Casino Bonuses in Australia
Aussie online casinos are big on bonuses. We have yet to encounter a casino without one but this doesn’t mean you should jump on any offer you find on the internet. If you are keen to play online pokies or some other casino game, you can double the fun and the prizes by enjoying bonuses offered by safe and licensed casinos our team has verified and approved. Since most players benchmark gambling sites using bonuses as a primary factor, operators come up with unique deals. This guide is designed to help you understand how online casino bonuses work, and the T&Cs you should watch out for, while also highlighting the bonus codes we consider the best for Aussie players.
🏆 Exclusive Casino Bonuses for September 2024
The following are the best online casino bonuses in Australia. Our team has reviewed thousands of offers and selected the best deals among safe and licensed Aussie casino sites. The list outlines their welcome deals – what you get when you first join and deposit real money. Existing players will also find at least a couple weekly bonuses and loyalty rewards, getting more bang for their bucks every single day.
Read below for a quick review of some popular casino bonuses Down Under. Or skip them if you simply want to learn how bonuses work at casinos from our guide.
Ozwin Casino Bonus Code: 25JOURNEY
New players who join Ozwin through our page and redeem the code 25JOURNEY qualify for a A$25 no deposit bonus. You can win up to A$180 after completing the 60x wagering requirement. Players who continue with a first and second deposit will receive 400% up to A$4,000 and 100 free spins! Use the funds to play over 250 RTG pokies at Ozwin!
Wazamba Casino Bonus
Join Wazamba using our exclusive links and download their app to get A$10 no deposit. Make three deposits to receive 110% up to A$2200 + 200 free spins! Wazamba is home to over 10,000 pokies and casino games, while also catering to live casino and sportsbook players. Loyal customers qualify for VIP benefits and weekly reload bonuses.
FairGo Casino Bonus Code: 100ENJOY
Try the best RealTime Gaming slots with 100 free spins at FairGo Casino by signing up through our links and entering the code 100ENJOY. First depositors can then choose between a range of welcome bonuses at FairGo. A 100% match bonus up to A$200 on your first five deposits or a 300% one-off bonus up to A$1000 with the code 300-WELCOME.
21bit Casino Bonus
The 21bit welcome bonus provides two routes, one for low rollers and another for high rollers. For five deposits of A$30+, you will receive 100% up to A$750 + 250 free spins, and for five deposits of A$200+, you can grab a 75 – 150% match bonuses up to A$2550 + 250 free spins. The 21bit promo lobby includes reload bonuses, weekly free spins, tournaments, and a range of other loyalty programs. You can secure the extra funds to play over 3000 pokies, live dealer games, or crypto casino games and cash out AUD or BTC.
Playfina Casino Bonus
Playfina is a Dama N.V. online casino awarding Aussie players with a 3-step welcome package and a mystery fourth deposit bonus. You can redeem 100% up to A$1500 and 200 free spins by depositing A$30+ three times. A Wednesday free spins bonus and a weekend reload bonus come next at Playfina. The VIP rewards are nothing short of impressive; you even get no deposit bonuses on your birthday!
Only join reputable casinos
Before you join a new casino, it is paramount that you review certain areas. Namely, license, owner, security, reputation among players, banking methods, customer support, and gaming partnerships. Local iGaming authorities ensure every casino they license excels in this regard before extending their seal of approval. The lack of an iGaming authority in Australia puts this burden on the player.
To alleviate the pressure, our team has been reviewing online casinos and lending our expertise to our readers. All the aforementioned areas are carefully assessed, and our reviews indicate how well each casino performs. An online casino must tick all boxes to get our approval. From there, we promote operators that go above and beyond to please players. Casino bonuses are how most of them try to stand out, and we read the fine print on your behalf and let you know whether you should join a site or not.
Read the T&Cs to the T
Even the best online casinos have T&Cs to limit the actions a player can take when using their bonuses. The most crucial among them include the wagering requirement, minimum deposit, max win cap, and whether they are cashable.
The first thing you will notice is the number of free spins (usually ranging between 25 and 100 spins), match bonus rate, and bonus cap of an offer. If you like what you are seeing, check how high the WR is (aim for 40x or lower), whether you can satisfy the minimum deposit to trigger the bonus (usually A$30), and if the bonus match rate and amount are suitable. Only then opt in for a specific casino bonus over another.
Failing to do so could lock your real money deposit for life due to a high D + B playthrough or limit the amount of cash you can withdraw indifferently to how much you win. Dodgy online casinos always hope that players slip so they can confiscate any winnings. Stick with casino bonuses we have upvoted to be on the safe side.
Search for bonuses catering to your gameplay
No matter how good a bonus is, it’s not of much help if you cannot use it to play your favourite games. Online casino bonuses usually apply on pokies, and these games often contribute 100% of your bets towards the playthrough amount. Virtual table games, scratchcards, keno, bingo, and specialty games are also usually permitted. Nonetheless, their contribution to the playthrough can be as low as 10%.
To be able to play live casino games, jackpot pokies, or exclusively table games, we recommend consulting our reviews and only claiming bonuses catered for these niches. They are not as common, but they exist.
Be realistic
High rollers who deposit A$500 or more and claim bonuses as high as A$5000 should always consider the following aspects:
- How much is the total playthrough? Calculate it using the WR multiplier and bonus amount, i.e., 30x on a A$1000 bonus means you must wager A$30,000 before being able to withdraw any funds.
- How much time do you have? Clearing hefty playthroughs is possible but only when the casino allows you to meet the wagering requirement within over 7+ days. If you’ve got 24 hours, chances are you are losing it.
- How much can you bet? The best casino bonuses let you wager A$5 or more per spin, making it easy to complete the wagering requirements in time. Anything lower than this should be avoided if you are a high roller.
- How much can you win? There is no point claiming a casino bonus up to A$5000 when the casino doesn’t let you withdraw over A$10,000 when using bonus funds. Skip such offers or claim smaller amounts.
Review all bonuses on offer
Online casinos exclusively catering to new players are not our cup of tea. The best Aussie gambling sites provide a welcome bonus or package, reload bonuses during weekends or select days, free spins every week, monthly cashback, daily tournaments, and VIP rewards. Pretty much any deposit you make unlocks some casino bonus.
Except for players who regularly switch between online casinos to get the latest casino welcome offers, everyone else should commit time and money to brands valuing player acquisition and retention. If you have been playing for over a month at a casino and haven’t yet received any loyalty bonus, pick another brand from this page.
Online Casino Bonuses You Will Encounter in Australia (New and Existing Players)
In general, online casinos offer bonuses to attract and satisfy players. Some are aimed at new players and others at existing users. Both can significantly increase your winning odds.
New users typically qualify for a no deposit bonus and a welcome bonus requiring a minimum deposit. Existing users can instead receive reload bonuses, loyalty rewards, cashback, free spins, and tournament prizes.
As a rule of thumb, casino bonuses that seem too good to be true usually are. The value of a bonus can only be determined after you read the fine print. Below I explain the main bonuses you will encounter at online casinos.
Welcome Bonus
The welcome bonus is the most lucrative and advertised casino bonus. Brands usually match your deposit at a 100% rate, on your first or more deposits. How much bonus money you receive will depend on the amount you deposited, the match rate, and the bonus cap. For example:
- Casino offer – 120% bonus up to A$200
- Player deposits A$50
- Reward – A$60
- Total balance – A$110 for A$50
Some online casino bonuses also include free spins in the mix. You can use FS to play the pokies the casino bonus designates. These are fixed in value, usually at the minimum accepted bet.
Free spins winnings and deposit bonuses are always subject to wagering requirements. Some welcome bonuses even lock your deposit with WR, so be careful. 200%, 300%, or even 500% match bonuses are provided to new players but in rarer occasions or by less trustworthy brands.
No Deposit Bonus
Despite the allure of all online casino bonuses, no deposit offers take it up a notch. A no deposit bonus is usually available for new players joining an online casino and hands out free cash or free spins without requiring a minimum deposit.
No deposit free chips and no deposit free spins are both great for testing new casinos without using up your casino bankroll. Such offers provide you with insights into the platform, games, user experience, and, if you manage to win, withdrawal experience.
Don’t expect too hefty offers, the best we’ve got right now under this category are the FairGo and Ozwin no deposit deals. Certain Inclave online casinos hand out massive no deposit bonuses (A$50, A$75, A$100, A$200) but don’t pay out even if you meet all their requirements. So be mindful when you encounter too large NDB offers.
The rules that typically only apply to Aussie no deposit casino bonuses are the A$100 – A$200 max win cap and first deposit requirement. Before you are eligible to cash out your no deposit winnings, the casino will likely ask you to make a real money minimum deposit to verify your payment details.
Free Spins
Free spins look better than what they offer. A free spins bonus might be a standalone offer or part of a welcome or reload match bonus. It awards several spins (usually 10 – 500) on a single game or selected pokies.
Players do not get to choose the games to use their free spins. There is no option to increase the free spin value either. In 99% of the cases, every spin will be set at the minimum slot bet, A$0.10, A$0.20, or A$0.25 per spin, depending on the game. So, if you have the option to choose between A$10 no deposit, and 50 free spins for a game with A$0.10 min bet (A$5), go for the free chip.
Although free spins bonuses have the same terms and conditions as standard casino bonuses, the wagering requirement application varies. So, to determine how much you must playthrough you can multiply your free spin winnings by the set wagering requirement. Ideally, you want to land big wins after you’ve used up all your free spins.
One thing to remember regarding free spins is their different application as part of a slot machine. When you get certain combos, pokies often award in-game free spins with extra features or multipliers. These are different from a free spins casino bonus, which gives you free rolls to the standard play – with the potential to trigger the in-game FS bonus round.
Cashback
Cashback is usually provided to existing players. Online casinos often tie them to their VIP schemes and players who have made deposits and lost over a specified amount within a set period get a percentage back as a bonus.
Online casinos typically award cashback based on weekly or monthly losses. The minimum loss amount is usually set at A$50, the cashback rate ranges from 5 – 20% depending on loyalty level, and the max bonus cap can be anywhere from A$100 to A$1000.
Although these offers provide lower value compared to casino match bonuses, they are awarded even when you have claimed other bonuses. In essence, you don’t even have to make extra deposits to qualify, they will either be credited automatically or when you contact the casino support team. Of course, to get cashback you must first meet all criteria, including losing over a certain amount of your total deposits, which isn’t ideal.
Another great aspect of cashback bonuses is that the funds are either credited as real money or with very low wagering requirements.
High Roller Bonus
High roller bonuses might be reserved for new players who choose to make a significant first deposit, like in the case of 21bit Casino. Instead of A$30, players need to deposit at least A$200 to qualify. High roller bonuses aren’t necessarily better in terms of match rate. They offer, however, higher bonus caps.
A high roller bonus can also be offered weekly to existing users or VIP players of higher tiers. They typically range between 75 – 100% up to A$2000 or more. Elsewhere, they don’t differ from the average match bonus.
Referral Bonus
Referral bonuses are not so common Down Under. If you see a casino offering it, make sure to utilize it to the fullest. How referral casino bonuses work is you generate a link via your account and share it with one or more friends. When they register at the same casino through your link and make a qualifying deposit, you will get bonus cash correlated with their deposit size or as a fixed amount.
Referrers have much to gain from such offers and referees have nothing to lose, making such casino bonuses one of the best for all player types.
Loyalty Programs/Comp Points
The terms VIP, loyalty program, and comp points go hand in hand at Australian online casinos. A VIP program outlines the milestones and levels you can conquer, along with the rewards and perks available at each new level. Common benefits include higher withdrawal limits, personalized weekly promos, faster payouts, higher wagering limits, birthday bonuses, personal account manager, level-up rewards, and top-notch prizes (premium cars, watches, holiday trips, etc.) for reaching the highest milestone. VIP players might also get access to exclusive content, such as VIP tournaments and high roller tables.
The loyalty program describes the wagering requirements to reach new levels and how you can utilize the points you acquire through betting, outside of progressing to new ranks. Comp points is how most casinos brand the points you acquire for your real money bets. Some operators allow you to exchange CPs for real money, while others let you exchange these points through a dedicated shop for free spins, match bonuses, no deposit deals, or other virtual perks.
Tournaments/Contests
Online casinos host local and network tournaments players can participate in by simply placing qualifying bets on the advertised games. The rewards are spread out to several participants, usually up to the top 100 contestants. The top three spots get the best tournament casino bonuses, including hefty cash prizes and free spins.
Most tournaments include 5 – 20 pokies, and you get points for simply wagering money there. A few contests are won when a player achieves a certain milestone, i.e., landing a 250x win multiplier. Casino tournaments are free to enter, you just need to play the listed games, so always check what’s available before you make your gaming selection.
Sports Betting Bonuses
Several Aussie online casinos, including Rabona, Sportaza, and Royal Reels, have a sportsbook lobby. And unlike Aussie-licensed betting sites, such operators offer a top-notch promotional program for sports bettors.
Welcome bonuses usually include match bonuses, while weekly offers can range from free bets and odds boosts to accumulator jackpots and insurance bonuses. Betting on sports in Australia was never easier, and you can combine casino and sports betting promos on several brands we’ve listed on this page.
Seasonal Promos
The last category I will be covering here is seasonal promos. Online casinos usually release new promotional content during Halloween, Christmas, Easter, and Summer to keep their player base busy. Free spins, match bonuses, and no deposit deals on big holidays are the typical rewards.
Still, a few inventive brands might release promotional calendars with progressive rewards for back-to-back deposits during a specific period. Others introduce lucky wheels and daily gifts to get you to sign up for the freebies daily. Keeping an eye on such offers is a smart move since you usually get more bang for your buck or by simply performing an action.
Why Do Online Casinos Give Bonuses?
Playing free online pokies and casino games in fun mode can be entertaining. However, casino bonuses provide a somewhat similar experience with the added opportunity of winning real money. As a player who can recognize legit from fishy bonuses, you have so much to gain and nothing to lose.
On the other hand, it makes sense to wonder why online casinos hand out free money and free spins to players. It’s simple, really. In every niche, over 1000 online casinos compete for players. Each brand is guaranteed to make a profit in the long run since all casino games come with a built-in house edge. Casino bonuses might grant players the upper hand in the short run, but the online casino will always turn profit eventually.
So, if an online casino has the capital and @@ to throw massive bonus amounts on the table, chances are it will get the highest number of players (if it is trustworthy and legit, too). Using the T&Cs as a shield against having to pay millions in progressive jackpots, it will eventually make back the money it gave for free to lure in unsuspected players.
As a user, you have nothing to lose if you use our tips and only claim casino bonuses with fair terms and conditions. Casino promos can give you the upper hand in the short term and you can use this knowledge to your advantage. If you always play with casino bonuses, chances are you will end up a winner.
Note: An important note to be made is to not let casino bonuses determine where you play. Consider the same criteria we do when rating online casinos, such as license, games, UI, mobile experience, banking, and support to ensure you get a well-rounded and rewarding experience instead of just massive bonuses.
Online Casino Bonus Trends in the Australian Casino Market
After reviewing and playing at 100+ online casinos in Australia, we have noticed a few bonus trends you might be interested in. They include:
- New online casinos and brands with small gaming lobbies usually offer no deposit bonuses. Both of these trends make sense – new brands have to go over the board to motivate existing players of other casinos to try out their services; while online casinos powered by a single vendor have lower overhead and can throw away some money to stand out.
- Large and popular online casinos usually welcome new players with a 100% match bonus up to A$500 – A$1000 and 50 free spins. Similar but less rewarding bonuses are provided on the subsequent 2 or 4 deposits.
- Medium-sized online casinos often take their 100% match bonuses a notch higher, capping their rewards at A$5000 or even A$10,000.
- The most common bonus terms in the Aussie gaming industry are a 45x bonus wagering requirement, A$7.5 max bet spin, seven days to playthrough bonus, pokies qualify for rollover, and you must deposit at least A$30 to qualify. On the other hand, free spins are awarded in batches of 50 and expire within 24 hours. No deposit bonus winnings are usually capped at A$100.
- VIP programs usually include 10 ranks, mainly offering improved betting and withdrawal limits.
- 100 CPs are typically exchanged for A$1.
- Referral bonuses, birthday bonuses, and personalized promos are rare Down Under.
- Online casinos offering over A$30 or 100 spins no deposit are not trustworthy.
- Pragmatic Play, Playson, and Booongo networked tournaments run on most Aussie online casinos.
- International gaming sites operating in 50+ jurisdictions usually offer higher bonus caps Down Under. This is the case due to the AUD value and how competitive the market is.
- Crypto bonuses are larger than fiat bonuses at the same online casinos.
- Reload match bonuses of 50% are usually available during the weekends, free spins are provided on Wednesdays, while cashback can be claimed every Monday.
100% up to $300
+ 100 FREE spins Wild Walker Slot
* Min Deposit AU$25
750% Bonus
Welcome Package
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Responsible Gambling
Online casino bonuses can be a gambler’s best friend or worst enemy. Aussie online casinos provide players with hefty bonuses and a range of responsible gambling tools. The one works best in conjunction with the other.
Claiming a bonus is a great way to have fun for longer and even increases your chances of winning real money. On the other hand, depositing more often or higher amounts to claim bonuses is a recipe for gambling addiction. Make sure to always gamble with money you can afford to lose, disable promotional material communications if you cannot resist the temptation, and set up account and spending limits to always play at online casinos within your means.
- About the Author
- Affiliate Disclosure
Michael has reviewed and verified all information on this page. Having worked in the iGaming industry for over 8 years, he is the most capable person to help you navigate online casinos, pokies, and the Australian gambling landscape.