What Is A No Deposit Bonus?

A no deposit bonus is a type of online casino bonus that does not require you to make any deposit to unlock it. In rare cases, it is offered to new players simply for creating an account. On certain sites that have this type of promotion, you will automatically receive the no deposit bonus when you register as a new bettor (although some casinos require that you enter a bonus code).

Some online casinos also offer no-deposit bonuses as rewards to loyal players. These are awarded through VIP or loyalty programmes, where you can earn points for time spent playing on a gambling site that has this type of programme. The rewards can take the form of bonus cash, cashbacks, free spins or other forms of offers. 

With no financial commitment required, no deposit bonuses are a win-win for New Zealand bettors. When it comes to no deposit bonuses offered to new players, not only do you get to test drive a casino for free, but you can potentially win and withdraw real money. Whether you’re a casino novice or an experienced bettor, you can take advantage of a no deposit bonus by signing up for a new NZ online casino account.

How No Deposit Bonuses Work

The fact that with a no deposit bonus you can play online pokies with real money without making a deposit first is what makes such offers popular. However, though the no deposit bonuses themselves don’t require a real money commitment, a few conditions make winning real money from the offer slightly more challenging. For starters, every no deposit bonus (except for the elusive no deposit no wagering bonus) comes with wagering requirements. This is the number of times you need to wager your bonus money before withdrawing it. 

For example, one casino might offer a no deposit NZ$10 casino credit bonus. If the bonus has a 40x wagering requirement, you must wager $400 before withdrawing any remaining bonus money as real cash.

A no deposit bonus might also come with a cashout limit, which is the maximum amount of money you can withdraw from a bonus. At New Zealand casinos, it’s common to find limits as low as $10 or $20, though others can have a limit as generous as $200. Though it’s rare, some casinos will have no maximum withdrawal limit. 

Similarly, a no deposit bonus casino might have minimum/maximum bets on its no deposit bonus. Most free spins come with a fixed bet value. Yet, a bonus credit may have a maximum wager amount that puts an upper limit on your spins (and, subsequently, on your potential winnings).

Since no deposit bonuses are the closest thing to “free” in the online casino industry, they usually have stricter rules about eligible games. No deposit bonuses are typically eligible for one particular pokie, yet you can often use no deposit bonus credits on various games. 

While this can include table games, they often contribute less towards the wagering requirements than pokies. For example, while video pokies contribute 100% to the requirements, table games may only contribute 20%. A no deposit bonus is generally an online pokies bonus, even if sometimes it doesn't include free spins.

No Deposit Bonuses for New Players

Although rare, some online casinos do offer no deposit bonuses to new players. These bonuses work in a very simple way. You get rewarded simply by registering a new account, which is why many punters refer to them as sign up bonuses. This way, the casino hopes that new players will like their site and eventually make a deposit and start making real money bets.

How I Review No Deposit Bonuses

When it comes to reviewing no deposit bonuses, I take a thorough approach. I only recommend casinos with bonuses which I think are achievable and fair. Therefore, you can find the most generous no deposit bonuses and top-quality no deposit bonus NZ casinos on this page. 

During the review process, I test and scrutinise every detail of a casino bonus. This includes wagering requirements, expiry times, game selection, maximum bets, withdrawal limits and banking restrictions. Players are usually looking for the fastest casino withdrawals, and it is my job to point them in the right direction. 

Also, I check independent player reviews and consider the casino’s reputation. By evaluating these factors, I can confidently recommend the best casino sites on this page.

How To Use No Deposit Bonus NZ Casinos

At casinos that offer a no deposit bonus on registration, all you need to do is just that, register, then claim the offer. If the no deposit bonuses are offered as part of a loyalty or VIP programme, then to trigger such a bonus is usually a matter of gathering enough points. The process in itself is not complex, but it can cost you dearly, since usually points are awarded according to time spent and bets placed at the casino. In both cases, you should check:

1. If a bonus code is needed, and where to enter it. You can find details on whether or not you need a promo code by checking the bonus T&Cs.
2. Which games you can play with the bonus. Make sure you're playing games that contribute to the wagering requirements.
3. Once you've fulfilled the wagering requirements, you can withdraw your winnings.

How Bonus Codes Work

While most no deposit bonuses will reach your account automatically, some offers require a bonus code to activate them. Simply put, bonus codes are a unique string of letters and/or numbers you can enter to claim a bonus. 

The casino will recognise the code you are entering and apply the bonus to your account. If your promotion requires a bonus code, you must enter it before registering your account. Otherwise, you might not be able to claim it.

Types Of No Deposit Bonus

There are several types of no deposit bonuses that you can claim from our highlighted online casinos. Each bonus comes with unique advantages and disadvantages. Yet, the two types of no deposit bonuses most commonly offered to new players are bonus credits and free spins.

No Deposit Bonus Credits

No deposit bonus credits give you free stakes to wager in the casino. One particular advantage of bonus credits is that, unlike free spins, you are usually free to spend this money on games other than pokies. Roulette casino rollers, blackjack bettors and poker pros alike will be able to buy in using no deposit bonus credits.

Another difference between credits and free spins is that you can increase or decrease your wager amount when betting with bonus credits. However, no deposit no wagering bonus credits are much rarer than their free spins counterpart, so you should expect to find wagering requirements attached. 

While the requirements for no deposit bonus credits can often be quite steep, you can turn them over quickly enough by betting the maximum stake.

No Deposit Free Spins

As the name suggests, no deposit free spins give you free stakes on online pokies to wager with. The golden tickets of the casino world, you can use your free spins without needing to make a deposit. 

Slot Planet Casino is a good example, as it currently offers 22 Free Spins on Dead or Alive just for registering!

Most no deposit free spins tend to come with a wagering requirement attached. Yet, the number of times you need to wager your winnings will depend on the casino you choose. The casino will usually restrict the variety of games you can spend free spins on, but each spin will typically count 100% towards completing the wagering requirements.

On the other hand, many New Zealand online casinos will offer no deposit no wagering free spins. This type of bonus is not only deposit-free, but you don’t need to play through your wins to withdraw them. No deposit no wagering free spins are like gold dust at New Zealand casinos, but sites like Betway, PokerStars and Sky Vegas offer this type of bonus to NZ players.

Though it may seem too good to be true, you can win real money with a no deposit bonus. However, you must jump through several hoops before withdrawing your winnings as real money. 

Of course, you must fulfil the bonus wagering requirements within the given timeframe. If you don't turn your funds over before the bonus expires, you will lose your winnings. Depending on the casino you choose, the wagering requirements will typically range from 1x to 70x.

You can bet the maximum stake when spending your bonus credits to give yourself the best chance of completing the requirements. Unfortunately, this strategy doesn’t apply to no deposit free spins since they have a predetermined value. 

However, if the casino gives you some flexibility over which games you can wager on, you should choose a game with an “Autospin” feature. This will bet your free spins as quickly as possible.

Most no deposit bonuses also have a maximum withdrawal amount. Imagine you have used up your no deposit bonus, completed the wagering requirements, and found yourself with $100 remaining in your account. 

You go to withdraw your winnings, only to find that there is a maximum withdrawal of $10. Not fun, right? To avoid this disappointment, make sure you choose a casino with a reasonable maximum withdrawal limit and check your site’s T&Cs.

Always check if the bonus funds are eligible regardless of which deposit method you select when you're about to make your first deposit. You might prefer Neteller casinos, or perhaps you are looking for the top online casinos that accept maestro, but if such a deposit will render you ineligible to receive a bonus, you might want to consider other options.

Best No Deposit Bonus Casino Games

Wagering your no deposit bonus on pokie games is the quickest way to meet the wagering requirements. Whether or not the casino lets you spend your bonus on table games, pokies will typically always contribute to 100% of the wagering requirements. And the best online pokies sites will give you bonuses on the more popular and exciting games. 

Specific pokies sites may have a lower wagering contribution than some casino sites, so be sure to consult the T&Cs before you start spinning the reels of your chosen game.

High RTP pokies are your best bet at scoring a win with your bonus free spins. Some of the highest RTP pokies include:

• NetEnt’s Mega Joker - 99%
• Bloodsuckers - 98%
• Relax Gaming’s Book of 99 - 99%
• Marching Legions - 98.12%
• The Catfather - 98.10% 
• Jokerizer - 98%.

Other games you can play to maximise your no deposit bonus are pokies with free spins rounds. These bonus rounds are an opportunity to boost your bankroll while saving up your no deposit spins. You can find free spins bonus rounds in games like Play’n GO’s Rich Wilde and the Book of Dead, Quickspin’s Artemis vs Medusa, and NetEnt’s Gonzo’s Quest.

On the other hand, using your no deposit bonus credits on table games can have many advantages. Depending on the games you choose, there is less reliance on chance and more opportunity to control the outcome. 

It is also an excellent way to change the rhythm of playing on pokies. Blackjack gives you the best chance of winning since the house edge is usually less than 1%. Alternatively, craps and roulette both offer 50-50 odds.

One disadvantage is that many casinos will limit how much table games contribute to the wagering requirements. Make sure to check the T&Cs for game weightings before you start spending your credits.

This wagering calculator is always handy when we want to claim a no deposit bonus, and you can also use it. Whenever you want to check if the bonus deal is worth it, click on the image to open it up in a new window, enter your bonus details, and click 'calculate' to see your results. 

How I Find No Deposit Bonuses at New Zealand Online Casinos

Finding no deposit bonuses in NZ is no easy task, especially since this kind of offers are updated all the time. I regularly review online casinos that target New Zealand players, and here's my technique:

• I mark each online casino site on its reputation, trustworthiness, casino game quality. 
• I pay close attention to game variety, customer service, security, user experience, payment options, and withdrawal speeds. 
• I assess whether it has the best mobile casino or its mobile offer is mediocre, but also pay a great deal of attention to bonuses.

This ensures that you are constantly presented with up-to-date information about the best online casinos in New Zealand.  

"Free spins with no deposit no wagering requirements" bonuses are ideal, and I will always shine a light on them when they appear. For example, if I see a 30 free spins with no deposit required, keep what you win promotion, I'll certainly be excited to share it with you!

I will also highlight 10 free spins with no deposit promotions, 50 free spins with no deposit offers and so on, even if there are wagering requirements attached. And don't worry, I won't recommend an offer if the play-through conditions are too high.

No Deposit And No Wagering 

Finding no wagering casino bonuses in NZ is rare for online casino players. It's the most desirable bonus offer, because it gives you the chance to win real money by playing online pokies, without having to risk any of your hard-earned cash funds. You can then instantly withdraw any winnings without having to fulfil onerous play through requirements.

Pokie enthusiasts will be delighted to see that wagering requirements tend to be kinder towards pokie games than towards live casino for example.

Players regularly search for no deposit bonuses with no wagering requirements, but these offers are few and far between. Some casinos do promote offers of this nature from time to time, so it's important to seize upon them when they appear. 

Always check the terms and conditions to see if bonus wagering requirements are attached to a no deposit bonus.

In general, various terms and conditions will be imposed upon any winnings you earn from a no deposit session. The most important condition to look out for is the wagering requirement, which could be 20x, 40x or even 100x. If there is a 20x wagering requirement attached to a free spins session and you win $20, you will have to roll that $20 over 20 times before you can think about making a withdrawal. 

That means you have to place $400 worth of bets before fulfilling the wagering requirements. There is generally a time limit too, so you'll have a week or a fortnight to meet the requirements.

Some rollover requirements seem harsh, but they protect the online casinos from bonus abuse. It also gives them time to sell themselves to you, as they hope to encourage you to become a long-term customer. You might find that an online casino gives you added incentives and bonuses after a free spins session ends.

It's also possible to make a fortune without depositing any of your own money. Let’s say you win $20 on a free spins session, and you still have $30 bonus cash left in your account balance after completing the wagering requirements. In that case, you could withdraw it, or you could continue playing.

Tips and Tricks for No Deposit Online Casinos

I have provided you with the top tips and tricks for claiming and redeeming a no deposit bonus. While it may be challenging to secure a big win from a small offer, I have compiled a list of strategies you can implement to maximise your chances. 

• Choose pokies with high RTP. Pokie games with a higher RTP will, on average, pay out more often than low RTP pokies. When you have a limited number of free spins or credits, it’s vital to get as many wins as possible in a short time.
• Choose the right volatility. While the payout potential of high volatility pokies can be attractive, low volatility pokies will give you smaller, more frequent wins that boost your bankroll that little bit further. However, since wins occur randomly, there is no way of guaranteeing a victory. Whether you should opt for high or low volatility pokies will depend on your risk appetite.
• Check the win limit of your bonus. You don’t want to go through the emotional rollercoaster of winning a big jackpot only to find your no deposit bonus comes with a $20 cash-out limit. Always check the T&Cs of a no deposit bonus to see how much you can withdraw.
• Wager more than the minimum. Wagering the minimum stake might make your bonus credit go further, but completing the wagering requirements will take much longer. You should opt for an average or higher bet if given the option. This way, you will either lose fast and move on or max out your win and claim a bigger prize.
• Bet across all paylines. Like wagering a lower amount, betting across just one or two paylines might seem like a good way to extend your session. However, doing so may result in missing a winning payline and losing out on a jackpot prize.
• Claim multiple no deposit bonuses. One way to maximise your chances of winning is by claiming numerous promotions simultaneously. Just be aware that most casinos don’t allow you to open more than one account, which often applies to all casinos owned by one operator. As long as you use separate casinos to claim your bonuses, you will be good to go.

Starburst 

Starburst is one of the most popular online pokie games of all time. It's a vibrant, immersive pokie from NetEnt, replete with five reels and 10 paylines, and it has recently been updated with gorgeous 3D graphics. Starburst offers an RTP (return to player) ratio of 96.09%, its medium volatility, and there are some interesting in-game features, like wilds and the both-way win option.

Most no deposit casino bonuses in New Zealand are limited to just one pokie or a handful of pokies, and Starburst is the most common game you'll see on these promotions. It appeals to a wide variety of players. Starburst is a great introduction for beginners to the wonderful world of pokies, but there is also much for veteran players to enjoy.

It is, therefore, easy to see why Starburst features so prominently in no deposit no wager offers, free spins, mobile casino promotions and so on. If you see a Starburst no deposit offer, you should take advantage of it.

Top Rated Pokies with No Deposit Bonuses

You'll generally be limited in the number of pokies you can play when you trigger a no deposit casino offer in New Zealand. Alongside Starburst, you'll often find these games featured in no deposit no wager offers and free spins on registration no deposit bonuses:

• Gonzo’s Quest: A staple for no deposit casino offers. Gonzo’s Quest benefits from superb graphics and gamification, with plenty of exciting multipliers on offer.
• Cleopatra: This a five-reel, 20-line video pokie from industry titan IGT which follows an Ancient Egypt theme and comes with some intriguing symbols.
• Jack and the Beanstalk: NetEnt released this highly rated pokie in 2011 and it has captured a place in the hearts of many players since then. It regularly features in no deposit mobile casino offers, because it looks great on mobile devices.
• Super Fruit: This classic fruit machine comes with an action-packed bonus feature and represents a great entry-level pokie for newcomers.
• Finn and the Swirly Spin: A unique pokie played on a 5x5 grid with cluster pays. This game follows an Irish theme, boasts an RTP of 96.62% and has a low to medium volatility level.
• Aloha! Cluster Pays: A popular six-reel, low volatility pokie from NetEnt, which allows you to win up to 10,000 times your stake.
• Twin Spin: An old school fruit machine with a few innovative twists, slick graphics, medium to high volatility and maximum wins of 1,080 times your stake on each spin.
• Age of the Gods: This popular five-reel, 20-payline pokie, which can offer progressive jackpots, is sometimes featured in no deposit promotions.
• Vikings go to Hell: A five-reel, 25-payline pokie from Yggdrasil Gaming, with two sticky wilds and a 3x multiplier along with more free spins and random wilds. This is an exciting option for anyone triggering a no deposit casino bonus.
• Book of Dead: This five-reel, 10-payline pokie is set in Ancient Egypt and has an RTP of 96.21%, with a maximum win of 5,000 times your stake.
• Reel Rush: A fun NetEnt pokie with retro design cues, which makes it look akin to a title you might find on a Nintendo Game Boy. There is a 96.96% RTP and some exciting wilds.

Many of the pokies featured in free spins on registration no deposit offers are from the NetEnt stable, as it produces many of the world’s leading online pokies.