The refer a friend bonus is a straightforward promotion—you give a unique code to somebody who signs up at the casino and receives a bonus after they make their first deposit (in most cases). Referral bonuses are common across industries. In online gambling, a good refer a friend casino bonus can help you boost your bankroll just by sharing the casino with someone else. Some have a pretty standard promotion, such as Betfred’s gift of £15 for every friend you refer; whereas others have more detailed promotions, such as Paddy Power’s £20 gift alongside a special welcome offer for your friends when they stake at least £10. Let us take a closer look at the best refer a friend casino bonuses in the UK.
Before going any further, let us take a closer look at the sites that offer the best Refer and Friend casino bonuses you can find in the UK right now. Our experts have tested these platforms and their bonuses for your peace of mind. Just to clarify, the below bonuses are not refer and friend bonuses, but the sites should have a promotion with details on how to get the refer a friend bonus.
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A refer a friend bonus is simply a gift you receive when someone signs up on a casino based on your recommendation. This is typically done via sharing a link that carries a unique code—a signature to confirm your identity, so to speak. Once your friend signs up using your unique link, the casino will register it as a referral from you. You might instantly get a small bonus or your friend might first need to make a minimum deposit first. In some cases, both get a small bonus.
Whereas many forms of online gambling have been on the radar of the UK government, the refer a friend bonus is pretty harmless in comparison. Its links with any type of harm are highly usual and unlikely. For example, in the whitepaper for gambling reforms, the panel noted in the Marketing and Advertising section that there are strong indicators of harm often associated with bonuses (such as welcome bonuses and VIP programs). However, the paper at no point finds anything wrong with refer a friend bonus casino deals.Our experts have vast experience in testing and reviewing online casino sites and their various promotions. Using our knowledge and reliable ranking metrics, we have already tested the best casino bonuses you can find across UK casinos. More specifically, for refer a friend bonuses, our testing methodology spans these steps:
First of all, we make sure that you only arrive at a secure online gambling platform with no shady practices or predatory terms. This requires a closer look at the track record of the casino, its community reputation, and a comprehensive audit of everything from its SSL certificate and licence to the payment processors and slot game providers. Our recommended casinos for the best refer a friend casino bonus UK are all 100% secure and well-known in the UK market.
Next, we analyse the bonus terms and conditions. Usually, an online casino will have a terms and conditions page and a dedicated page for the bonus terms and conditions as well. We read both policies and tried to find any outliers. More specifically, we try to find any discrepancies or predatory terms that can harm your experience or bankroll. Shady platforms often have stricter terms and a worse reputation. We make sure those are never recommended to our readers.
Next, we claim the referral bonus by sharing it among our team members to see how it actually works. Is the process smooth and convenient? Is the bonus actually valuable? How hard is it to find the relevant bonus? After doing these firsthand tests several times, we can be sure that it is one of the best refer a friend casino bonus deals out there. Only then is it recommended by Gambling Zone.
Lastly, we want to make sure the bonus is not all hype. It has to be grounded in reality. During our testing, we eliminate casinos that try to back out of their obligations. For example, a platform might restrict players when they refer a lot, put a hold on winnings until you make further deposits, or unnecessarily delay withdrawals for no reason at all. Any such behaviour is a major red flag for us and we make sure none of these casino deals ever make it to you through our recommendations.
We have multiple experts when it comes to taking apart online casinos and finding the best online casino refer a friend bonus offers across UK platforms. Our experts’ combined experience in the iGaming industry makes sure that our recommendations are highly reliable. Below is a summary of our refer a friend bonus experts:
Chloe is an accomplished content writer with over four years of experience writing hundreds of articles across a variety of niches. In the past three years her focus has turned towards the iGaming and online casino sector and has worked with numerous brands to create content from promotional material, game reviews, and more. From classic fruit machines to Megaways and Jackpot King, Chloe has written about it all with her unique tongue-in-cheek flair.
Abhimanyu has been passionate about thorough research and comprehensive writing for over a decade. More recently, he has translated that passion into creating valuable guides and offering practical information in online gambling, primarily because of the scope of research there is in the world of slots, betting, and casino games. His focus is on taking platforms, bonuses, and games through their paces and distilling all useful information in an easy-to-understand manner so the end user can benefit the most.
Amy has over 6 years of experience in the iGaming affiliate industry. In those years, she has occupied several content roles for markets like Canada and the UK. When she is not working, you will likely find her planning her next trip.
Kyle is a freelance writer based in the UK. Throughout his writing career, he has written a wealth of iGaming-related content, including game reviews, casino reviews, news updates, and more.
These bonuses can be given to players in various ways. Generally speaking, there are four types of refer a friend casino bonuses. If you have multiple options, our explanations below will help you determine which one is the best type of casino bonus for your needs. Here are the most common types of casino refer a friend bonus deals you are bound to run into in the UK:
A matched deposit bonus is exactly what it sounds like—the casino matches the deposit with bonus funds. It will usually be a percentage of your deposit amount up to a particular maximum cap. For example, the casino might reward you or both you and your friend with a 50% matched deposit on the first deposit up to £100. If your friend deposits £200, they will receive an additional £100 in their bonus funds. Note that the bonus amount might be subject to wagering requirements.
The most common and convenient type of refer a friend bonus is a simple cash bonus. This basically means that you will get a cash bonus reward when your friend signs up (or makes a qualifying minimum deposit). This amount will be £15 to £20 in most cases. This cash can be used as you wish—on slots, live dealer casinos, or sports betting. Still, we suggest you read the terms to understand which categories and games are eligible before using any bonus fund.
The online casino might also allow you to progress your loyalty or VIP program level/XP when you refer someone. After successful registration or a qualifying minimum deposit, your profile will receive XP that will contribute towards increasing your VIP level. This is an excellent way to climb up the ladder by referring more people. On the other hand, the friend might receive some other bonus or XP for their profile as well.
A free spins bonus is when you refer a friend and after successful registration (or a qualifying minimum deposit) you receive a number of free spins. Often, these free spins will be tied to a particular game. If not, double-check any wagering requirements and eligible games that contribute 100% toward meeting the wagering requirement. The referred friend might also receive free spins through this bonus.
Referral bonuses come in all shapes and sizes. Whereas a VIP cashback perk or even a welcome bonus is highly likely to follow a standard template, making comparing and choosing easier, a refer a friend bonus can be very different from another one. As such, it is important to carefully consider each aspect of the bonus before you decide on one. There are 5 key pieces of information or factors that you need to pay close attention to:
The first thing is, of course, how the promotion works. In most cases, as you would know, there will be a unique link or code that you need to use. It is important to share this with your friend. If you send them the wrong link/code or if they do not use it, neither of you will be eligible for this bonus. So, make sure that both of you know the unique code or link assigned to your account before claiming the bonus.
All bonuses carry an expiry date. The refer a friend bonus, once received, will expire in a certain period of time. It can range from 7 days to a month. Be mindful of the expiry. If two casinos are offering similar cash bonuses, let us say, then noting their expiry dates becomes very important to make a decision about which casino’s deal to go with.
Often, any matched deposit bonus, cash bonus, free spins winnings, etc. will be subject to a minimum wagering requirement. The wagering or playthrough requirement is the number of times the amount needs to be “played through” or wagered in total on the casino before any winnings resulting from the bonus can be converted into your cash balance—the balance that can be withdrawn, unlike the bonus balance. Also, if there is a wagering requirement, then note which games or categories contribute 100% towards meeting it. Not all types of games help you achieve the wagering limit at the same speed. Most notably, live dealer lobbies might only contribute 10% whereas most slots barring those linked to some progressive jackpot will contribute 100%.
Growth percentage refers to the percentage of the bonus that you or your referred friend will receive upon making a qualifying deposit or completing other required actions. Some casinos offer a scaling or tiered growth, meaning the more friends you refer, the larger the bonus you may receive. Always check the maximum possible growth percentage and how it applies to your referrals to maximise your rewards.
Each refer a friend bonus comes with its own set of terms and conditions. These can include specific actions that need to be taken by both the referrer and the referred person, such as a minimum deposit or the completion of account verification. Needless to say, it is very important to read these terms thoroughly to avoid any surprises, such as restrictions on games or withdrawal limitations tied to the bonus.
Now, let us talk about the terms and conditions typically associated with refer a friend casino bonuses. These terms include the rules and requirements necessary for both you and the referred friend to qualify for the bonus. To the uninitiated, the attractiveness of the bonus can blind them into skipping important details. Here is what to pay attention to for a smooth experience:
Eligibility criteria specify who can take part in the refer a friend bonus offer. Most casinos require both the referrer and the referred person to meet certain conditions, such as age, residency, or account status. Be sure to check these requirements before sharing your referral link to avoid missing out on the bonus. Even if you feel that you are eligible because you received a previous bonus, it does not hurt to recheck the specific requirements for bonus eligibility.
Some refer a friend bonuses come with maximum bet limits that restrict how much you can wager per spin or hand while using the bonus funds. Ensure that you are aware of these limits, as exceeding them could result in the bonus being voided or your winnings being disqualified. This applies to all types of bonuses—including welcome bonuses and reload promotions.
The duration of a refer a friend bonus refers to the length of time during which the bonus is valid. This could be a set number of days or weeks, after which the bonus may expire if not used. Always check the expiry date and claim and use the bonus in time! There is nothing worse than a nasty surprise when you see a bonus disappear from your account all of a sudden.
Casinos may impose a limit on the number of referrals you can make in a given period. Some casinos offer bonuses for each referral, while others may limit the bonus to one or two referrals per week or month. Check the terms to see how many friends you can refer and still qualify for bonuses.
Refer a friend casino bonuses come with their own set of pros and cons. They do offer a unique opportunity to earn rewards by simply sharing your favourite casino with others—but just like any other bonus deal, they too come with both advantages and limitations. Let us take a quick look at the pros and cons of refer a friend bonuses you will find on online casino sites in the UK.
Earn bonuses with minimal effort by referring friends.
Referral bonuses are usually smaller than other types of casino bonuses. Instead of the headache of finding new friends to refer to, it might be more sensible to focus on your VIP level or weekly reload bonuses, for example.
Often no wagering requirements are attached.
Eligibility criteria can limit who you can refer.
Some platforms offer multiple referral bonuses.
Referral limits may apply, reducing overall rewards.
Claiming a refer a friend bonus differs from casino to casino. Generally, however, it is a simple process. All you need to do is follow a few simple steps and any instructions offered by the casino itself. As we have reviewed a bunch of referral bonuses, we know just most of them work. So, here is how to make sure you maximise your chances of earning your referral reward.
The first step is to find the right online casino. We have prepared a list of recommendations that you can review for quickly comparing the key terms of each referral bonus worth its salt in the UK. Based on that information, choose the right secure, licensed, and regulated online casino that has a solid reputation for a fair bonus process and a safe gambling experience for both you and your referred friend.
Before sharing your referral link, read the bonus terms and conditions carefully. This is important to make sure that you and your referred friend understand the requirements, such as minimum deposits, eligibility for the bonus, and any maximum withdrawal limits. Being informed helps you avoid any surprises when claiming the bonus. We have already covered the key considerations associated with refer a friend bonuses in this guide. Keep those factors in mind.
To claim the bonus, share your unique referral link with friends who have not yet signed up for the casino. Ensure they use the link when registering and making their first deposit. If the link is used correctly, both you and your friend will receive the bonus rewards once the requirements are met.
In some cases, you might receive a unique code instead. This code has to be entered in the “referral code” field during the sign-up process.
After your friend has signed up and completed the necessary actions (such as making a minimum qualifying deposit), you can claim your bonus. This may involve receiving a cash bonus, free spins, or even loyalty points depending on the casino. Be sure to follow the casino’s instructions for claiming the reward, and check your account for any bonus funds.
Refer a friend casino bonuses are a fantastic way to earn extra rewards by simply sharing your favourite casinos with friends. While these bonuses typically offer smaller rewards than others, they still present an excellent opportunity to boost your bankroll without much effort. Always read the terms and conditions carefully, and ensure that both you and your referred friend meet the eligibility criteria to maximise the bonus value.
Throughout this guide, we have offered plenty of practical advice besides our top recommendations for the ideal referral bonus experience in the UK. Following our tips and steps, you can be confident that you are doing it right!
Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions regarding refer a friend casino bonuses. This should help clarify any doubts you may have before claiming or referring friends.