What is First-Time Deposit (FTD)?

A first-time deposit (FTD) is the initial real-money payment a new player makes into a betting or casino account. It usually unlocks the Welcome Bonus and, in affiliate marketing, is the key conversion event on which acquisition commissions such as CPA are paid. Operators track FTD value closely because it marks the start of a customer relationship. Worked example: a player deposits £20, comfortably above a £10 minimum, and triggers a 100% match for £20 of bonus funds. Those funds carry a Wagering Requirement — say 35 times the bonus, or £700 of qualifying turnover — before any bonus winnings can be withdrawn. On the affiliate side, that qualifying FTD is what releases the agreed CPA to the partner who referred the player. The FTD matters because it is the moment a prospect becomes a funded customer, and the terms attached to it shape everything that follows. The common mistake is depositing more than planned to chase a larger match, or overlooking the Wagering Requirement that can lock both bonus and deposit until turnover is met. Deposit only what fits your Bankroll, and always read the bonus terms first. See also Welcome Bonus, Wagering Requirement, Bankroll, FTD and CPA. Responsible play starts with a deposit you can afford to lose.