Definition
Deposit Match
Also known as Match Bonus, Matched Deposit, Deposit Bonus
By Abhinav VasudevanReviewed Editorial policy
In short
A deposit match credits bonus funds as a percentage of what you deposit. A 100% match on £100 gives £100 in bonus money, which is subject to wagering requirements before it can be withdrawn.
A deposit match is the most common bonus structure. Deposit £100 with a 100% match and you have £200 to play with, £100 real and £100 bonus.
Match percentages
| Match | £100 deposit gives |
|---|---|
| 50% | £50 bonus |
| 100% | £100 bonus |
| 200% | £200 bonus |
| 400% | £400 bonus |
Higher percentages almost always carry higher wagering requirements. A 400% match at 60x is a considerably worse offer than a 50% match at 20x, despite looking eight times more generous.
The multiplier base
The most important detail, and the one most often buried.
Bonus only: 35x on a £100 bonus = £3,500 turnover.
Deposit + bonus: 35x on £200 = £7,000 turnover.
Same advertised multiple, double the work. Check which applies before depositing, it is usually stated in the full terms rather than on the offer page.
Sticky or not
A sticky bonus can never be withdrawn itself; only winnings above it. A non-sticky bonus becomes real cash once wagering is complete.
The distinction matters more than the match percentage. A 50% non-sticky bonus is generally worth more than a 100% sticky one.
Minimum deposits and tiers
Most offers require a minimum deposit, commonly £10 or £20. Some tier the match, 100% on the first £100, then 50% on the next £400, which makes the headline maximum considerably harder to reach than it appears.
Payment method exclusions
Deposits by certain methods, most commonly Skrill and Neteller, are routinely excluded from bonus eligibility. This is stated in the terms and catches people out regularly, since the deposit succeeds normally and the bonus simply does not appear.
If you intend to claim an offer, check the excluded methods before depositing rather than after.
Common questions
What is the difference between bonus-only and deposit-plus-bonus wagering?
Double the obligation for the same advertised multiple. A 35x requirement on a £100 bonus is £3,500 of turnover. On deposit plus bonus totalling £200, it is £7,000.
Why did my deposit not trigger the bonus?
Most commonly the payment method. Skrill and Neteller deposits are routinely excluded from bonus eligibility, and the deposit succeeds normally with nothing indicating a problem. Check excluded methods before depositing.