Reload bonus: the bonus that keeps coming back
A reload bonus is a bonus on a repeat deposit — a weekend offer or a particular weekday, for example. Its terms often resemble the welcome bonus, but the percentage and cap are usually smaller.
The actual figures — percentages, wagering, deadlines and maximum stake — are set by the operator and shown in the offer terms.
How it differs from a welcome bonus
A welcome bonus happens once; a reload repeats. That means wagering can become a permanent part of your play. If you are clearing wagering every week, you are almost never playing with “free” money.
Your playing rhythm
Frequent bonuses build a habit of playing on particular days. That is not bad in itself, but check that play follows your plan rather than the promotions calendar. If you notice yourself depositing only because there is an offer, consider declining.
A worked example
An offer of 50% up to 100 with × 25 wagering on the bonus: a deposit of 100 gives a 50 bonus and requires 1,250 in stakes. On a game with a 96% RTP the theoretical house edge on those stakes is about 50. In this example the bonus is worth close to nothing. The example is an illustration, not the operator's terms.
How the offer behaves across game types
| Game type | What usually happens |
|---|---|
| Low-volatility slots | wagering progresses steadily |
| High-volatility slots | the bonus may run out before wagering is done |
| Crash games | often excluded |
| Live and table games | counted partly or not at all |
The table describes typical logic; percentages and exclusions are set by the offer terms.
Comparing two reloads
If the operator offers two reload options — a higher percentage with heavier wagering or a lower one with lighter wagering — compare the stakes required, not the bonus amount. Multiply them by the house edge of your game: the option whose result is below the bonus is the one worth considering.
Reloads and VIP levels
At higher loyalty levels reload offers may be more frequent or on different terms. That increases the temptation to deposit regularly. If it happens, check whether the offers have become a reason to play rather than an add-on to play you had planned.
When not to take it
If you plan to withdraw your deposit soon, play live tables, or the bonus caps the stake more than you want, playing without a bonus may be the better choice.