The best online casinos offer large welcome bonuses in a bid to attract new players. You can unlock thousands of dollars in bonus credits by signing up with popular sites like Caesars or BetMGM.
This guide highlights the top five welcome bonuses for online casino players. We will explain what each type of bonus entails, and we’ll help you choose the right bonus for your budget. We will also list other welcome promos available. And, we will give you any necessary bonus codes. You will also learn how to calculate the true value of each online casino bonus. That way, you can get the best bang for your buck.
Online Casinos with the Best Bonuses Right Now
- Get 5 Free SC + 250,000 WOW Coins on Sign Up
- Over 1000 Slots Games
- Welcome Bonus and Daily Login Bonuses
- Use Promo Code: WOWBONUS
- US Players Accepted
- 1200+ Slots & Live Dealer Games!
- FREE Daily Rewards
- Authentic Brand, Made in the USA
- US Players Accepted
- Get 2.5 Free SC + 7,500 GC on Sign Up
- Live Dealer Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
- Use Promo Code: PLAYBONUS
- PLUS Earn 1,250 VIP Points
- Daily 5,000 GC Login Bonus
- Choose from 400+ Games
- To Claim: Click Play Now
- Free 2.3 SC + 5,000 GC on Sign Up
- Daily FREE Sweepstakes When Logging In
- Choose From Over 700 Games
- Use Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
- 75 SC Free with 1,500,000 Crown Coins Purchase (200% Bonus!)
- FREE Daily Rewards & Weekly Challenges
- Available iOS Mobile App
- To Claim: Click Play Now
- Over 1,000 Slots + Live Dealer Casino-Style Games + Live Poker!
- 10,000 GC + 1 Stake Cash Daily Bonus
- Partnerships with Drake, Alfa Romeo F1 Team Stake, Everton FC, and more!
- Use Bonus Code: PLAYTODAY
- Generous Bonuses & Daily Freebies
- Feat. Casino Floor Slot Games
- Daily, Weekly & Monthly Lucky Draws
- To Claim: Click Play Now
- 150% Extra Coins on 1st Purchase: GC 50,000 + SC 25 FREE for $9.99
- Fast and Reliable Prize Redemptions
- Intuitive and Easy-to-Navigate Platform
- To Claim: Click Play Now
- GC 15,000 PLUS SC 2.5 Free on Sign Up
- Pragmatic Jackpot Play + Over 700 Slots Games
- Free Daily Coins Reward
- Use Exclusive Promo Code: BONUSPLAY
- PLUS 2 SC + 20,000 Gold Coins on Sign Up
- PLUS 20 FREE Spins on Account Verification
- Live Blackjack, Roulette, and MORE
- Instant Redemptions for US Players
- Get 7,500 GC + 2.5 SC Free on Sign Up
- Play a Huge Range of Casino Games
- Get Free Coins Daily
- To Claim: Click Play Now
Breaking Down the Top 5 Online Casino Welcome Bonuses in January 2025
We have analyzed the sign-up bonuses at every legal online casino in the United States. Our experts considered the size of each bonus and the ease of the wagering requirements. We ultimately decided that these are the top five online casino welcome bonuses.
Caesars Palace Casino
- Bonus Amount: 100% first deposit bonus of up to $2,500, plus 2,500 Reward Credits after you wager at least $25
- Caesars Palace Casino Bonus Code: TODAYCAS2500
- Bonus Type: Deposit match bonus
- Playthrough Requirement: The bonus has a 15x playthrough requirement on slots.
- Expiration Window: Bonus credits expire after seven days if unused
Best suited for a player who … is looking for a large sign-up bonus. This is currently the largest deposit match bonus on the market. Caesars Palace Casino also offers a strong rewards program and lots of ongoing promos.
BetMGM Casino
- Bonus Amount: 100% first deposit bonus of up to $2,500, plus $50 on the house
- BetMGM Casino Bonus Code: CASINOTODAY
- Bonus Type: No deposit bonus, plus a deposit match bonus
- Playthrough Requirement: The $50 on the house has a 1x playthrough requirement. However, you can only withdraw your winnings after making a deposit of $10 or more. The deposit match bonus has a 15x playthrough requirement.
- Expiration Window: You will be given seven days to complete the playthrough requirements.
Best suited for a player who … wants to claim a no-deposit bonus. You’ll get $50 on the house immediately after signing up. BetMGM will also match your first deposit dollar-for-dollar with bonus credits, up to $2,500 (and in WV, you also get some bonus spins). There are lots of extra bonuses and rewards available too.
FanDuel Casino
- Bonus Amount: Play $1, Get $100
- FanDuel Casino Bonus Code: None needed; Click here to claim
- Bonus Type: Play & Get bonus
- Playthrough Requirement: The bonus funds have a 1x playthrough requirement.
- Expiration Window: Your bonus credits will expire in seven days if unused.
Best suited for a player who … has a relatively modest bankroll. You can make a $10 minimum deposit and wager just $1 on any game to qualify for this bonus. FanDuel will then give you $100 in bonus credits, with a simple 1x rollover requirement.
DraftKings Casino
- Bonus Amount: Deposit at least $5 and get $35 in bonus credits. Play at least $10 and get another $1,000 in bonus credits.
- DraftKings Casino Bonus Code: None needed; click here to claim
- Bonus Type: Deposit match bonus, plus a Play & Get bonus
- Playthrough Requirement: Bonus funds have a 1x playthrough requirement.
- Expiration Window: You’ll be given seven days to meet the 1x wagering requirement.
Best suited for a player who … is looking for a strong risk-reward ratio. You only need to deposit $5 and place $10 worth of bets to unlock $3,035 in bonus funds. The bonus funds come with a simple 1x rollover requirement. That gives you a strong chance of earning a profit from this online casino sign-up bonus.
BetRivers Casino
- Bonus Amount: Up to $500 back in bonus credits on any first day losses.
- BetRivers Casino Bonus Code: CASINORIV
- Bonus Type: Second chance bonus
- Playthrough Requirement: This online casino bonus has a 1x playthrough requirement.
- Expiration Window: You will have 30 days to meet the wagering requirements.
Best suited for a player who … wants to try out new online casino games. You can play any games you like for up to 24 hours at BetRivers. If you sustain a net loss, you’ll get the money back in bonus credits with only a 1x playthrough.
Which Casino Welcome Offers Require Bonus Codes?
At some online casinos, you need to enter a specific bonus code to unlock sign-up bonuses. Others do not require a code. Besides the ones we mentioned above, here is a list of other online casinos, along with their welcome bonuses and whether or not they require a promo code.
| Casino | Bonus Code Required? | Bonus Amount | Where Available? |
|---|---|---|---|
 | No | Up to $1,000 in rewards | MI, NJ, PA, & WV |
 | No | Deposit $5, get $50 | MI, NJ, PA & WV |
 | Yes | Up to $1,250 back in bonus funds on net losses | NJ, PA & WV |
 | No | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | Sample Value |
 | No | 100% deposit match up to $500, plus 500 bonus spins | NJ |
 | No | Up to $100 back in bonus funds on net losses | NJ |
 Bally Casino | No | Up to $100 back in bonus funds on net losses | RI, NJ & PA |
 | No | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | NJ & PA |
 | Yes | Double your deposit up to $1,500 | MI, NJ & PA |
 | Yes | 100% deposit match up to $1,000, plus $20 on the house | NJ & PA |
 Stardust Online Casino | Yes | 25 free spins on registration, 100% deposit match up to $100, plus 200 bonus spins | NJ |
 | Yes | 200% deposit match up to $100 | NJ |
 Harrah's Online Casino | Yes | 20 free spins on registration | NJ |
 | Yes | Deposit match up to $1,000 + 100 bonus spins | NJ & PA |
 | Yes | 100% deposit match up to $1,000 | NJ & PA |
 | Yes | Deposit $10, get $40 for slots | NJ |
Most Important Casino Bonus Types
The best online casinos offer a wide range of bonuses. These are the most common casino bonus types to familiarize yourself with.
Online casinos use sign-up bonuses to attract new players. Examples include deposit match bonuses, no-deposit bonuses, and bonus spins.
You can only claim one sign-up bonus at each online casino. However, you can register with several legal online casinos in your state. That allows you to claim all the best casino welcome bonuses.
Best Online Casino for this Bonus Type: FanDuel Casino. This online casino offers a “Play $1, Get $100” bonus. That means you only need to risk $1 of your own money to unlock $100 in bonus credits. This sign-up bonus also has a simple 1x playthrough requirement.
Certain online casinos may give you bonus credits immediately after you sign up. You don’t need to make a qualifying deposit to unlock the bonus funds. If you complete the playthrough requirements, you can cash out a profit, without ever risking your own money.
No-deposit bonuses are very attractive. Unfortunately, they are also rare. We will always highlight the best no-deposit bonuses for our readers.
Best Online Casino for this Bonus Type: BetMGM Casino. You will get $50 on the house after signing up if you use the BetMGM Casino bonus code CASINOTODAY. The bonus funds have a 1x playthrough requirement.
An online casino may offer to match a percentage of your initial deposit with bonus funds. For example, you might get a 100% first deposit bonus worth up to $1,000, or perhaps a 50% deposit bonus of up to $250.
You will need to complete playthrough requirements on the bonus credits. They will then convert to withdrawable cash.
Best Online Casino for this Bonus Type: Caesars Palace Casino. This online casino offers the largest deposit match bonus on the market right now. You will receive a 100% first deposit bonus worth up to $2,500 when you sign up with promo code.
This is another common welcome bonus at online casinos. If you sustain a net loss, you will get the money back in bonus credits.
For example, an online casino may offer a rebate of up to $250 on any net losses incurred in your first 24 hours. The rebate will take the form of bonus funds, which will come with a 1x playthrough requirement. When you meet that requirement, the funds will convert to withdrawable cash.
Best Online Casino for this Bonus Type: BetRivers. You will get up to $500 back on any losses sustained in your first 24 hours. The rebate will take the form of bonus credits, which will have a 1x rollover requirement.
Bonus spins allow you to play an online slot with house money. For example, you might get 50 bonus spins to use on a certain slot. Each bonus spin will have a specific value, such as $0.10 or $0.20.
Some online casinos will pay out your winnings in cash. However, your winnings will typically be paid in bonus credits. You then need to complete a playthrough requirement on them before cashing out.
Best Online Casino for this Bonus Type: PlayStar. This online casino offers new customers a 100% first deposit bonus of up to $500, plus 500 bonus spins. Each bonus spin is worth $0.10, and PlayStar will pay out your winnings in cash, which you can withdraw immediately.
This is a deposit match bonus aimed at existing customers. Reload bonuses provide you with an incentive to top up your account balance.
They are usually smaller than sign-up bonuses, but they can still be attractive. For example, an online casino may offer you a 20% reload bonus of up to $20 if you make a deposit on a particular day.
Best Online Casino for this Bonus Type: FanDuel. Players can claim regular reload bonuses and “Bet & Get” offers at this online casino. For example, make a deposit and bet $100 on eligible table games to unlock a $10 bonus.
This online casino bonus rewards you for referring friends to the site. The online casino will give you a unique referral link, which you can send to your friends.
You will then be rewarded with bonus credits if your friend clicks the link, creates an account, and makes a minimum deposit. Your friend will normally receive an identical reward too.
Best Online Casino for this Bonus Type: FanDuel Casino. You will receive a $100 casino bonus for each friend you refer to the site. The bonus comes with a simple 1x playthrough requirement. You will get the bonus funds if your friend makes a minimum deposit of $10. BetMGM also offers a $100 referral bonus, but your friend needs to deposit at least $100 to qualify.
Only seven states have legalized traditional online casinos: Connecticut, Delaware, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and West Virginia. In most other states, players can use sweepstakes coins instead.
These sites allow you to play games for fun. You can also redeem their Sweeps Coins for cash prizes. The best social and sweepstakes casinos offer lots of bonuses. They include no-purchase welcome bonuses, daily login bonuses, and no-cost social media giveaways.
Best Online Casino for this Bonus Type: WOW Vegas. New players will get 5 free Sweeps Coins and 250,000 WOW Coins immediately after signing up. This social casino also offers a daily login bonus, social media giveaways, and many ongoing promos.
How To Evaluate a Casino Bonus
We have identified six key criteria to consider before claiming the sign-up bonus at an online casino.
Bonus Amount:
Consider the size of the bonus, and how much of your own money you need to deposit in order to unlock the bonus funds. For example, if you claim a 100% first deposit bonus worth up to $500, you only need to deposit $500 to earn $500 in bonus credits. By contrast, if an online casino offers a 50% first deposit bonus up to $500, you’d need to deposit $1,000 to earn $500 in bonus credits.
Personal Suitability:
Make sure an online casino bonus suits your budget. For example, casual players with small bankrolls may prefer to claim a “Play $1, Get $100” bonus. Meanwhile, high rollers may be more interested in a 100% deposit match bonus of up to $2,500.
Playthrough Requirements:
The playthrough requirements have a major impact on the appeal of a bonus. For example, if you claim a 100% first deposit bonus worth $1,000, which comes with a 10x playthrough requirement, you need to wager $10,000 before cashing out. However, if you claim a $1,000 with a 30x playthrough requirement, you must wager $30,000 before cashing out. The lower the playthrough requirements, the more appealing the bonus.
Game Restrictions:
You may be unable to play certain games with your bonus credits, such as blackjack, craps, video poker, and slots with high return to player (RTP) rates. Some online casinos allow you to play those games, but they only contribute 10% or 20% towards the playthrough requirements. When evaluating an online casino bonus, consider the contribution rates on high RTP games and any game restrictions.
Bonus Regularity:
You might also like to assess the ongoing bonuses and loyalty rewards that an online casino offers before signing up. The best online casinos offer many recurring bonuses. They include reload bonuses, “Game of the Week” offers, leaderboard tournaments, and prize draws. They also run comprehensive loyalty programs, which provide prolific players with regular rewards.
Easy Cashouts:
Make sure an online casino supports your preferred payment methods before claiming the sign-up bonus. Casino players can also look into the speed of the payouts, along with the withdrawal limits. For example, some online casinos have a $1 minimum withdrawal. Others set it at $20, so check the limits and ensure they fit your budget.
Pros and Cons of a Deposit Match Bonus
Deposit match bonuses are the most common sign-up offers at online casinos. You simply make an initial deposit, and the online casino matches it with bonus credits. Here are the key pros and cons of this type of bonus.
Pros
These casino welcome bonuses are simple. Just make an initial deposit, and the online casino will instantly match it with bonus credits. Deposit match bonuses are also flexible. You can choose a deposit amount that suits your budget, so these promos often appeal to casual players and high rollers. The best deposit match bonuses come with low playthrough requirements. That gives you a strong chance of earning a profit after claiming the bonus.
Cons
No-deposit bonuses are often more appealing, as they do not require you to deposit or risk your own money. Some deposit match bonuses come with unappealing playthrough requirements. That makes it hard to cash out a profit after claiming these bonuses. Each deposit match bonus has an upper limit. For example, an online casino may offer you a 100% bonus worth up to $1,000. Some VIP players may find those limits too low.
Which Casino Bonus Is Best for Casual Players?
FanDuel Casino offers the best bonus for casual players. To qualify, you simply need to create an account, make a deposit, and play $1 on any game. You will then get $100 in bonus credits. Play the bonus funds through a single time, and you can then cash out. That’s a very attractive bonus for casual players.
The DraftKings Casino bonus is also appealing. You only need to deposit $5 and place $10 worth of bets to unlock $3,035 in bonus credits. Not surprisingly, we also rank FanDuel and DraftKings among our best payout online casinos.
Should You Ever Not Claim an Online Casino Bonus?
Yes, there are several reasons to avoid an online casino bonus:
- The site offering the bonus is unregulated. Offshore casino sites often try to lure American players with huge sign-up bonuses. Unfortunately, these bonuses are often too good to be true. The sites are happy to take your money, but they may simply refuse to pay out when you request a withdrawal. You have no legal recourse if you are scammed at an offshore site, so avoid claiming those bonuses.
- The playthrough requirements are unappealing. If the wagering requirements are too high, your chances of successfully completing them with any withdrawable balance left over will be slim. Avoid bonuses that carry unrealistic wagering requirements.
- The bonus doesn’t suit your budget. A bonus may require a minimum deposit that exceeds your playing budget. For example, if you only plan to play with $20, but you need to deposit at least $50 to qualify for the bonus, you should avoid it. Don’t overstretch yourself just to unlock a tempting bonus, as responsible gambling is paramount.
Best Online Casino Bonuses by State
The list of legal online casinos varies on a state-by-state basis. Some major online casinos also offer different bonuses in each state. This table highlights the most attractive sign-up bonus in each state that has legalized online casinos.
| Best Online Casino Bonus In | Casino | Bonus Amount | Bonus Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Michigan | FanDuel | Play $1, get $100 | Click To Claim |
| New Jersey | PlayStar | 100% up to $500, plus 500 bonus spins | Click To Claim |
| Pennsylvania | DraftKings | Deposit $5 and get $35 + play $10 and get $100 | Click To Claim |
| West Virginia | BetMGM | Deposit $10, get $200 | CASINOTODAY |
| Delaware | BetRivers | 100% back in bonus credits on net losses up to $250 | CASINORIV |
| Rhode Island | Bally Bet | 100% back in bonus credits on net losses up to $100 | Click To Claim |
| Connecticut | Mohegan Sun | 100% up to $500 | None needed |
How To Use a Casino Bonus Responsibly
Follow these steps to ensure you use casino bonuses responsibly:
Stick to a strict budget.
Don’t play with money you cannot afford to lose. Set a budget—which doesn’t include money you need for rent, bills, groceries, or other essentials—and stick to it.
Play in moderation.
Enjoy online casino games as part of a balanced lifestyle. Take regular breaks. Don’t neglect work, family commitments, friends, or other interests.
Avoid casino bonuses if you have a gambling problem.
Online casino bonuses offer a compelling incentive to play slots and table games. If you have a gambling problem, it is important to resist the temptation to claim a casino bonus.
Read the terms and conditions.
Make sure you understand the playthrough requirements of an online casino welcome promo to avoid frustration. An online casino may deny your withdrawal request if you haven’t satisfied the requirements.
The best online casinos allow you to set deposit limits, time limits, and betting limits on your account. You can also request a cooling off period, or you can self-exclude. If you need support, call 1-800-GAMBLER or check out our responsible gaming page for more information.
Online Casino Bonus FAQs
Online casino welcome bonuses offer you an incentive to sign up with a certain site. For example, an online casino might offer you a 100% deposit match bonus worth up to $1,000 if you create an account. Leading online casinos like Caesars Palace and BetMGM offer larger welcome bonuses.
You can only claim a single welcome bonus at each online casino. However, you are free to sign up with several regulated online casinos in your state. That will allow you to claim all the best welcome bonuses. Most online casinos also offer weekly promos for existing customers. You can usually claim these promos multiple times.
The playthrough requirement is the most important term to look out for before claiming an online casino bonus. It tells you the number of times you need to roll your bonus funds over before you can withdraw them. The lower the playthrough requirement, the more attractive the online casino bonus.
You can visit the online casino’s “Promotions” page at any time to see a list of ongoing bonuses for existing customers. Alternatively, just opt into promotional emails from your online casino. In each case, your online casino should provide clear instructions on how to claim the bonus credits or the bonus spins.
The biggest online casino bonus is the Caesars Palace Casino sign-up offer, which is worth up to $2,500. To qualify, make an initial deposit of up to $2,500. Caesars Palace Casino will then match it dollar-for-dollar with bonus credits. You will then need to complete playthrough requirements on the bonus credits before cashing out.
No, the bonuses at regulated online casinos are not scams. Just make sure you sign up with a legal site like Caesars Palace, BetMGM, or FanDuel. They all offer legit bonuses, and they uphold their bonus terms and conditions. However, some unregulated online casinos run bonus scams, like bait-and-switch schemes. Avoid those unlicensed sites to ensure you aren’t scammed.
BetMGM and Borgata Casino give new players a free no-deposit bonus. You will get $25 on the house after signing up with BetMGM. Meanwhile, sister site Borgata Casino gives new customers a $20 no-deposit bonus. You can also receive no-deposit bonus spins at Stardust Casino and Harrah’s Casino.
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