24 minutes
Last Updated: December 5, 2023
Everyone enjoys good casino bonuses, and online gambling sites offer promotions to both new and existing players. You can get the adrenaline rush in the body while playing casino games using an online casino sign up bonus or one of the other promotions.
After all, why risk your capital when you have options in the form of a bonus?
To help you get up-to-date information about promotions at the best real money casinos, we created a dedicated guide to the fantastic world of online casino bonuses.
What Is a Casino Bonus?
The casino bonus acts as free credit or money that casinos offer players in return for account registration or depositing funds. Casino online bonuses come in various forms with different terms and conditions to suit every player’s requirements and bankroll.
With relevant information and savvy tactics, you can use online casino promotions to your maximum advantage while playing your favorite games. Typically, casino bonuses are divided into two main categories:
- No Deposit Bonuses: These bonuses are ones you can get for free, without risking any of your own money. You might get some free spins or bonus cash from your no deposit bonus. Often, an online casino will offer a free bonus when you register as a new player. But, also already registered players can secure some free bonuses without a deposit. Usually, you’ll get these offers as a part of a loyalty program or another special promotion that the casino has.
- Deposit Bonus: If you get a deposit bonus, you’ll have to fund your account in order to claim it. Typically you’ll be getting a percentage match on your deposit or free spins. But, in reality, a casino can give you anything as a match deposit bonus. Most US-facing online casinos offer deposit bonuses multiple times a week. Some even offer this on all your deposits!
You should treat the casino bonuses as free money, not as a way to increase your bankroll. Just keep in mind that all bonuses come with some terms and conditions. Read these carefully to ensure you’re eligible to cash out your winnings, when the time comes.
Different Types of Online Casino Bonus
Is the online casino sign up bonus right for me? Is there any difference between a casino welcome bonus and a match deposit bonus? Let’s look at the most common casino online bonuses you will find while playing at your preferred casino.
⭐ Welcome Bonus
The casino welcome bonus, popularly known as the signup bonus, is a special promotion offered by casinos on the condition that players register and verify their accounts.
It’s a strategy employed by online casinos to attract prospective players.
This bonus is available in several forms but always comes as an extra perk for signing up.
It’s crucial to note that sometimes you need a bonus code to get that special promotion or follow an affiliate link on a site like this. In addition, the bonus expires after a certain period, and the expiration date varies from one casino to another.
⭐ Deposit Match Bonus
This bonus type is the one you’ll come across most often, starting with your welcome bonus. Usually, a deposit bonus is a match deposit bonus. That means that you make a deposit, and the casino matches a certain percentage with a bonus. For example, you might get a 100% bonus of up to $100.
But this bonus type is not limited to just a 100% match bonus. Online casinos offer more than the amount deposited by players in bonus funds. Examples include a 200% match bonus and a 300% match bonus. At Slots.lv online casino, you can get as much as a 400% match deposit bonus on your first deposit, provided that you use cryptocurrency when depositing.
Remember that bonus funds are restricted to the maximum bonus amount and subject to wagering requirements, which is worth checking out before you sign up.
⭐ Free Spins Bonus
A free spin offer is limited to specific casino games, more precisely an online slot. You’ll get to spin the slot for free, and what you win is your bonus.
You might get a free spins bonus on its own, or it can be part of a deposit bonus that also offers a match deposit bonus. One operator that offers this is the mBitcasino online casino. They give all new players registering an account from the US a welcome bonus package containing up to 4 BTC and 300 free spins.
⭐ No Deposit Bonus
As the name says, you don’t have to make any deposits in your casino account to claim a no deposit bonus. As a result, this bonus type is trendy amongst players because you can play real money games without touching your bankroll.
Two of the US offshore online casinos that offer no deposit bonuses are Red Dog Casino and Las Atlantis. Both these operators give new players $40 for free to play slots, or $25 to play other casino games. To claim the offers, simply sign up and head to the live chat to request that they add the bonus for you.
⭐ Wager Free Bonus
Another casino bonus that is always popular amongst experienced players is a wager-free bonus. It can take the form of any bonus type mentioned above, like a free spin bonus or match deposit bonus. No-wager free spins are also famous, and most players tend to love their cash spins.
The concept of wagering free bonuses is that there are no wagering requirements. Basically, it means that everything you win from your bonus is directly paid out as real cash.
At the time of withdrawal, you won’t have to meet any particular wagering requirement. The only limitation, in this case, is the maximum winning amount.
⭐ High Roller Bonus
To claim a high roller bonus, you would need a good bankroll and higher betting limits worthy of being a VIP. All the best US online gambling sites bestow this bonus on their cheetahs and whales, meaning players who spend a large amount of money at the casino.
To become a high roller player, you must make large or many deposits. Then the casino would offer a high roller bonus to match your spending. For example, it might include a big cashback or invitations to exclusive events or special tournaments, which is very popular at live dealer casinos.
Online Casino Bonus for Existing Players
It’s not just new players that get to claim bonus offers at online casinos. Even already-registered players have a lot to look forward to. Most casinos offer daily or weekly bonuses, so it pays off to stay at the casino you’re playing at, instead of going hunting for new welcome bonuses elsewhere. Let’s have a look at some of the casino bonuses you can expect as an already-registered member:
⭐ Reload Bonus
A Reload bonus is a popular bonus type that you’ll get at all online casinos. This bonus can be anything, such as free spins, free bets, free chips, match deposit bonuses, lottery tickets, or basically anything. What defines a reload bonus is that you reload your account by making a deposit, and then the casino gives you a bonus.
A great casino for reload bonuses is Wild Casino. They offer a reload bonus to all their players every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Sunday!
⭐ Cashback Bonus
A casino cashback is a bonus that gives you part of your losses back. It’s quite normal for US online casinos to offer this on a weekly or monthly basis. What you’ll get is a percentage of your losses back, and in that way acting almost like an insurance, or at least a second chance.
If you’d like to partake in a regular cashback scheme, you should visit the SuperSlots casino. Here, they offer all players a 10% cashback every single week.
⭐ Loyalty Bonuses & VIP Programs
A great way to get rewarded for your own activity is to sign up for a casino offering a loyalty program. Through there you’ll get bonuses and exclusive offers simply by playing normally in the casino. You’ll most often collect XP points or something similar, and these take you up the levels of the loyalty program.
One of the casinos offering such a program is Cafe Casino. Here you’ll get to collect points and reap the rewards from playing all your favorite games. This is also a great way to collect what are essentially no deposit bonuses.
⭐ Casino Tournaments
Participating in tournaments is another way to get some goodies at most casinos. Usually, you’ll be playing slots, and the goal is to climb your way into the leaderboard. You’ll be competing against other players, and the ones topping the leaderboard will get rewarded. Most often the prizes are cash money, but you might also find yourself in the possession of a bunch of free spins.
One of the best US online casinos that have a weekly tournament with a prize pool of $5,000 is SuperSlots. Here, 24 players get to split the prizes every single week. If you come out on top of the leaderboard a hefty $1,000 await!
⭐ Special and Seasonal Promotions
During specific festivals or holidays online casinos might offer some special promotions. The offers could be in the form of any kind of casino bonus.
Also, some casinos offer a Refer a Friend program making your playing experience ideal with several of your friends’ onboarding. When they register at the casino and make their first deposit, you’ll receive a bonus as a thanks.
At times, you can benefit from online casino promotions that are exclusive only to you, like a birthday bonus. Alternatively, your anniversary at the particular casino.
How to Calculate Online Casino Bonuses?
Everyone loves a good match bonus, but when it comes to mathematical calculation, it perplexes many players. In this section, we will explain the casino bonus in great detail so that you can do the maths independently.
The match bonus generally takes the format of up to a .
Take the example of a 100% welcome bonus of up to $200. Here 100% represents the bonus percentage, and $200 is the maximum bonus amount you will receive.
The percentage shows the amount the gambling site will match your deposit with. For instance, if you deposit $50, the casino would match another $50 in bonus funds. So consider it as doubling your deposit.
In most cases, the match bonus percentage is 100%. Still, sometimes casinos offer some variations and can offer a 50% match deposit bonus. In that case, if you have deposited $50, the casino will match your deposit by crediting $25 as bonus funds in your casino account.
If you’re looking for the best casino bonus, you might want to learn how to claim it. Take the example of a 100% welcome bonus of up to $100. The maximum bonus you will receive in your account is $100. So if you deposit $150, the maximum bonus would still be $100.
Casino Bonus Deposit Requirements Explained
When it comes to casino bonuses, online gambling websites want to make the best use of them and get maximum value out of players.
By adding deposit requirements to the bonuses, the casinos manage the cash flow and mitigate the risk factor.
While avoiding the deposit requirements is impossible, you can make some smart choices to get the most out of online casino promotions.
⭐ Check the Type of Deposit
Firstly, analyze what sort of deposit is required for your chosen bonus program. They are generally divided into three groups, namely:
- No Deposit: The bonus is automatically credited to the player’s account without any initial deposit. But most casinos have some wagering criteria that players must fulfill before they can cash out the winnings.
- Single Deposit: Players can receive the bonus after making the first deposit. The bonus amount might be small, but they are easy to claim and understand.
- Multi Deposit: Big bonuses have some complicated deposit requirements. If you want a four-figure bonus, the gambling sites will drip-feed you for several weeks across multiple deposits.
Spare some time analyzing the aforementioned deposit requirements and the amount you want to spend for gambling.
Is the bonus outside your budget? Which deposit requirement would give maximum playing value?
You need to ask yourself these questions before settling on a particular bonus.
⭐ Normal or Sticky Bonus
A normal casino bonus would allow you to withdraw the winning after meeting the wagering conditions. This generally applies to bonuses with a small amount.
On the other hand, casinos that offer big bonuses won’t allow you to withdraw the winnings so easily.
This is the sticky side of the bonus that you must be aware of, and we recommend paying attention to it.
The bigger bonuses look enticing, but they can overburden your bankroll by twice or three times. It requires bigger deposits, and such bonuses are ideal for only high roller players or people looking for long-term betting strategies.
⭐ Deposits Should Adhere to Casino’s T&Cs
Online gambling sites are aware of the bonus abuse and have proper systems to ensure players don’t find loopholes in the casino bonus. Having said that, it’s essential to get acquainted with the casino’s terms and conditions to avoid unwanted hassles in the future.
Some online casinos would automatically add bonuses and other promotions to the player’s account. Depending on the requirements and playing criteria, you can claim or deny such bonuses.
How Does the Wagering System Works in Online Casino Bonuses?
The bonus funds won’t automatically convert into real cash, meaning you cannot withdraw the winning amount unless you meet the wagering requirements.
Wagering refers to the amount you must bet before converting the bonus money into real cash.
Generally, the wagering ranges from 20x to 50x of the bonus or initial deposit amount. Therefore, checking the terms and conditions to find whether your initial deposit is covered under the wagering requirement is essential. Otherwise, it will make a significant difference.
For instance, if you receive $50 as a bonus with an 20x wagering requirement, you need to wager $1,000 before withdrawing the winnings.
The wagering requirement is a crucial element to consider before you claim the best bonuses at online casinos. The wagering requirements usually won’t be so generous if you see a great welcome bonus. Read the terms and conditions properly before taking the offer.
Bonus Limitations and Terms at Online Casinos
With many good things in life, online casino bonuses also come with some terms and conditions you must abide by. The T&Cs prevent players from taking advantage of the casino’s generosity.
Apart from the wagering requirements discussed above, online gambling sites offer numerous limitations for the match deposit bonus and other promotions.
When you understand the limitations, it will help you play responsibly and use the different terms and conditions of casino bonuses to your advantage.
⭐ Time Limitations
It’s a common spectacle to have a time limit associated with the casino bonus and other promotions. The same applies to any free spins that players might benefit from besides regular promotions.
Generally, the time limit is seven days for the welcome bonus, after which the promotion expires. However, sometimes, a particular bonus lasts not longer than 24 hours.
So, bonuses are time constraints, and you should claim them within the allotted time; otherwise, they are useless.
⭐ Qualifying Game Limitations
Free spins are applicable on selected casino games, especially online slots. You won’t be able to change which slot you want your free spins on, as this is preset. However, as soon as you have played your spins and are left with bonus money, you can play all bonus games at the casino.
When we say bonus games, we mean games that you are allowed to play with bonus funds. Typically, these are slot machines. Table games rarely contribute to the wagering of a bonus, and live dealer games are not allowed to play with a bonus at any of our recommended casinos.
⭐ Betting Limitations
Apart from game limitations, bonuses also have betting limitations, which is a strict limit to the maximum betting amount. In most cases, the limitation is set at 10% of your bonus funds or something like $5 per bet.
But be aware, some have the maximum bet allowed set as low as $2. So, you’re advised to read the T&Cs thoroughly.
⭐ Maximum Winning Caps
Some online casinos attach a maximum winning limit to their bonuses. This is a cap that dictates how much you are allowed to withdraw from your bonus winnings. If you win more than the maximum amount allowed, the superseding amount will be deducted from your account before a withdrawal is possible.
What this limit is will vary. Some casinos set the limit as low as 10x or even just 3x of your bonus. Others cap it at $10,000 or something more reasonable. Also, note that no deposit bonuses tend to have a lower max win limit than deposit bonuses do.
Pros and Cons of Online Casino Bonuses
It’s very pleasing to avail yourself of the casino bonuses which can turn the game in your favor. At the same time, you might be pulled into a disadvantageous side if you’re careless about reading the terms and conditions.
To make the best use of the casino bonus, you must be aware of its bright and dark sides, which are discussed below.
⭐ Pros at a Glance
- Motivating Rewards – Most players crave money while gambling online, and if there’s an opportunity to claim cash rewards, everyone tries to make the best use of it. Online gambling sites offer a match deposit bonus and reload bonus doubling the reward. Also, it brings out the thrilling and adventurous aspect of playing online.
- Boost for Newbie Players – If you’re a new and inexperienced player, you will have challenges in your gambling journey. However, the casino bonus and free spins minimize risks and avoid potential losses from your bankroll, letting you essentially play free casino games. Therefore, with no deposit bonus, you can play certain games for real money without touching your bankroll.
⭐ Cons at a Glance
- Wagering Requirements – It is considered a significant obstacle when cashing the winning money into the individual bank account. Online casinos put heavy restrictions on cash-out bonus winnings in most cases.
- Expiration Dates – Even if you’re able to get the best casino bonus if you aren’t able to claim it within a specific time, it’s useless. Most bonuses have an expiry date of 14 days, and you would come across promotions that offer 30 days expiry once in a blue moon. If you’re an occasional gambler, using a bonus within the time frame would be tricky.
What Payment Method Is Best for Online Casino Bonuses?
Considering banking options while playing at online casinos and claiming bonuses is always a good idea. You need to consider the various payment methods and available bonus offers associated with them.
Some deposit methods would be ideal for claiming fat bonuses, while others are ideal for smaller options.
Here’s a rundown of the popular banking methods available at online casinos for claiming bonuses.
⭐ Credit and Debit Cards
Most online casinos would let you make deposits using credit and debit cards like MasterCard, Visa, and American Express. But you can’t always use the same option to withdraw the winnings. But you can have peace of mind knowing that the above cards are widely used for claiming deposit bonuses and reload bonuses.
⭐ Prepaid Cards
Prepaid Visa cards and gift cards are popular prepaid cards many players use to make deposits at online casinos. However, you should remember that you can’t use this same payment method for withdrawals. The prepaid cards are suitable for all casino bonuses because the cash limits can be pretty high.
⭐ Cryptocurrency
Cryptocurrencies have become very popular in recent years, and all US offshore online casinos accept crypto deposits and withdrawals. Most casinos even have exclusive bonuses only for crypto users, and these are typically much better than the standard offers.
How to Choose the Best Online Casino Bonus
The best way to select a bonus is by using clever tactics. Understanding how the casino bonus works, understanding wagering requirements, and reading the bonus T&Cs can help you make the bonus work in your favor.
To help you get the upper hand while gambling online, we have curated a short guide to help you select the best online casino bonus.
⭐ Read Terms and Conditions Properly
Casino online bonuses have attached terms and conditions, which are always advertised with the bonus. Still, you must do your due diligence to understand the terms and read the bonus terms in full.
Some standard terms include how many times you need to play through the bonus, maximum betting limits, expiry period, particular payment methods, etc.
Try to find the answer to these questions to get a complete picture of the bonus. Understanding the terms will help you make the most of the bonus and avoid unwanted hassles.
⭐ Check the Wagering Terms
Casinos are businesses operating for the sole purpose of raking profits. This is why they don’t simply give out free money. As such, they add wagering requirements to their bonuses, so that you’ll have to earn the right to withdraw your winnings.
Pick a casino with fair wagering requirements in line with industry standards. This means a 30x wagering if it’s both the bonus and the deposit that has to be wagered. If the wagering requirement is only for the bonus you received, 35x is considered to be the norm. However, for very high match percentages, the wagering requirement can be higher than this, and still a fair deal.
⭐ Check the Reputation of Online Casino
Getting excited about bonuses at an insecure and unreliable casino site is nothing short of foolishness. Always check the reputation and safety measures of the gambling site. Alternatively, check our in depth reviews of all our recommended casinos, as we have a separate section dedicated to the security of the operators.
Some online casinos employ black hat marketing tactics to scam potential and ignorant players. Never get duped into giving sensitive information online; conduct security checks to verify the authenticity of the casino site. Read reviews to find out how easy it is to claim the bonus and the different wagering requirements.
⭐ Check Game Requirements
Online gambling is fun; many people register at casinos to play games and have a great time. However, you might be interested in using the bonus on a particular game, so make sure that it is offered.
For instance, you have signed a casino to play blackjack, but the bonus is available only on roulette. So, you’re less likely to place a good bet.
You’re likely to lose when you want to use the bonus on a particular game just because you’re getting the bonus and don’t understand the gameplay. So that bonus won’t serve you any good. Instead, you should settle for a bonus on available games where you are confident and can easily optimize your winnings.
⭐ Always Set a Budget
Gambling is fun but can be addictive at times. The chances are winning are slim because it’s challenging to beat the house edge every time. With no budget or proper bankroll management, you’re likely to lose a lot of money. It’s advised to keep your gambling habits in check.
There are hundreds of bonuses, and you can’t claim all of them. Claim only those bonuses you can properly clear without wasting your time and money.
⭐ Validity of Bonus
All online casino bonuses have an expiry period, whether hours, days, or weeks. It’s essential to claim the bonus within the said time; else, it will expire.
Bonuses with a longer expiry period are better because you have less pressure to place bets and can take time to analyze things.
⭐ Look for Special Occasions
Online casinos often offer bonuses to mark special occasions like birthdays, anniversaries, or festivals. These include New Year’s Day, Valentine’s Day, Christmas, Easter, and Thanksgiving Day. So you’ll likely earn generous bonuses if you play casino games during those special occasions.
Why do Casinos Offer Bonuses?
By now, you have a clear idea about the different types of casino online bonuses. The best part is that with so many online casinos, it’s possible to claim a bonus every day. But the question arises why do these websites offer bonuses at all?
Bonuses are regarded as incentives given by online casinos so that players can deposit money and play for a longer time.
However, don’t understand the bonus as a gift from gambling sites. While you can undoubtedly win prizes using a casino bonus, numerous players don’t, and casinos make a good chunk of money.
The whole point of an online casino offering bonuses is to create an excellent incentive for its players. The bonus encourages players to register and play at a particular gambling site over others.
With so many online casinos in the iGaming industry, stiff competition exists. Every casino wants to beat others and emerge as a winner, they offer reward programs in the form of best casino bonuses and promotions.
Get The Best Casino Bonus – Final Thoughts
As you probably know, we don’t post every single bonus across online casinos on our website. We only post bonuses that are reliable and available from reputed online casinos.
This is done to safeguard the players’ interests and have a sound gambling experience.
Whether you’re interested in a welcome bonus, reload bonus or free spins, we have covered everything you need to know.
Finally, we would like to say that bonuses might increase your chances of winning, but they usually come with strings attached. Therefore, read T&C to understand the demands and try to read between the fine lines before claiming any bonus.
