino Bonus Trick

Our secret online casino no deposit bonus tip is to contact the customer service team. Although rare, there are times when you can get special offers by emailing the customer service team.

The reasons you might get one of these hidden offers are:

  • The bonus isn’t clearly advertised on a casino operator’s website.
  • It might be a special offers for high-volume players.
  • You might get something just for being confident and asking.

No Deposit Bonuses Pros and Cons: Are They Worth the Hype?

Yes, they’re worth the hype because, in their simplest form, no deposit casino bonus UK offers are freebies. They’re a way for you to sample an online casino without risking any money. Not only that, you’ve got the chance to win bonus credits that can be converted to cash once you hit a playthrough target.

Pros pros

  • You don’t have any initial risk
  • The wagering requirements are low
  • Available for slots and other games
  • Can claim multiple offers
  • Try new casinos for free

Cons cons

  • Rewards are smaller than other bonuses
  • Not available at all online casinos

No Deposit vs. Deposit Bonus

You can get bonuses without making deposits. You can get bonuses by making deposits. Basically, there are always ways to get bonuses, and one offer doesn’t exclude you from the other. Therefore, in reality, you don’t need to choose between no deposit and deposit bonuses.

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Image by Davie Bicker from Pixabay

What we will say, however, is that deposit bonuses are bigger than their counterparts. That’s because you’re contributing to the site i.e. by making a deposit. Online casinos are businesses, so they can’t afford to give away huge amounts of money to people who might not stick around.

That’s why we described no deposit bonuses as a way to test the best UK mobile casinos without any risk. In line with this, the rewards are modest. If you choose to deposit money, the chances are you’re going to stick around for a while. Because of this, casino operators are more willing to give you bigger bonuses.

Some other things to consider when it comes to no deposit vs. deposit bonuses are:

No Deposit Bonus UK Offers Deposit Bonuses
Small rewards Big bonuses, particularly for new players
Almost zero risk Rewards based on the amount you deposit
Available to new and existing players Available to all players on a regular basis
Typically include bonus credits and free spins Cover all types of bonuses and rewards

Who Can Claim a No Deposit Casino Bonus?

Free bonus no deposit offers are mainly aimed at new players, so this plays into one of our biggest casino gaming tips: join as many platforms as possible. As with all of our advice, this tip comes with the caveat that you should do it responsibly.

If you can do that, joining multiple online casinos is always a good idea. Not only do you get access to more games, promotions, and payment options, it’s a chance to claim multiple no deposit casino bonuses. Here is our recommended list of the best UK casinos not on Gamstop.

There’s Something for Everyone

We’ll always direct you towards the best no deposit casino bonus offers. Our experts scour the internet for new offers and assess the terms to make sure they’re suitable for everyone. If you’ve joined all of our recommended casinos or simply want to stay where you are, there are deals for existing customers.

Cashback is easy to claim because it’s simply a rebate based on your net losses. However, if you’re more active than the average player, you’ll have access to VIP rewards.

Again, you should always play responsibly. However, if you’re a high-volume player, there are cash bonuses and free credits up for grabs. Can you increase your chances of being a VIP player? Yes, and we’ll explain how in the following sections.

Games You Can Play with a No Deposit Bonus

Which games should I play with free no deposit bonus credits? One way to increase your chances of earning no deposit bonus rewards is to play slots.

Slots are great choices for a few reasons:

  • The best UK no deposit bonus casinos have 1,000+ slots to choose from.
  • You can play for less than £0.10 per spin.
  • The average betting round takes <20 seconds, so you can earn a lot of loyalty points quickly.
  • Prizes are worth many times your stake.
  • Slots are compatible with almost every no deposit bonus, and bets have a 100% contribution weighting.
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Image by asayuki from Pixabay

We’re not saying you have to play slots if you want to get maximum value from no deposit bonuses. However, they’re so easy to play that you should always consider them.

If you’re not a fan of spinning reels and matching symbols, you can also play the following games with free no deposit bonus credits:

  • Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, baccarat, poker, and craps are all viable options if you’re trying to claim or use bonus credits. Of all the table games you can play, blackjack and baccarat have the lowest house edge. This means you can get more value from your time online because there’s a better chance of winning in these games than others.
  • Live Dealer Games: live table games and game shows have an interactive element that makes them extremely entertaining. The only issue you might find is that some no deposit bonuses won’t be compatible with live games i.e. they’re not eligible games.
  • Scratch cards and Instant Games: scratch cards and instant games (aka arcade-style games) may be included in the list of eligible games alongside video poker. If so, they fall into the same category as slots because you can place a lot of bets in a short space of time.

Tips on How to Maximise a No Deposit Casino Bonus

There are three ways to extract maximum value from the best no deposit bonus offers:

1. Be Flexible

Flexibility, in this context, means having the ability to seize offers whenever and wherever they’re available. If this means joining a new casino, do it. If it means trying new games so you can unlock an offer, do it. Bookmark Techopedia because we’ll update you when suitable no deposit bonuses for UK players go live.

2. Be Active

Playing is the best way to claim and clear bonuses, as we’ve explained. However, it’s also the best way to unearth new no deposit bonus offers. Specifically, being active entitles you to cashback and loyalty rewards. It also shows casino operators that you’re a loyal customer, something that can unlock exclusive offers.

3. Be Smart

The final tip we’ve got for you is one that covers all aspects of gambling. Playing smart means not spending more than you can afford to lose. It also means choosing games that give you the best chance of claiming and clearing bonuses. Finally, being smart means having fun and stopping when you’re not.

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Conclusion: Best No Deposit Bonuses in the UK September 2024

No deposit bonuses are a must for every casino player because they’re virtually risk-free. OK, so you need to wager money if you want to withdraw any profits gleaned from your bonus credits. However, initially, at least, there’s no financial commitment or risk, which makes them suitable for players at every level.

Here are three things to consider before claiming the latest no deposit bonus UK offers:

  • Look for casinos that have no deposit bonuses for new customers.
  • Be as active as possible so you’ve got plenty of chances to claim new offers.
  • Don’t forget to check the wagering requirements before you start.

Keep these things in mind, and you’ll be able to play real money casino games, win prizes, and have fun without any upfront financial risk.

FAQs

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Affiliate Disclosure: Techopedia may receive advertising commissions for visits to a suggested operator through our affiliate links, at no added cost to you. However, all our recommendations are unbiased and follow a thorough review process. Gambling can be addictive, please play responsibly and you must be of legal gambling age.

References

Daniel Smyth
Casino and Poker Expert
Daniel Smyth
Casino and Poker Expert

Daniel comes to Techopedia.com with a wealth of experience in the gambling sector. Over the last 15+ years, he’s written content for WPT Magazine, CardsChat, and Gambling.com. Daniel has also worked directly with many of the industry’s leading operators, including PokerStars, Betway, and Yggdrasil. If it’s about gambling, Daniel has covered it.