Crypto Casino Glossary
What is a First Deposit Bonus?
A first deposit bonus is the biggest reward moment in any player's casino journey — the platform matches your first real-money deposit to give you more to play with. Here's what it actually means, how to evaluate one, and which crypto casinos have the best deals right now.
📅 Updated: February 2026
⏱ 6 min read
🎯 Beginner
Quick Answer
A first deposit bonus is a one-time reward on your very first real-money deposit — usually a deposit match (e.g. 100% up to €200), meaning the casino doubles your funds. It always comes with wagering requirements you must clear before withdrawing winnings. The three key numbers: match percentage, cap amount, and playthrough multiplier.
🏆 Top 3 First Deposit Bonuses — February 2026
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Vave Casino
100% up to €200 + 50 Free Spins
Clean 100% match with free spins and competitive wagering requirements. Crypto-native, fast withdrawals, no KYC under standard limits — one of the most straightforward packages available.
✅ Crypto-native
🎰 50 Free Spins
⚡ Fast Withdrawals
Low Wagering
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BC.Game
Up to 270% First Deposit Match
One of the highest match percentages in crypto gambling with a tiered welcome package. Over 100 supported cryptocurrencies including BTC, ETH, DOGE and more. Ideal for players who want maximum bonus funds.
✅ 100+ Cryptos
💰 Huge Match %
🎮 Provably Fair
VIP Rewards
🥉
BitStarz
100% up to €100 + 180 Free Spins
One of the most trusted names in crypto gambling. Exceptional free spins package combined with a 4-part welcome bonus that spreads value across your first four deposits — great for a steady, long-term start.
✅ Award-Winning
🎰 180 Free Spins
⚡ Instant Payouts
4-Part Package
How a First Deposit Bonus Works
When you make your first real-money deposit at a crypto casino, the platform rewards you with bonus funds calculated as a percentage of your deposit — up to a maximum cap. This is a deposit match.
The bonus funds are added to your balance and can be used to play games. However, you typically cannot withdraw bonus-derived winnings until you've met the wagering requirements — the total bet volume required before withdrawals unlock.
📊 Example — 100% Match up to €200, 30x Wagering
Your deposit€100
Bonus received (100% match)€100
Total balance to play with€200
Wagering requirement (30x on bonus)€3,000 to wager
After clearing: withdraw freely✅ Unlocked
⚠️ Check: Wagering on Bonus Only vs. Bonus + Deposit
Some casinos apply wagering to bonus + deposit combined (30x on €200 = €6,000 to wager). Others apply it to the bonus only (30x on €100 = €3,000). This single detail can double the effort required to clear the bonus — always check the full terms before claiming.
First Deposit Bonus vs. Welcome Bonus — What's the Difference?
These terms are often used interchangeably, but they describe different things:
| Term | What It Covers | Example |
|---|
| First Deposit Bonus | Reward on your 1st deposit only | 100% up to €200 on deposit #1 |
| Welcome Bonus | Full new-player package — may span 2–4 deposits | 4-part package across deposits #1–4 |
| No Deposit Bonus | Free bonus without depositing | €5 free on signup |
| Free Spins | Spins on specific slots — often bundled with deposit bonus | 50 spins on first deposit |
The first deposit bonus is almost always the largest single reward in a welcome package — making it the most critical offer to evaluate before choosing a casino.
How to Evaluate a First Deposit Bonus
A 200% match sounds better than 100% — but wagering requirements can flip the math completely. Here's what to check:
| Factor | Player-Friendly | Red Flag |
|---|
| Match % | 100%+ is standard; 150%+ is generous | Below 50% with high wagering |
| Max Cap | €200–€500 typical | Very low caps under €50 |
| Wagering | 20x–30x at crypto casinos | 40x+ is very hard to clear |
| Applied To | Bonus only | Bonus + deposit combined |
| Game Weighting | Slots 100%; live casino 10–20% | Live casino excluded entirely |
| Time Limit | 14–30 days to clear | 7 days or less for large bonuses |
💡 The Real Value Formula
To estimate actual expected value: Bonus Amount ÷ Wagering Multiplier × House Edge. A €100 bonus at 30x with 4% house edge = €100 ÷ 30 × 0.04 = €0.13 expected loss per €1 of bonus. Lower wagering = less erosion = better real value in your pocket.
Why Crypto First Deposit Bonuses Are Better
✅ Lower Wagering Requirements
Crypto-native casinos typically offer 20–35x wagering vs. 35–50x at fiat casinos. Faster clearing means more value reaches you.
✅ No Currency Conversion Fees
Depositing in BTC, ETH, or USDT means no conversion costs eating into your bonus-eligible amount. Your full deposit qualifies for the match.
✅ Faster Withdrawal of Winnings
Once wagering is cleared, crypto withdrawals process in minutes — not 3–5 business days like bank transfers at traditional casinos.
⚠️ Volatile Asset Risk
If you deposit and play in BTC, both your deposit and winnings are subject to price movements. Consider using a stablecoin (USDT/USDC) to lock in the value while still benefiting from crypto casino terms.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a first deposit bonus at a crypto casino?
A first deposit bonus is a one-time reward triggered by your first real-money deposit. The most common form is a deposit match — the casino adds a percentage of your deposit as bonus funds. A 100% match up to €200 on a €200 deposit gives you €400 to play with.
What is the difference between a first deposit bonus and a welcome bonus?
A first deposit bonus refers to the reward on your very first deposit. A welcome bonus is broader — it may include a no-deposit bonus, free spins, and multiple deposit matches across several deposits. The first deposit bonus is always the largest single component.
What are wagering requirements on a first deposit bonus?
Wagering requirements specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before withdrawing winnings. A €100 bonus with 30x wagering = €3,000 in total bets required. Crypto casinos typically offer 20–35x — significantly lower than traditional casinos.
Is a first deposit bonus worth it?
It depends on the wagering requirements and game weighting. A 100% match with 20x requirements is excellent value. A 200% match with 50x requirements on slots-only is much harder to clear and may not be worth claiming at all.
Can I get a first deposit bonus with crypto?
Yes. Vave, BC.Game, and BitStarz all offer deposit match bonuses on BTC, ETH, USDT, LTC and other coins — usually with better terms than fiat deposit bonuses, including lower wagering requirements and instant withdrawals once cleared.
Can I claim a first deposit bonus more than once?
No. A first deposit bonus is a one-time offer tied to your first deposit at that casino. Subsequent deposits may qualify for reload bonuses, but the first deposit offer cannot be claimed again on the same account.
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