Bonuses are one of the most debated, yet defining, elements of online gaming. They can attract, engage, or retain players, but only if they are structured and communicated responsibly. In this new series of expert articles on bonuses, the Atlaslive team explores how incentives influence the iGaming economy. Across several articles, the brand will analyze:
- The main types of bonuses used in casinos and sports betting sites.
- The compliance landscape allows us to discover how operators can advertise and grant it.
- Os riscos do abuso de bônus e como minimizá-los,
- And how each bonus fits into the player’s journey.
The series will be relevant to both iGaming professionals and anyone exploring the business side of regulated online gaming.
Observation: The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only. It does not constitute an offer, endorsement, or guarantee on the part of Atlaslive. References to specific types of bonuses or promotions are included for illustrative purposes only and do not imply that Atlaslive or its partners offer all of the bonuses mentioned.
Types of casino bonuses
- Refund / Loss Reimbursement — A percentage of the player’s losses returned during a defined period (daily, weekly, monthly). Usually credited as a bonus or, in some jurisdictions, as real money.
- Free Spins / Cash Prizes — Extra spins or random cash prizes linked to slot games. Some formats have no wagering requirements, allowing direct withdrawal of winnings.
- Loyalty and VIP Programs — Point-based systems that reward consistent activity. Higher-level members may receive exclusive rewards or personalized account management.
- No deposit bonus— A small reward for new users who register without depositing funds. It usually comes with stricter betting and withdrawal limits.
- Reload or recurring bonuses — Deposit-based rewards for repeat players (e.g., “50% reload bonus on weekends”). Designed for customer loyalty, not for acquiring new customers.
- Tournaments and Rankings — Competitive challenges that reward players for their best performance or for achieving their goals.
- No wagering requirements bonus or “real money” bonus — Bonus with no wagering requirements; winnings can be withdrawn immediately.
- Welcome deposit bonus — A first deposit offer (e.g., “100% up to $200”) common globally, but restricted in certain markets such as Brazil.
Types of sportsbooks bonuses
- Bet and Win / Free Bet Credits — Players place a qualifying bet and receive bonus credit. Winnings are paid out without the value of the original stake.
- Matching Deposit Bonus — Additional funds awarded after a deposit for sports betting, subject to wagering requirements.
- Early payouts — Settle bets early when a specific condition is met (for example, the team is winning by two goals).
- Event-based promotions — Limited-time offers for major tournaments or local classics.
- Insurance / Promotions with Refund — Refunds (in cash or free bets) if a predefined event occurs, such as a draw.
- Increases on combined/accumulated bets — Additional winnings for bets with multiple selections that meet the minimum odds or selection number requirements.
- Increased Profit / Increased Probability — Temporary increases in payouts for selected markets.
- Rewards for winning streaks or missions — Bonuses for completing challenges or achieving winning streaks, adding gamification to betting.
Compliance Overview (as of October 2025)
Brazil (Law No. 14.790/2023 + SPA Ordinances)
Fixed-odds betting in Brazil is regulated by Law No. 14.790/2023, under the supervision of the Ministry of Finance through the Secretariat of Prizes and Betting (SPA).
During the period of 2024–2025, SPA issued several ordinances. Covering responsible gaming, advertising and marketing, player rights, operator duties, and market transition timelines.
The fundamental measure, Ordinance SPA/MF No. 1,231/2024 (July 31, 2024), defines rules for communication, advertising, and responsible gaming. Furthermore, it includes consent options at the time of registration, respect for opt-out options, and limiting the use of the term “free” to truly free offers.
However, operators may use targeted and consent-based promotions (e.g., cashback or free bets for existing users) with transparent terms and messages about responsible gambling. Public claims of “free” should be avoided unless they are truly unconditional, and all promotional content and user experience should be aligned with the terms of Ordinance 1.231/2024.
United Kingdom (UKGC Updates — March 26, 2025)
The UK Gambling Commission has announced new measures to make promotions “safer and simpler,” including a ban on mixed product promotions and a 10x limit on wagering requirements. These updates will come into effect on January 19, 2026, impacting how global operators plan promotional campaigns for 2025–26.
Ontario, Canada (AGCO)
Ontario continues to prohibit advertising incentives, bonuses, or credits. These offers can only appear on the operator’s website or app, or through direct marketing with the player’s consent. Channel selection is as much a matter of compliance as it is of marketing.
Conclusion
Bonuses are one of the most effective tools for customer acquisition and retention, but they also represent a test of compliance and reputation. In 2026, transparency and responsible design will be as important as creativity.
For a complete glossary of terms and bonus mechanics, visit the Atlaslive blog.
And stay tuned: in the next part of this series, Atlaslive experts will explore Bonus Abuse — how it happens, how to detect it, and how traders can minimize the risk.
About Atlaslive
Atlaslive, formerly known as Atlas-IAC, underwent a rebranding in May 2024. It is a B2B software development company specializing in creating a multifunctional and automated platform to optimize the workflow of sports betting and casino operators.
The main components of the Atlaslive platform include Sportsbook, Casino, Risk Management and Anti-Fraud Tools, CRM, Bonus Engine, Business Analytics, Payment Systems, and Retail Module. Follow the company on LinkedIn to stay up-to-date on the latest iGaming technology news.
