If you're looking to get the most value from your first deposit at a US online casino, a sign-on bonus is your golden ticket. These offers, also known as welcome bonuses, give you extra cash or free spins to extend your play and boost your chances of hitting a win. But not all sign-on bonuses are created equal. We're breaking down exactly how they work at major US casinos, what you need to watch out for, and which ones give you the best shot at turning that bonus money into real, withdrawable cash.
How Casino Sign-On Bonuses Really Work
A sign-on bonus is a match on your first deposit. You put in $100, the casino adds a percentage of that, like 100%, giving you a $200 starting bankroll. The catch is the playthrough requirement. This is the number of times you must wager the bonus amount before you can cash out any winnings. For example, BetMGM Casino's standard offer is a 100% match up to $1,000 with a 15x wagering requirement. If you claim the full $1,000 bonus, you'd need to place $15,000 in total bets before a withdrawal. Slots usually contribute 100% to this requirement, while table games like blackjack might only contribute 10% or 20%.
Deposit Match vs. No-Deposit Bonuses
Don't confuse a deposit match sign-on bonus with a no-deposit offer. A no-deposit bonus, like $20 free play just for signing up, is much rarer and has extremely high wagering rules. The classic sign-on bonus requires your own money first, but typically comes with better terms and a much larger potential bankroll boost.
Top US Casino Sign-On Bonus Offers Compared
Let's look at real offers from leading brands. DraftKings Casino provides a 100% deposit match up to $2,000, which is one of the highest maximums in the market, with a 15x playthrough. Caesars Palace Online Casino often runs a 100% match up to $1,000 plus 2,500 Reward Credits, also with a 15x requirement. FanDuel Casino keeps it simple with a 100% match up to $1,000 and a low 1x playthrough on the bonus amount, meaning you only need to wager the bonus money once. This is one of the most player-friendly structures available.
Understanding Bonus Codes and Opt-In
Sometimes you need a bonus code, like "CASINOBONUS," during registration or deposit. Other times, like at BetRivers Casino, the bonus is applied automatically when you make your first deposit, but you must opt-in on the cashier page. Always double-check the promotions section to ensure you're activating the best current offer.
Clearing Your Bonus: A Realistic Strategy
To convert bonus funds into cash, you need to meet the wagering requirement. Focus on slots with a high Return to Player (RTP), ideally above 96%. Games like Blood Suckers or Starburst are popular choices. Avoid table games with low contribution rates unless you're prepared to wager significantly more. Also, remember there's almost always a time limit, usually 30 days, to complete the playthrough. Trying to bet huge amounts quickly is risky; a steady, strategic approach with smaller bets on high-RTP games is smarter.
Funding Your Account to Claim the Bonus
To trigger the sign-on bonus, you'll need to deposit using a method the casino accepts. Most US players use Visa, Mastercard, or PayPal. Increasingly, casinos like Borgata Online and BetMGM also accept online bank transfers (PayNearMe) and cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin. The minimum deposit is usually $10, but to maximize a 100% match, you might need to deposit the full bonus cap amount (e.g., $1,000 to get the full $1,000 bonus).
FAQ
Can I withdraw the sign-on bonus money immediately?
No. The bonus funds are locked until you meet the playthrough (wagering) requirements detailed in the terms. Any attempt to withdraw before meeting the requirement will typically forfeit the bonus and any winnings generated from it.
What happens if I lose my deposit before finishing the wagering?
If you lose both your deposited funds and the bonus funds before meeting the playthrough, the bonus is considered played through and the requirement is void. You cannot reactivate it; you would need to make another deposit, which usually won't qualify for the sign-on bonus again.
Do all games count equally towards the wagering requirement?
Absolutely not. This is a critical detail. Slots almost always count 100%. For table games, it's often lower. For instance, at Hard Rock Bet Casino, blackjack might contribute only 10%. This means a $100 blackjack bet would only count as $10 toward your $1,500 requirement on a $100 bonus. Always check the game weighting in the bonus terms.
Can I claim a sign-on bonus in multiple states?
It depends on the operator. Brands like BetMGM and Caesars often allow one welcome bonus per player across their entire platform, regardless of state. However, if a brand operates under separate licenses in different states (like DraftKings in New Jersey vs. DraftKings in Michigan), you might be eligible for the sign-on offer in each distinct market. Check their terms or ask customer support.