How to use a bonus code

How to use a bonus code: the short version

A bonus code (also called a promo code or voucher code) is a word or string of characters that tells the casino which offer you want. Where one is needed, the offer will say so and name the place to enter it. Type it exactly, enter it before the qualifying step, then check the bonus has appeared before you play.

The bigger question is often whether a code is needed at all. Many UK casinos now attach offers automatically or through an opt-in button, and all five of the welcome offers we follow work without a code. Our main page on casino bonus codes lists what's current, and this guide, part of our casino bonus guides, covers the mechanics.

Types of bonus code and what they do

The last two rows aren't codes at all, but they do the same job and are more common than typed codes at the casinos we track. Our comparison of bonus codes vs automatic bonuses and the page on opt-in bonuses explain the differences.

Where to enter a bonus code at a UK casino

Each casino puts the box in a slightly different place, but the offer terms will name it. The most common places are:

• The sign-up form, often as an optional "promo code" field near the end, sometimes behind a "have a code?" link.
• The cashier, in a field shown during the deposit step, usually before you confirm the amount.
• The promotions page, where a specific offer has its own entry box or claim button.
• An account rewards or vouchers section, for codes sent to existing customers.

If you can't find the box, don't deposit and hope; ask support first, because a deposit made before the code is applied may not qualify. Our guide to how to claim a casino bonus covers the full sign-up flow.

How to enter a bonus code step by step

1. Read the offer's terms and note where the code goes, the minimum deposit and any excluded payment methods.
2. Copy the code exactly as shown, watching for capitals, zeros and the letter O.
3. Enter the code at the stated point (sign-up, cashier or promotions page) before the qualifying deposit or bet.
4. Make the qualifying deposit with a method the terms allow.
5. Check your account for the bonus or spins, and screenshot the confirmation.
6. If nothing appears, contact support straight away with the code, time and deposit details.

Do UK welcome offers need a bonus code? Our five partners

No. Each of the five offers we track (last checked 5 October 2026, all 18+ and for new customers, terms apply) works without a code:

Each casino has its own page on this: Coral promo code, Ladbrokes promo code, PlayOJO promo code, Casumo promo code and 10bet promo code. If a site or post claims a code adds something extra to these offers, check it against the casino's own promotion page before relying on it.

Why a bonus code doesn't work, and what to do

When a code is rejected or a bonus doesn't appear, the cause is usually one of these:

• Typing: a missing character, an extra space or the wrong case.
• Timing: the code was entered after the deposit, or the offer has ended.
• Eligibility: the offer is for new customers only, or excludes your region (PlayOJO's welcome offer excludes Northern Ireland).
• Payment method: the deposit was made with an excluded method, such as PayPal or Skrill at Coral and Ladbrokes, or Skrill and Neteller at 10bet.
• One per person: a previous account, or a linked brand, has already used the offer.
• Account checks: verification isn't complete, or the account has a promotional restriction.

Contact support with screenshots. If the casino agrees the offer applied, it can usually credit it manually; if not, it should explain which term wasn't met. If it stalls, why a bonus might not be credited explains how to escalate.

Using a bonus code doesn't change the terms

A code is just the key to an offer; the offer's terms still apply in full. Wagering can't exceed 10 times the bonus under the Commission's rules since 19 January 2026, and the deadline, max bet, game limits and payment exclusions stay as written. A code for a £50 bonus at 10x still means £500 of stakes, which at a 4% house edge costs about £20 on average.

Under the CMA's 2018 undertakings on online gambling (opens in a new tab), significant terms must be shown up front and you must be able to withdraw your own deposited money during bonus play. Our guide to bonus terms and the glossary entry on significant terms explain what to look for.

Bonus codes for existing customers

Codes turn up more often after you've joined, by email, text or in-app message, for things like a reload bonus. Since 1 May 2025, UK casinos must let you choose which products and which channels you receive marketing for, under the Commission's direct marketing code 5.1.12 (opens in a new tab). You can turn these messages off at any time; how to stop bonus emails explains how.

Casinos must also stop marketing and new bonus offers to customers showing strong signs of gambling harm, so a code may simply not be offered to some accounts. That's a safeguard, not an error.

Bonus codes to be wary of

Some websites list codes that promise cash without a deposit or offers far larger than the casino's own pages show. Genuine no-deposit offers are rare in the UK, and none of our partners has one; our page on no deposit bonus codes explains what's real. Be cautious of:

• Codes for casinos that don't show a UK Gambling Commission licence; see how to check a casino licence.
• Anyone selling codes or asking for your login details to "apply" one.
• Codes that only work if you use someone else's details, a second account or a different location. These break the terms and can void winnings.

UK advertising rules on bonus codes

An advert or email that promotes a code must show the offer's significant conditions with it, not hide them behind a link. The ASA's guidance on promotional terms and conditions (opens in a new tab) covers this, and any spins described as free must have their condition alongside, such as "100 free spins after a £10 slots bet". If a code's advert leaves out key terms, you can report it to the ASA. Our page on significant conditions in ads sets out the rule.

Partner offers that need no bonus code

The three offers below are the closest fit for anyone looking for a code, because none needs one. Coral (18+, new players): deposit and bet £10 or more on slots for 100 spins at 10p on selected games, accept within 48 hours, valid 7 days, no wagering on spin winnings; Neteller, PayPal, Paysafe, Skrill, prepaid cards and certain debit cards don't qualify. Ladbrokes (18+, new customers): play £10 on slots for 50 spins a day for 10 days, up to 500 at 10p, claim before 23:59 daily, valid 7 days, no wagering; prepaid cards, PayPal, Paysafe, Neteller, Skrill and Moneybookers don't qualify. PlayOJO (18+, new UK customers excluding Northern Ireland): 80 spins at 10p on Big Bass Bonanza with a first deposit of £10 or more via the designated offer link, winnings paid in cash, not combinable with other offers.

Casumo (opt in, 50% up to £100, 10x within 7 days) and 10bet (choose the casino offer at sign-up, 100% up to £25, 10x on slots within 3 days) also need no code. Coral and Ladbrokes share an operator, so check the terms before opening both.

18+. Gambling should be entertainment that costs money, not a way to make it. Decide a budget before you play: set a budget. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.