You want more play for your deposit, plain and simple. US online casinos know this, and they compete fiercely by dangling some seriously large bonus offers. But the 'biggest' bonus isn't just about the dollar figure; it's about the value you actually get. We're cutting through the noise to show you where to find massive offers and, more importantly, how to tell if they're worth claiming.
Breaking Down the Big Welcome Offers
The headline grabbers are the welcome packages. You'll commonly see '100% up to $1,000' at places like BetMGM Casino or Borgata Online Casino, which means a $1,000 deposit gets you $2,000 to play with. But the real giants go further. Caesars Palace Online Casino has run promotions like '100% up to $2,500' for new players in certain states. DraftKings Casino often pairs a deposit match with free casino credits. The key is reading the terms: a $2,500 bonus with a 40x wagering requirement means you have to bet $100,000 before cashing out any winnings from it.
No-Deposit Bonuses: Free Play for Signing Up
These are the true 'freebies,' but they're rarely the 'biggest' in dollar amount. You might get $10 or $25 just for creating an account at FanDuel Casino or BetRivers Casino. The catch? Extremely high wagering requirements, like 50x or more, and low maximum cashout limits. They're fantastic for trying a casino risk-free, but don't expect to walk away with thousands.
Ongoing Promotions That Keep the Value Coming
The biggest bonuses aren't just for new players. Loyalty matters. Hard Rock Bet Casino's Unity Rewards program gives you bonus funds and free bets based on your play. BetMGM's 'iRush Rewards' and Caesars' 'Caesars Rewards' let you earn tier credits that translate into real-world perks like free hotel stays. For pure cashback, look for weekly loss-back offers; some casinos will return 10-20% of your net losses as bonus funds every Monday.
Game-Specific Bonus Boosts
Some of the most valuable bonuses are targeted. You might get 100 extra spins specifically for a new slot like Divine Fortune Megaways at Borgata Online. Live dealer tables at Bet365 Casino sometimes have 'bet-and-get' promos where a certain amount of roulette play triggers bonus cash. These offers have lower playthrough since the house edge on the targeted game is already factored in.
Payment Method Bonuses & Crypto Advantages
How you deposit can boost your bonus. Using PayPal or online bank transfer at DraftKings might get your funds working instantly. But the biggest payment boosts come from crypto. Many casinos catering to US players offer larger match percentages for Bitcoin or Ethereum deposits—think 150% up to $1,500 instead of 100%. Crypto bonuses often have slightly lower wagering requirements, too, because the transactions are cheaper for the casino.
FAQ
What's the catch with these huge casino bonuses?
The main catch is the wagering requirement (also called playthrough). You must bet the bonus amount, and sometimes the deposit amount, a set number of times before withdrawing. A 35x requirement on a $200 bonus means betting $7,000. Games also contribute differently; slots usually count 100%, while table games like blackjack might only count 10%.
Can I withdraw the bonus money immediately?
No. Bonus funds are held in a separate balance from your cash balance. You must meet all the terms and conditions, primarily the wagering requirement, before the bonus money converts to cash you can withdraw. Attempting to withdraw before meeting playthrough will typically forfeit the entire bonus and any winnings from it.
Are casino bonuses taxed in the USA?
Yes. According to IRS rules, gambling winnings are taxable income. This includes any net winnings you withdraw from a casino bonus after meeting playthrough. The casino will issue a W-2G form if your win on a single bet exceeds a certain threshold (usually $1,200+ on slots), but you are responsible for reporting all winnings, regardless of size, on your annual tax return.
Which US casino has the best ongoing bonuses for existing players?
It varies by state and player activity. BetMGM and Caesars are renowned for their tiered loyalty programs that offer consistent value through reward credits and free bets. For regular reload bonuses and cashback, BetRivers and Borgata Online often have strong weekly promotions. The 'best' is the one that matches your preferred games and deposit habits.