Bonus codes and referral codes are not interchangeable.
A welcome bonus code is typically a one-time string you enter at registration to claim a deposit match, free bet, or similar. A referral code is part of an ongoing program: the inviter gets a reward when the invitee meets defined conditions. Conflating them is the single most common error across referral and bonus terms.
- Welcome bonus codes are negotiated at signup.
- Referral codes are part of an invite program with continuous terms.
- Referral programs often run only in specific jurisdictions.
- Affiliate links masquerading as referral codes are an industry-wide problem.
