The First Deposit Bonus is the headline match offer tied to a new iGaming player's first cleared deposit, typically a 100% match up to a market-specific cap.
First Deposit Bonus (FDB)
**TL;DR:** The First Deposit Bonus is the headline match offer tied to a new iGaming player's first cleared deposit, typically a 100% match up to a market-specific cap.
What it means
The FDB is the central component of the welcome offer for most casino brands (sportsbook tends to use risk-free bets or bonus bets instead). Standard structure: "100% match up to $500" — player deposits $200, gets $200 bonus, plays with $400 total, with wagering requirements on the bonus portion.
Modern FDBs often include a free spins package layered on top, and are increasingly fronted by sub-2-deposit "rolling welcome" packages spreading the match over deposits 1–3 to reduce abuser cherry-picking.
Formula / How it's measured
FDB cost per NDC = average bonus claimed × (1 − retained share through WR) FDB attach rate = % of NDCs who claim the FDB (usually 70–95%)
Example: FDB is "100% up to $300, 35× WR". Average claim = $110 bonus. WR + 96% RTP retains ~65%. Cost per claiming NDC = $38. With 88% attach on 1,200 NDCs → total FDB cost = ~$40K.
Why it matters for operators
FDB structure is one of the most tested variables in iGaming marketing. A 50% match converts worse than 100%; 200% converts marginally better than 100% but doubles cost. Cap level (up to $200 vs up to $1,000) shifts the average claim amount. The right structure depends on payment method mix (high-deposit Tier 1 players need higher caps to feel valued).
Common benchmarks (2026)
- LATAM casino FDB: 100–150% up to $200–$500
- LATAM sportsbook FDB or risk-free: $100–$300 equivalent
- EU regulated FDB: 100% up to €100–€500
- US sportsbook "first bet" or "bonus bets": $500–$1,500
- FDB attach rate: 75–95% of NDCs
- FDB cost as % M1 NGR: 25–45%
Common mistakes
- Headline cap mismatch with player deposit distribution (cap too high → wasted marketing value)
- No max-cashout cap on FDB winnings (variance exposure on a single big win)
- Issuing FDB to bonus-flagged accounts that should be blocked at signup
See also