Welcome bonus: what sits behind «100% up to»

The welcome bonus is the first thing a casino shows you and the first condition it sets. This page explains how a sign-up bonus, a first deposit bonus and a welcome package work, how to read the headline, and what to confirm before you claim. We do not state Solverde's or the partner operator's welcome offer: the figures are in each operator's terms and change often.

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Registration bonus, sign up bonus, first deposit bonus

The names blur together. A registration bonus or sign up bonus is sometimes a small credit or a few spins for opening an account. A first deposit bonus — a "match bonus" — adds a percentage of what you deposit. A welcome package spreads that logic over several deposits. The label matters less than the terms: where the bonus comes from, what it is worth and what it demands.

How to read «100% up to €X»

A headline such as «100% up to €200» says two things: the operator adds an amount equal to your deposit, and the bonus caps at €200. It does not say the wagering, deadline, max bet or which games count — and that is where the cost is. A hypothetical example:

Element	Hypothetical value	Consequence
Deposit	€100	€100 bonus (100 %)
Wagering	35 times the bonus	€3,500 in bets
Deadline	30 days	About €117 wagered per day
Max bet	€5 per spin	Bigger bets can void the bonus

If wagering applies to deposit plus bonus, the figure doubles. The terms say which base applies.

How to claim, step by step

Check the site's domain in your regulator's licence register.
Read the welcome bonus terms on the operator's site, not in an ad.
If there is a promo code on registration, enter it in the right field.
On the first deposit, tick the bonus option — or untick it to play without conditions.
Track wagering progress in your account area.

When it is better to say no

Declining the bonus is a legitimate choice. If you want to test a site with a small deposit and withdraw straight away, a bonus locks your balance until the wagering is done. If you mostly play table games or live casino, which often count less towards wagering, the bonus may be almost impossible to clear.

A bonus says nothing about a licence

A generous welcome bonus is marketing, not a credential. A licence register lists domains, not offers. On a licensed site, protections such as self-exclusion and deposit limits stay in force while the bonus runs; on an unlicensed site, bonus terms are whatever the operator writes, with no regulator in your market above it.

Frequently asked questions

Is a sign-up bonus the same as a first deposit bonus?

Not always. A sign-up or registration bonus may be credited just for opening an account (no deposit), while a first deposit bonus depends on funding the account. Names vary by operator; what counts is what the terms describe.

How do I claim a welcome bonus?

Usually by ticking the bonus option in the cashier or entering a promo code before confirming the first deposit. If you forget, many operators will not add it afterwards; check the terms.

Can I decline the welcome bonus?

Yes, and sometimes it is the smartest choice. Without a bonus, your deposited balance stays free to withdraw whenever you like, with no wagering.

Is a welcome package better than a single bonus?

It depends on the conditions of each part. A package spreads the bonus over several deposits, each with its own wagering and deadline; add them up before deciding.