The best sign up bonus casinos in the US offer new players a welcome package upon registration. These perks are designed as an incentive to join one casino over another. They come in different shapes and sizes but almost all take the form of some sort of free-play or deposit bonus with potentially free spins (although these are becoming less common).
However, it’s important to understand how they work before you claim them. With this guide, we’re going to explain everything you need to know about the best sign up bonus offers available today. We’ll also look at how you can find them and what you need to do to claim your prize.
Best Sign Up Bonus Sites
This list represents a selection of the . However, not all of these operators offer a traditional sign up bonus.
For example, BetMGM and Caesars reward you with a deposit match rather than free slots spins or cash. Therefore, we’ve included two more operators in this section – Mr. Play and Wild Casino. These sites have some of the best welcome packages on the market right now and are completely different from one another.
Real Money Slots That Accept PayPalAs you can see above, each of our recommended best sign up bonus sites will provide something different. If you want free spins, then Ignition Casino and 888casino are the places to be. However, if you know you’s going to stick around and play a lot, then a bigger reward from BetMGM or Wild Casino could be a better long-term investment.
More Popular US Online Casino Guides
What is a Sign Up Bonus?
Everyone loves getting something for nothing and that’s exactly what an online casino sign up bonus is all about. As mentioned, these prizes are offered to new customers and they act as an incentive to sign up with one casino over another.
They come in a variety of forms. For example, some of the best sign up bonuses we’ve listed above are essentially free chips that you can use to play a wide range of games. Others are deposit matches, which means the casino will give you extra credits for every dollar you deposit up to a certain point.
In most cases, you won't need a special sign up bonus casino code to opt in, making it even easier to collect your reward. It's also worth noting that these deals aren't specific to one region. If you live in , you’ll find plenty of top offers to choose from, along with similar deals in other jurisdictions such as and .
How to Get a Sign Up Bonus
The best sign up bonus offers may vary but the way you collect them is always the same. We’ve outlined the process below so you know what to expect:
- First of all, make sure you choose one of our recommended sign up bonus casinos. We only list operators you can trust with all the games and features you desire.
- Next, click on the link that will take you through to the relevant site. At this point, you may be asked to enter some personal information so the operator can verify your identity. This includes things like your name, age, address etc. Please note, you will need to provide official forms of identification such as a passport or birth certificate to verify these details. This is part of any licensed casino's legal requirement to verify the ID of all their customers.
- Once your account has been set up and your sign up bonus awarded, it’s time to start playing. Make sure you pick games with 100% contribution. This will ensure you get full credit towards any wagering requirements attached to your bonus. You'll usually find this info in the terms & conditions or game weighting information within the help files of each game.
- Finally, make sure you meet the wagering requirements in order to withdraw your winnings.
As you can see, there’s nothing complex about claiming your reward. Indeed, most sign up bonuses are designed to be as accessible as possible, which is why you don’t necessarily need a special promo code to opt in.
New Slots Site for 2023 UK Players - Top Latest British CasinosFurthermore, the best sign up bonus offers will allow you to collect your prize across a range of devices. therefore, if you’re using a smartphone or tablet, the sign up process should work in much the same way.
Types of Sign Up Promotions
If you know where to find them, online casinos offer a wide range of sign up promotions. However, the vast majority fall into one of three categories. We explain what they are below:
Best Real Money Poker Sites of 2023Free Slots Spins
Free spins are by far the most common type of sign up promotion. Basically, if you register at an online casino, the site will allow you to spin a selected slot a set number of times without charging your account.
For example, we currently list several operators offering 200+ free spins as part of their welcome package. However, it’s important to note that you can’t keep what you win. There are always terms and conditions attached to these deals.
In this case, you may be required to make a minimum deposit of $10 in order to receive your free spins. You may also have to fulfill certain wagering requirements before you can withdraw any winnings. Finally, the free spins will only be valid on one slot. For this offer, it would be 888cashes’ own Vikings slot.
Although free spins are rarely restricted to new slots, you may find certain games from certain developers are covered. For instance, we’ve seen many NetEnt free spins offers based around starsmith slot .
It’s also worth noting that free spins offers often have shorter expiry dates than deposit bonus deals. In fact, you may have to use your free spins within 24 hours of creating your account or making that first deposit.
Yes, free spins offers are great, but only if you understand the terms and conditions attached to them. Always check the T&Cs before signing up for an offer like this.
Deposit/Welcome Bonus
Another popular sign up promotion is the classic welcome bonus, also known as a deposit bonus. In its simplest form, this offer will give you a percentage of your first deposit as extra credits.
For example, if if you deposited $50 into an online casino offering a 100% deposit bonus, you’d receive $50 in additional funds. Put another way, the amount you receive is capped at 100% of your initial payment.
The good news is welcome bonuses are very flexible in this regard. Many online casinos will expand the deal over multiple payments. This could be anything from a 50% bonus on your first five deposits to a series of matched offers based on percentages such as 75%, 50%, 40% and 30%.
You may also encounter what’s known as a “no deposit” bonus. This is essentially free credits you receive once you’ve registered for an online casino even though you haven’t made a deposit. Again, there are strings attached. However, you can keep what you win without having to spend any money. For examples of these types of offers, visit our dedicated page here: No Deposit Bonus US 2023.
Hybrid Deals
Finally, some of the best sign up bonus offers combine elements of free spins and deposit bonuses. A good example of this is an offer giving you a set number of free spins as well as a matched bonus on your first deposit.
Las Vegas Casinos That Don't Want Your Business AnymoreAgain, you need to be aware of the T&Cs. For instance, the spins may only be valid on one game, while the bonus funds may be subject to wagering requirements. Furthermore, there’s usually a limit to how much the casino will match.
Even if an operator offers an unlimited bonus, it's likely to be tiered. This means you’ll earn a higher percentage on your first payment than subsequent ones.
Ultimately, hybrid deals are popular because they give you a taste of several different rewards. However, you need to determine whether the value of the spins and the deposit match represent good value. Sometimes, it’s better to have a larger deposit bonus with no free spins. Conversely, a smaller matched offer might be complemented by some valuable spins.
Exclusive Sign Up Bonuses vs. Standard Offers - Which Is Better?
You’ll often find that the best sign up bonus casinos have more than one welcome package to choose from. So, should you go for an exclusive or standard offer?
Standard offers are the ones we’ve discussed throughout this article so far. They’re the deals that all players can access and you’ll often see them promoted heavily throughout an online casino. Exclusive offers, on the other hand, are tailored to specific groups or individuals.
An exclusive offer might be targeted at players living in a certain state. Alternatively, you may receive an exclusive bonus when you sign up via a reputable affiliate site like ours. So, which is better?
In reality, both types of offer have their pros and cons. Standard sign up bonuses are tried and tested. Therefore, you’ll be able to find plenty of online reviews and forums discussing them. This makes it easy to gauge whether the value being offered is fair.
Exclusive offers, on the other hand, can often represent greater value simply because they’re not being given to everyone. Additionally, if you obtain an exclusive deal via a reputable source, you know it’s been negotiated specifically for players in good casinos.
That being said, you need to remember that an exclusive sign up bonus might be slightly smaller than a standard offer. The casino is essentially losing less in order to attract new custom. Equally, however, standard offers may come from more high profile sources and be tied into larger marketing campaigns.
Essentially, the size of the bonus shouldn’t be the defining factor in your decision making process. All good offers will give you something for nothing, so you need to focus on the finer details.
Other Considerations When Choosing Where to Play
Anyone can offer a sign up bonus, but the best sign up bonus casinos will have lots of other factors that make them appealing. We’ve listed some of these factors below:
- A Good Selection of Ongoing Promotions – The best sign up bonuses are just the starting point. Great online casinos will also have ongoing promotions for existing customers. From reload bonuses to VIP schemes, extra rewards are always appreciated.
- High Overall Quality Games – Even if you’re playing with someone else’s money, you want to have a great experience. The best sign up bonus casinos have hundreds of slots, interesting table games and variants of poker, baccarat and roulette, plus live dealer versions too. Look out for games from leading software providers and make sure everything is fully mobile compatible.
- Good Banking Options – You may not need to make a deposit when claiming your sign up bonus. However, you will at some point. The best sign up bonus sites will accept a wide variety of payment methods and process deposits and withdrawals quickly. You should also look out for operators that don’t charge for transactions and one that offers fast payout times.
- Reliable Customer Support – No matter how intuitive an online casino may be, there may be times when you need some assistance. The best sign up bonus sites have reliable customer support systems in place. This can be seen in the form of live chat options and highly trained agents ready to answer questions promptly. You may also find FAQ sections and email support helpful resources.
- Licensed and Secure – Finally, you only want to play at the best sign up bonus sites if they’re fully licensed and secure. Reputable bodies such as the Malta Gaming Authority (MGA) and Kahnawake Gaming Commission (KGC) are good indicators. You should also look for SSL encryption, third-party RNG certifications and responsible gaming initiatives.
Pros and Cons of Sign Up Bonuses
The main advantage of sign up bonuses is that they allow you to try an online casino without risking your own money. Indeed, this applies regardless of the form the reward takes i.e. free slots spins, deposit bonus or a combination of both.
Live Casino Bonuses You Can Claim in the UK For 2023We’ve listed the pros and cons of sign up bonuses below:
Pros
- Try New Releots/Games - If you’re thinking about joining a new online casino, the best sign up bonus offers are a great way to try out new slots, table games and other products without risking your own money.
- Boost Your Bankroll - Whether you’re playing slots or another type of game, your bankroll has an immediate boost. This means you can play at higher stakes or stick to your usual limits and extend your play time.
- Potential to Win Real Money - Let's not forget the fact that you can win real money from your free spins and bonus credits. Although there are always wagering requirements attached to these offers, a bit of luck could mean you lock in some profits from your sign up bonus.
- Longer Session Times - When you have more credits to play with, your session times will naturally increase. This may seem irrelevant if you like to play for short periods, but those that have more time to play will appreciate being able to enjoy their favorite games for longer.
- Great for Bonus Players - If you love completing wagering requirements, you’ll relish the opportunity to work your way through the rollover for a sign up bonus.
Cons
- Wagering Requirements - Perhaps the biggest downside to online casino sign up bonuses is the attached wagering requirements. Indeed, you may have to wager your bonus and/or any winnings many times over before you can withdraw cash.
- Time Constraints - Many bonuses have an expiry date, usually a few weeks or months after you open your account. This gives you a set period in which to complete the wagering requirements and collect your cash.
- Limited Payment Methods - Some casinos will only allow you to make deposits and/or withdrawals using specific payment types in order to activate or fulfil the wagering requirements.
- Not Available Everywhere - Finally, you need to remember that not all online casinos in the US offer sign up bonuses. Even if they do, the deals may not have the best terms and conditions. As such, you may feel they don’t offer adequate value.
How to Turn Your Bonus into Real Money
If you sift through the many online casinos in the US, you’ll find some great sign up bonus offers. The question is, how do you turn your free spins, deposit bonus or hybrid deal into real money that you can actually withdraw?
download free casino slotsThe answers lies within the wagering requirements. Essentially, this term tells you how many times you must gamble your bonus and/or winnings before it becomes withdrawable.
As an example, imagine you sign up for an online casino offering a 100% deposit bonus up to $100. In other words, the casino will give you a free $100 if you make a payment of $100 or less.
Let’s also say that you deposit $100, claim the maximum bonus, and have to fulfill 35x wagering requirements. This means you must gamble a total of $3500 before you can withdraw any winnings generated from your bonus credits.
So, if you were to win $400 while playing through your sign up bonus, you wouldn’t be able to withdraw the cash straightaway. You would continue playing and, once you’ve gambled a total of $3500, the $400 (along with any remaining bonus funds) would become withdrawable.
It’s also worth noting that some casinos require you to fulfill the wagering requirements within a certain timeframe. If you fail to do so, any bonus funds and/or winnings will be voided and returned to the casino.
Amazing Online Casinos that Accept Pennsylvania PlayersTips How to Find the Top Sign Up Bonus Casino Deals
Now that you have a clear understanding of how sign up bonus casinos work, you might be eager to find the top deals. The good news is there are plenty to choose from. To ensure you get the best possible offers, however, we’ve listed our top tips below:
- Always Read the Terms & Conditions - Before accepting any offer, you need to read the terms and conditions. This will give you a clear idea of the wagering requirements, time constraints, eligible payment methods, game contributions, and anything else you need to know. It only takes a few minutes to read the T&Cs, and it could save you a lot of frustration further down the line.
- Understand How Wagering Requirements Work - Any online casino in the US with a sign up bonus will have rollover requirements attached. However, the level of these requirements can vary greatly from one site to another. Generally, the lower the rollover, the better the deal will be. As a general rule, anything under 30x is considered to be good value. Anything over 40x should only be accepted if the other aspects of the offer are exceptional.
- Check When the Offer Expires - Like wagering requirements, expiry dates vary from one deal to the next. However, you need to be realistic about what’s achievable. For example, an offer may have an expiry date of two weeks from the point you register. In addition to accepting the terms, providing personal information and probably uploading official IDs, it takes time to complete the wagering requirements. Two weeks may not be enough time to do this, so four to six weeks is a more practical timescale.
- Look Out for Hybrids - Hybrid deals offer a combination of free spins and deposit bonuses. As we’ve said earlier in this guide, these offers give you the chance to benefit from several different rewards. Just remember to check the value of each element, and ensure the overall value is worth accepting the offer.
- Compare Several Deals - Finally, you need to compare several deals in order to determine what’s good and what’s great. Our reviews can help you do this, plus don’t forget to look beyond the sign up bonus. Think about the overall quality of the games, the payment options, and the level of customer support. Only by looking at the big picture can you find the best sign up bonuses in the US.
Most Common Bonus Mistakes to Avoid
When it comes to sign up bonuses, knowledge is power. If you understand how these offers work, you’ll be able to avoid the pitfalls facing less experienced players. With this in mind, we’ve put together a list of mistakes you should look to avoid.
Best Online Casinos in Canada (2023) - Top Canadian Casino SitesNot Reading the Terms & Conditions
Every reputable online casino in the US will have comprehensive terms and conditions relating to its sign up bonuses. It’s your responsibility to read these T&Cs and familiarize yourself with the various rules, restrictions and regulations. If you skip this step, you may end up activating an offer you can’t fulfill. Equally, you run the risk of breaking the rules, which could result in your account being closed or profits confiscated.
Not Checking Game Contribution Percentages
All games don’t contribute towards wagering requirements at the same rate. Slots are classed as 100% games, which means anything you wager and win is counted. However, other products, such as video poker and table games, may only count as 20% or 50%. Some games aren’t even eligible. If you LOVE games that offer low game contribution percentages, this could cause problems when trying to hit rollover requirements. Be sure to check these figures in advance so you can pick the right games once you start playing.
Claiming Bigger Offers Than You Can Afford
Many online casinos in the US will offer depositing bonuses that match your payments on a proportionate basis. For example, an operator may give you 100% of your first payment, 50% of your second payment, and 40% and 30% of your fourth and fifth payments respectively.
Although it can be temptuous to claim the largest bonus possible, this isn’t always the best strategy. If you normally deposit $100, claiming a 400% bonus on a $1000 payment may seem like a wise move. In reality, you may struggle to complete the wagering requirements, especially if the rollover is high and/or the offer expires relatively soon.
By only claiming a bonus on your usual payment ($100 in this scenario), you give yourself the best chance of unlocking your winnings and collecting your profit.
Failing to Utilize Reload Bonuses
If you enjoy promoting and plan to make several payments at an online casino, be sure to look out for reload bonuses. Unlike welcome offers, reload bonuses are designed for existing players. They give you extra credits for making additional deposits, and the best deals tend to have lower wagering requirements than deposit match offers for new customers.
Forgetting About Cashback Offers
Another great option for regular players are cashback offers. Effectively this is a safety net and pays a percentage of losses incurred during a specified period (the cash back is based on net losses). Yes, it would be nice if cashed out cash, but it’s designed to be wagered. That being said, if you’re going through a dry spell, it’s nice to have the opportunity to recoup some of your losses and lock in some profits from cashback offers tend to have lower rollover requirements than deposit bonuses and reload bonuses. As such, they’re well worth keeping your eye out for.
Best Real Casino Games You Can Play OnlineTop 5 Alternative Online Casino Bonuses
As we’ve just explained, there are lots of alternative bonuses aside from sign up offers. Below we examine five of the best types and highlight what they can bring to the table.
*reload Bonuses
- These are deposit bonuses designed for existing customers.
- The best reload bonuses offer 100% deposit matches or more.
- Rollover requirements can be considerably lower for existing players compared to welcome bonuses.
- Some reload bonuses are tied into specific days of the week, such as Weekend Reloads.
*Cashback Offers
- Cashback offers give you a percentage of your net losses during a specified period.
- The best cashback offers have low rollover requirements attached - 5x to 10x is acceptable.
- Some online casinos in the US will offer unlimited cashback each month, which is great if you’re going through a dry spell.
- Cashed cannot be redeposited and re-wagered, but it’s a good way to lock in some profits.
*VIP / Loyalty Schemes
- The best loyalty schemes have multiple tiers, each offering better rewards.
- Lots of online casinos in the US have VIP schemes that are invite only. This could be because of the amount you deposit, the length of time you’ve been a customer, or both.
- Points can usually be earned across all products and payment methods, plus the value of each point won’t change depending on the game you play.
- Loyalty points can be redeemed for extra credits or free spins.
*Refer-a-Friend Schemes
- If you refer a friend to a online casino in the US, and they make a deposit and fulfill the wagering requirements, you’ll receive extra credits or cashback.
- The best referral schemes offer substantial rewards. For example, you and your friend might receive $100 in extra credits.
- You should tell your friends about great referral schemes, as it could benefit you both.
*Tournaments and Freerolls
- Tournaments are competitions that typically last for several hours. The best tournaments have large prize pools that include tokens, extra credits, free spins and cash.
- Freerolls are free casino slots tournaments that allow you to win prizes without having to spend a dime.
- The best tournaments allow you to pick from several games, and slots and live dealer titles are often on the menu.
Top 5 Tips for Responsible Gambling
Online casinos in the US go to great lengths to promote responsible gambling. Aside from providing tools like deposit limits, time restrictions and self-exclusion, the best operators encourage sensible gameplay through educational materials and certified counselling services.
No Deposit Casino Real Money Bonuses (USA) Worth a Claim in '23We wholeheartedly embrace the concept of responsible gambling and believe that players should follow these golden rules at all times:
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Never Chase Losses - If you’re going through a dry spell, accept that it’s simply your lucky day. Chasing losses is the quickest way to sink deep into overdraft territory.
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_Make Sure You're Not Under the Influence_ - You should never drink or take drugs to the point where your judgement is impaired. This can lead to rash decisions and poor game choices. Always stay sober when playing online casino games.
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_Set Limits and Stick to Them_ - We’ve already talked about the benefits of deposit limits, session timers, and self-exclusion. Use these tools wisely and responsibly.
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_Take Regular Breaks_ - It can be tough to walk away from a hot streak, but running the risk of big losses to protect your profits isn’t sound gameplay. Take regular breaks, enjoy the rest of your day, and log back in another day to see if the streak is still alive.
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Remember That Gambling Should Be Fun_ - Online casino games should always be enjoyed rather than taken overly seriously. Of course, the goal is to win money, but this should never be at the expense of enjoyment. So, if things aren’t going your way, just relax and try again another day.
FAQs
Do all online casinos in the USA offer sign up bonuses?
No they don’t. While most reputable operators have some form of welcome offer, the size, structure, and terms and conditions can vary greatly. For access to the top sign up bonus casinos in the US, visit our recommended sites above.
Are sign up bonuses hard to claim?
No. Providing you register at a legit online casino in the US, you should be able to claim your bonus with ease. In most cases, there’s no promo code required, you simply tick a box confirming you want to accept the offer when going through the registration process. Once your payment has been processed, the bonus will be added to your account. Be sure to read the terms and conditions first so you know what’s involved.
Why can’t I withdrawal my sign up bonus?
If you attempted to collect your winnings before fulfilling the wagering requirements, your account will have been blocked. Online casino bonuses always have rollover conditions attached, and you must complete these conditions before you can withdraw your profit. In most cases, you will have been notified of these terms when you accepted the bonus. If you’re unsure about anything, it’s always best to contact customer support before taking action.
Which is the best sign up bonus in the United States?
There are many good sign up bonus offers in the US. However, the best one for you depends on your preferences. Are you interested in slots? If so, a bonus laden with free spins might be ideal. Do you love table games? A deposit bonus that gives you extra credits to play these products might be the best choice.
Are online sign up bonuses safe?
Yes. If you play at a safe and secure online casino in the US, its sign up bonus will also be safe. The best sites use SSL encryption to protect your personal and payment details, and they are independently audited to prove their games are always fair. Plus, legitimate sites will be licensed by reputable regulators and authorities, like the MGA and KGC.