Casino Reload Bonus Explained
A reload bonus is a deposit bonus for players who already have an account. Once you have used the welcome offer, it is the most common way a casino rewards you for depositing again.
Reloads are smaller than welcome bonuses, but they come back regularly, often every week. Used well, they add steady extra value to deposits you were going to make anyway. This page explains how they work, the main types and what to check before you opt in.
How a Reload Bonus Works
A reload bonus works like a welcome match, just on a later deposit. The casino adds a percentage of your deposit as bonus money, up to a set maximum.
With a 50% reload up to $250:
- Deposit $100 and you get $50 bonus, so you play with $150.
- Deposit $500 and you get $250, the maximum.
- Deposit $600 and you still get $250.
Reloads are usually tied to a schedule: a certain day of the week, the weekend, or every Nth deposit. Many need an opt-in or a code in the cashier, and some are only for players who have made a deposit in the past week. As with any bonus, the money stays locked until you complete the wagering.
Common Types of Reload Bonuses
Weekly reload. A fixed match on one day of the week, for example 50% every Monday. Easy to plan around if you play regularly.
Weekend reload. One of the most common offers, often a match plus free spins from Friday to Sunday. Spins usually come in a batch of 20 to 100 on a featured slot. More spin offers like this are on our deposit free spins page.
Every Nth deposit. Some casinos give a bonus on every third or fifth deposit, for example 150% up to $250 plus spins. You get it automatically as long as you keep depositing.
Reload free spins. Spins without a match, for a minimum deposit such as $20. Simple and often with lower wagering than a cash bonus.
VIP reloads. Higher percentages or limits for players on higher loyalty levels. These are often personal offers sent by email or by an account manager.
Reload Bonus vs Welcome Bonus
| Welcome bonus | Reload bonus | |
|---|---|---|
| Who gets it | New players | Existing players |
| How often | Once | Weekly or regularly |
| Typical match | 100%–200% | 25%–75% |
| Typical maximum | $200–$1,000 per step | $100–$300 |
| Wagering | 30x–40x | 30x–45x |
| Deadline | 7–30 days | Often 3–7 days |
A welcome bonus gives more in one go, but reloads add up. Four weekly reloads of $50 each give the same $200 as a single welcome match, spread over a month. If you prefer a safety net over a bigger balance, weekly cashback is the other regular offer worth comparing.
Terms to Check and When a Reload Is Worth It
Reload terms are similar to welcome bonus terms, but a few points deserve extra attention:
- Short deadlines. Weekend reloads often expire on Sunday night or within 3 days. Make sure you have time to play through the wagering.
- Wagering. Up to 45x is still acceptable for a reload. Above 50x, the bonus is mostly extra playing time. See how to work out wagering.
- Opt-in or code. Many reloads are not added automatically. Check the promotions page or the cashier before you deposit.
- Active bonus rule. You usually cannot claim a reload while another bonus is still running.
The rest of the rules are covered in our bonus terms guide.
When to take a reload: when you were going to deposit anyway, the wagering is 45x or lower, and you have enough time to complete it. When to skip it: when you want to withdraw soon, or when you plan to play live casino games that do not count towards wagering.
Reload Bonus FAQ
- How often can I get a reload bonus?It depends on the casino. Most offer at least one reload a week, and some have a different offer every day. Each one can usually be claimed once per period.
- Do reload bonuses need a code?Some do. The code is shown on the promotions page or sent by email, and you enter it in the cashier before depositing. Read more about how casino bonus codes work.
- Are reload bonuses better than a welcome bonus?Not on their own, as they are smaller. But over a few months, regular reloads can add up to more than the welcome offer.
- Can I decline a reload bonus?Yes. If you do not opt in or enter the code, you simply deposit without a bonus and can withdraw your winnings freely.
- Where can I find other offers for existing players?Cashback, free spins promotions and loyalty programmes are the main ones. Our overview of all casino bonus types explains each of them.
I've been working in online gambling content for about five years. I started out as a writer, picked up SEO along the way, and now build and run my own affiliate sites from the ground up. When I'm not checking bonus terms, I'll happily spin a slot myself or put a bet on the biggest sports events. I've reviewed hundreds of free spins offers and welcome bonuses, so I know exactly which terms are worth reading twice.