No Deposit Bonus Canada 2024 🎖️

Learn all you need to know about the best no deposit bonuses in Canada. Find out what they are, when to use them, and what to watch out for when you pick one. We’re also recommending the best casinos offering such bonuses to Canadian players. Find out how to maximize winnings from these promotional offers.

What is a no deposit bonus?

A no deposit bonus is a promotional offer from an online casino. The no deposit bonus will give players free spins or bonus funds in exchange for a simple registration and verification of their new account. This type of bonus doesn’t require a deposit.

Casinos in Canada will use these no-deposit bonuses to attract new players without any financial commitment and allow them to test their games and services. All it takes to claim and use a no-deposit bonus is time.

No deposit bonuses will give you money or free spins that you may use to play at the casino. You will not be able to cash out the bonus money.

However, most casinos will allow you to withdraw your winnings from such bonuses. The maximum amount will be capped, and the wagering requirements will have to be covered first.

When is a no deposit bonus useful?

A no deposit bonus is useful for several reasons, especially as a zero-risk method of trying out a new casino.

These are some of the possible reasons to claim a no deposit bonus in Canada:

• Check out a new casino without risk: you get enough money to pay for 50-100 spins at a game of your choosing or free spins at a slot the casino picks. It’s enough to get a feel for how that casino works and see the backend.
• Try games without risk but with the potential to pay: it’s an advantage of this bonus over the choice to play free slot machines. There is no chance of getting paid in a free slot, but you might claim a small win from a no deposit bonus (if the wager requirements are met).
• Practice new strategies: This is particularly important for bonuses that give you cash, which you can use at a table game that requires strategy (blackjack, poker, etc.).
• Gain confidence in what you’re doing: this is particularly for beginners trying to figure out how casinos work. Sign up and claim a no deposit bonus, play one or more games, and maybe go through the process of covering the wagering requirements as well.
• Actually win and cash out: This is not going to be a get-rich-quick scheme, but you might make some money from it. It will be limited in value, going up to $100 in most cases, and you will have to cover the wagering requirements first. Still, it’s a possibility.

Erik King’s recommends: use no deposit bonuses to test out new casinos, check out new games, and learn how online gambling works. Don’t expect to get rich using a no deposit bonus, though it is possible to claim a small prize if you’re lucky.

What types of rewards are available in no deposit bonuses

No deposit bonuses can offer a variety of rewards in exchange for the player’s registration. Generally, it’s either a bonus amount ($5 or $10) or a number of free spins which can be used at a particular slot machine.

Nothing is stopping the casino from sweetening the pot further. They can add more money or huge numbers of free spins, access to lotteries, slot tournaments, or anything else that would work with a no deposit bonus (a cashback offer wouldn’t make as much sense).

Free spins no deposit

A no deposit bonus that gives you free spins is the most common variant you will find. This type of offer gives you anywhere from 10 to 100 free spins. It’s most common to find offers with 30 to 50 free spins.

However, casinos can raise this number as much as they want. They can do this because they will also decide on the terms and conditions and limit the winnings that can be cashed out.

Generally, since it’s not a large number of free spins, you can use it at only one slot machine. The casino picks the slot that you can play at. The volatility, theme, and features can all vary. They come with high, medium, or low volatility and top jackpots ranging from 500x to 10,000x or more.

$5 no deposit bonus

The alternative is a cash bonus offered without the requirement of a deposit. A $5 no-deposit bonus is one of the most common promotional offers for new players, particularly if you want something risk-free and in the form of cash.

It’s not as common as a free spins no deposit bonus, but it gives you the option to play more games. You’re not as limited when it comes to the games you can use those funds on, so there might be thousands of slots and table games to choose from.

Of course, $5 doesn’t take you too far. In a slot machine with a $0.10 minimum bet, it would mean 50 paid spins at most. Win some of those rounds, and you can stretch that small budget even further.

$10 no deposit bonus

Another option at online casinos is the $10 no deposit bonus offer. It’s more valuable, obviously, but otherwise, it’s the same type of bonus. You can use it to play any games you want to check out.

Generally, if you have a choice between a $5 and a $10 bonus, the latter variant is the better one. The terms and conditions matter as well, though, and they can make a difference.

Erik King recommends: if you have the option, go for a cash bonus offer. Having money to spend on the games that look good to you beats playing only the slot machine the casino offers. Don’t make your pick based on bonus value alone because the terms and conditions of a casino offer are important.

What’s the catch? Terms and conditions apply

A casino’s bonus offer will always come with strings attached. You rarely get money you can just cash out in exchange for signing up at a casino, so usually, you have to watch out for the terms and conditions and see what they require of you.

These terms can be so harsh that they make even a no deposit bonus something to avoid, particularly if it doesn’t allow you to try and cash out any winnings. Most casinos will give you that opportunity, though, but even then, some will make it easier than others.

Wager requirements

Most bonuses will allow you to cash out winnings only after meeting the wager requirements. In the case of a no deposit bonus, you will often be required to wager the winnings you obtained through cash/free spins.

For example, you can get 50 free spins from the casino, and playing them may result in a $40 profit. The casino may require that you wager the winnings 10 times. Total bets of $400 would have to be used before you’re allowed to cash out that profit.

Limits on the amount you can win and cash out

A no deposit bonus is an introductory offer, risk-free for the player and an expense for the casino that wants to attract new members. It’s not going to be a get-rich-quick opportunity for anyone, and the offer’s terms and conditions will make sure of that.

In addition to the wager requirements that must be met, there is typically a limit on how much you can withdraw. This limit applies to winnings obtained through the bonus money or free spins the casino offers.

Just so you know what to expect, it’s typical for casinos to place this limit at $50 to $100. It can be lower or higher since there are no rules when it comes to designing a bonus offer.

How much time do you have?

You should pay attention to the time limits mentioned in those same terms and conditions. You often only have days at your disposal to use the funds or free spins.

The wager requirements will also have a time limit. Some casinos may give you only 3 days to cover them, while others may allow for up to 30 days.

What do you have to do in exchange?

Creating a new account at a casino is always required with these bonuses, but it’s not always sufficient. Oftentimes, you will find that the casino also requires that you verify your email or other personal details before allocating the bonus to your account.

Pros and cons of no deposit bonuses

A no deposit bonus is a much better deal than the typical welcome bonus or reload bonus you might find at a casino. That being said, you still have to pay attention to what you’re being offered. There are some cons as well, not just pros, and I mention them below.

Erik King’s pros

• Free money or spins, risk-free for you as a player.
• A chance to cash out a small amount if you’re lucky (and you get to keep all of it as a Canadian player).
• Learn about a new casino and how it works without spending a cent.
• You can try new games or test strategies using real money.

Erik King’s cons

• Limits on winnings which can be cashed out.
• Some versions (free spins) allow you to play only at one particular slot machine.

How to pick a no deposit bonus. Things that matter.

While you should always look at the terms and conditions of an offer, that’s not the only thing you should look at when picking a new casino.

There are plenty of online casinos offering no deposit bonuses to new players, so you can take your time and pick the best one. A casino that you’d like to use in the long run is what you should be looking for.

There are several things you should analyze when judging a casino.

Its gaming license

One of the first things you should be doing at any new casino is checking out if it has a gaming license and which jurisdiction issued it.

For Canadian players, this means a gaming license issued by Ontario, the only regulated market in this country. There are a couple of online casinos that have a monopoly in the other regions, but I’d recommend taking a look at international casinos as well because the games offered are much better.

International casinos may have their gaming license issued in one of many jurisdictions, but these are some of the more common ones:

• Malta
• Alderney
• Isle of Man
• Gibraltar
• Curacao
• Etc.

Regardless of the gaming license location, it’s a good idea to check the organization's website to see if they issued it. The footer of the casino’s site will usually have information on the gaming license.

What’s the reputation like?

Unless it’s a brand-new casino, it will likely have a reputation formed over the years. Players talk and review casinos online, so you can find out if they pay on time, have bad terms and conditions, or don’t offer good customer support.

If it’s a new casino, another way to get information is to look up the name of the company that operates it. A single company often operates multiple casinos; some may have been around longer. You can figure out how they treat players based on their opinions about their other sites.

Do they have the right games?

Depending on what kind of casino games you prefer, this can be an issue or not. Some casinos carry huge numbers of slot machines (thousands of them), while others may have a smaller collection. If you’re a blackjack player, the number of slots doesn’t matter. The same goes for other table games.

If you sign up, make sure you will have enough games to play. In the slots category, go for one of the casinos with thousands of games. The Canadian casinos licensed in non-regulated regions will offer a very small collection, which is why the international casinos we recommend are better.

Website localization for Canadian players

An online casino with an international gaming license that targets Canadian players should make an effort to offer them the right experience.

There are several things that I’d recommend you watch out for as a Canadian player:

Website localization: the casino should have a version (or two) of its website that targets Canadian players. One should be in Canadian English; ideally, it should also offer a French version for the 22% of the country’s population that speaks that language.

Payment methods: there are certain payment methods that Canadians love to use, and they should have access to them at these casinos. Interac, Instadebit, and eCheck are some of the more popular options. If you prefer another payment method, then it should be available.

Canadian Dollar being available as a currency: the currency you use when making a deposit, when playing, or when making a withdrawal should be the same one you use daily. You will avoid currency exchange fees this way, so you don’t lose out a small percentage whenever you make a transaction. You also have a better handle on how much you’re spending.

Customer support: Check the customer support options as well, particularly the ways you can get in touch (email, phone, live chat, etc.) and the hours they’re available (some may not have 24/7 support).

What do their bonuses look like?

A casino can offer a variety of bonuses. It might start with a no deposit bonus, then give you a welcome bonus for your first one or more deposits, and then move on to offers destined for existing players. In that category, you can find reload bonuses, tournaments, lotteries, cashback offers, free spins, etc.

Ideally, you want attractive bonuses that cover your preferences. If you love participating in slot tournaments or having the safety net of a cashback offer, it’s great to see that a casino relies on those types of promotions.

Terms and conditions

We’ve already discussed what to look for when analyzing the terms and conditions of a bonus. Each type of bonus can have different requirements, so I’d suggest judging them on a case-by-case basis. You might find a great no deposit bonus but a lousy welcome bonus.

Best no deposit bonuses in Canada

Now that you know what to look for in a no deposit bonus, let’s see what the offer is like for a Canadian player. We will analyze promotions offered by the casinos that have a monopoly in non-regulated regions, and compare them with what’s available at international casinos.

No deposit bonuses at Canadian casinos vs International options. A comparison.

Many of Canada’s regions are unregulated, but most allow locals to use one official casino. There is no restriction on using international casinos, though, so many prefer this option. Overall, international casinos have a lot more to offer, while local casinos tend to prove why monopolies are bad.

The local casinos are ALC, Espace Jeux (Quebec-only and in French), and PlayNow. Their game offerings are generally quite weak, with 180 to 700 games available. Their international competitors often have between 2,000 and 10,000 games, so there is a clear winner.

When it comes to the no deposit bonuses that are available, the situation is like this:

Canadian casinos:

• ALC offers $5 as part of its no deposit bonus.
• PlayNow doesn’t have a no deposit bonus.
• Espace Jeux is the most interesting one, with $10 offered and no deposit. It also doesn’t have any wagering requirements. Unfortunately, it’s for Quebec players only, and there are no additional bonuses after that.

International casinos that Zamsino recommends:

• Lucky Circus gives the player 50 no deposit spins. It follows up with a welcome bonus of $1,500m and an extra 150 free spins. Over 10,000 games are available.
• BetOnRed has $7.5 cash on registration. It can also give you a deposit bonus of 100% and up to $225, as well as 150 bonus spins.
• Bcasino gives its new players $5 for free with no deposit. An additional welcome bonus of up to $500, at 100%, plus 50 bonus spins, will be available on the first deposit.
• X7 Casino lets you play for 10 spins on your favourite slot machine. Once you get past that, the welcome bonus gives you a 150% match bonus of up to $150. It also has 20 spins for Big Bass Bonanza.
• MrFortune has $5 for free on registration. A $700 welcome bonus with 50 bonus spins at Fruit Zen is offered next.
• FatFruit offers 20 no deposit spins. It follows up with a 100% welcome bonus, of up to $1,500. the 200 free spins are an extra bonus.

According to Erik King: comparing the two sides, we find that Canadian casinos have about the same offers as international ones, if they do offer a no deposit bonus.

The difference between the two comes mostly from the long-term offer. The official Canadian casinos either have no welcome bonus or a small one.

International casinos are clear winners if you plan on using welcome bonuses, reload bonuses, cashback offers, lotteries, tournaments, and many other promotional offers.

Particularities of bonus offers in Canada

A bonus offer for a Canadian player is not going to be all that different from something available to UK or French players. However, there are still some particularities that I’d like to mention.

For starters, these bonuses use the Canadian Dollar, which makes them more appropriate for a local player.

Second, you will not be taxed on your winnings as a Canadian player. This means that you get to keep all the winnings you cash out, provided that you’re not a professional player who makes a living out of it.

There are a couple of things to note about Ontario’s rules regarding bonus offers for licensed casinos. One is that you will be able to find out the RTP of the game since casinos have to provide that information.

Another is that casinos can’t advertise in ads suggesting that they offer free bonuses to their players.

Signing up for a no deposit bonus in Canada. Step by step.

Signing up at a new casino and claiming a no deposit bonus as a Canadian player is easy enough. The steps to take are these, though they may vary a bit from one casino to another:

Step 1: Find the right casino. Our list of recommended casinos has several options with no deposit bonuses. Some offer cash, while others prefer free spins on a particular slot machine. Pick the one you like best.

Step 2: initiate the registration process. First, click on the link on our site, and take note of any bonus code you might have to use in order to claim the promotional offer. Complete the form with your details, and create your account.

Step 3: confirm your email or any other details the casino requires.

Step 4: you receive the bonus offer, as cash or free spins, and you can start using it.

Step 5: use your bonus, and if there are any winnings, try to cover the wager requirements.

Step 6: if you still have winnings left, you can cash them out. Or, you can use them to play other games with no strings attached this time.

Erik King’s tips on maximizing winnings from no deposit bonuses

Making the most of a no deposit bonus requires some strategy and knowledge of the offer’s limits. You can’t make the most of something if you don’t know what those limits are and what’s the best path to get there.

Erik King’s tips:

• Read and understand the terms and conditions. The limits I mentioned above will all be there. Find out what the wagering requirements are, what bet values you can use, and the games you’re allowed to play.
• Claim no deposit bonuses only if they have good terms and they don’t make it impossible for you to cash out. Just because it’s a free offer, it doesn’t mean it’s worth your time.
• Low volatility slots with high RTP values (Return to Player percentage) of over 96% are great when you’re trying to cover the wager requirements. You win often, even if it’s lower amounts, so you will find it easier to cover the requirements.
• I recommend you keep in mind the maximum cash-out possible with that no deposit offer. If you’re only allowed to cash out $50, you can start covering the wagering requirements once you reach that value. There is no need to play further if you can’t keep the extra winnings.

Responsible Gambling in Canada. Tips and ways to get help.

A no deposit bonus may not carry any risk to the player as long as he doesn’t make a deposit, but it’s still a way for the casino to get you to sign up. From there, it’s an easy step to start gambling with real money, so it’s something to avoid if you have problems with addiction.

Here at Zamsino, we recommend you play responsibly and do everything in your power to keep gambling from becoming an issue. There are a couple of things you can do to make sure that doesn’t happen:

• Your time spent in a casino should be limited. Decide on how much time you want to spend per day or gaming session, and stick with it. If you have to, set a timer to tell you when to stop.
• Don’t spend more than you can afford to lose. Don’t use money set aside for something else (food, bills, etc.). Pick an amount you can afford to use, and consider it entertainment (you spend it, enjoy the ride, but don’t dream of life-changing jackpots because it can lead to bigger expenses).
• There are strategies that you can use when it comes to bankroll management. You can reduce your wagering per spin/round depending on how your session progresses. If you’re on a losing streak, having the strategy tell you what to do will make it easier to limit losses.

If you ever feel like gambling has become a problem, get in touch with one of the non-profit organizations from Canada that can help out:

• Canada Safety Council
• Responsible Gambling Council, to find a gambling counsellor in your area, completely free and anonymous.
• CAMH (Centre for Addiction and Mental Health) via phone at 1 800 463-2338.
• Play Smart

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Erik King

Editor in Chief - Zamsino.com

I always loved gambling and probably always will, spending my time reviewing gambling sites to help people save time.

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Last updated 25/11/24 by Erik King