A referral code is a short code you enter when you create an account at a casino. It tells the casino who sent you. In return, the casino rewards the new player, the referrer, or both. At crypto casinos it is the main way partners and players earn from recommending a site.

What a Referral Code Gives You

At most crypto casinos, a referral code does not unlock a one-off sign-up bonus. It puts you into the casino's rewards programme from your very first bet:

  • Rakeback on everything you wager (see rakeback explained).
  • VIP progress and rewards each time you reach a new level.
  • Regular bonuses, weekly or monthly, based on how much you play.

A few casinos use the code to unlock a deposit bonus instead, such as a 100% match on your first deposit. The code page for each casino on our referral codes page tells you which type it is.

Referral Code, Promo Code, Bonus Code

The names overlap, and casinos use them loosely:

  • Referral code: links your account to a referrer, usually for the life of the account.
  • Promo or bonus code: activates one specific promotion, such as free spins or a reload bonus.
  • Affiliate link: does the same job as a referral code, but the code is inside the link, so there is nothing to type.

Where and When to Enter It

  1. On the sign-up form. Look for a field called "referral code", "promo code" or "code (optional)". Some casinos hide it behind an "I have a code" link.
  2. Through a link. Opening the casino with a referral link usually fills the code in for you. Create the account in the same browser tab.
  3. Shortly after sign-up. Some casinos let you add a code in the bonus code section of your account for a short time after registering, often around an hour.

Timing matters. Once that window closes, an account cannot normally be linked to a referral code. Decide on your code before you register.

Mistakes That Cost Players Their Reward

  • Registering first, looking for a code later. The most common way to miss out.
  • Typos. Codes can be case-sensitive. Copy and paste instead of typing.
  • Opening several accounts. Casinos allow one account per person, and multiple accounts are a common reason for closures and confiscated balances.
  • Signing up from a restricted country. If the casino does not accept your country, the account can be closed later, reward and balance included.

Is Using a Referral Code Safe?

Using a code does not change the casino's terms or the risk of playing there. It also does not give the referrer any access to your account or your funds: they only see that a new player signed up. What matters is the casino itself, so read our guides to offshore licences and casino red flags before choosing where to play.