Best online casino bonuses and sign up offers in the US | May 2024
In order to elevate your casino gaming experience, online gambling venues offer some of the best casino bonuses available to play with and we've got the best ones available in the US this month. To make it easier for you, we've been through the top deals you could take up right now.
The unpredictability of casino gaming is why we find it entertaining. However, unpredictability also creates uncertainty.
In a world of uncertainty, casino bonuses are a constant. They help smooth out the rough patches and they take you higher when things are going your way.
That’s why promotions are essential and, in turn, why we’ve created this guide. Over the next few minutes, you’ll not only find out where to get the biggest US casino bonuses, but how they work and how users can use them to their advantage.
So, if you’re ready to get more value each time you play, here’s our comprehensive casino bonus guide.
Full list of online casinos with the best bonuses in the US
- BetMGM (Available in: PA, MI, and WV)
- DraftKings (Available in: PA, MI, and CT)
- BetRivers (Available in: PA, MI, and WV)
Casino reviews: A closer look at the top casino bonuses in the US
What are the best US online casinos for bonuses? Based on research and inside knowledge, the following six casinos are among the best for bonuses and slot games.
1. BetMGM
Available states: PA, MI, WV
Pros
- $25 no deposit bonus
- $1,000 first deposit match
- Over 1,000 games, including exclusives
Cons
- Withdrawals are a bit slow
BetMGM often tops user polls when it comes to software, games, and promo code offers. New customers can use our sign-up link and BetMGM bonus code to get $25 when they successfully create an account.
From there, an initial deposit unlocks a $1,000 match bonus. Those rewards are just the start of things. BetMGM has a crossover loyalty program through which you can earn rewards online and in MGM’s land-based casinos.
Additionally, there are thousands of games to play, including exclusives such as MGM Riches Triple Ruby, BetMGM Jackpots, and Jets Deluxe. Finally, this app looks great on all devices, and the mobile-first design makes it easy to use in any setting.
2. DraftKings
Available states: PA, MI, CT
Pros
- Big welcome bonus worth up to $2,000
- Exclusive games, including sports-themed content
- VIP scheme
Cons
- Bonus playthrough could be lower
DraftKings might be the biggest name in daily fantasy sports, but it’s quickly become a major player in casino gaming through a combination of added value and unique content. New customers can tap here to get a 100% first deposit match bonus worth up to $2,000.
That’s one of the biggest welcome offers out there, and it sets the tone for a regular stream of promotions and VIP rewards. Something else that makes DraftKings Casino stand out from the crowd is the fact you can play tons of sports-themed games, including Baseball Blackjack and Basketball Roulette.
DraftKings casino sign up promo
Get 100% match up to $2,000
The above offers are available in the following states at present: PA, MI, and CT. 21+ New players only. Full T&Cs apply.
3. BetRivers
Available states: PA, MI, WV
Pros
- Low playthrough on bonuses
- Daily slot tournaments
- Generous loyalty program
Cons
- Interface looks a little dated
Our BetRivers bonus code and registration link open the door to a $500 first deposit match. That might be slightly less bonus cash than you’ll get at other top-rated USA casinos. However, the strength of this deal is that its playthrough is 1X. That’s significantly lower than the industry average of 10X-15X. In terms of percentage, this deal is more attractive, especially if you are interested in favorable deposit casino bonuses.
Another reason to try BetRivers Casino if you’re 21+ and in a legal state is its commitment to slot gaming. Not only is the range of slots impressive, but the RTP (return to player) is also competitive. As well as offering hundreds of world-class spinners, BetRivers offers bonus spins promotions and daily slot tournaments with prizes worth upwards of $2,000.
BetRivers casino sign up offer
Up to $500 bonus money on 1st deposit
The above offers are available in the following states at present: PA, WV, and MI. 21+ New players only. Full T&Cs apply.
How we picked sites with the best casino bonuses
Eye-catching bonus offers get online casinos noticed. However, as important as promotions are, they’re not the only reason to choose an online casino. We know that. You know that. That’s why we review online casinos using five key metrics:
Casino bonuses and offers
Casino bonuses come in all shapes and sizes. Our rundown of the best casinos and their associated offers proves that. Therefore, we can’t simply rely on quantity alone as a mark of quality. Yes, we like to see as many promotions as possible on a gambling site. Moreover, for casual and high-roller players, we envision exclusive promo code offers, casino bonus codes, birthday bonuses, something for slot spinners, loyalty rewards, and more.
Put simply, we want to see promos that cater to all tastes. What’s more, we want every casino bonus to have fair and transparent wagering requirements. Offering dozens of bonuses is only a positive if players have a fair shot at unlocking their rewards.
Variety of games
Variety, as they say, is the spice of life. This applies to casino games as much as any other aspect of life, which is why we choose our top picks based on the games they offer on the gambling site. Slots, as you’d expect, are a must. This means we want to see a nice mix of video slots, three-reel classics, progressive jackpot games, and Megaways masterpieces. Also, just for good measure, exclusive slots are always a bonus.
Alongside slot machines should be classic table games, such as blackjack, roulette, casino poker, craps, video poker, and baccarat. Then, to round things out, modern innovations are a must. That means you should be able to play keno, Slingo, live dealer games, scratch cards, and arcade-style games.
Casino mobile apps
Sitting in front of a computer screen is so noughties. Yes, it’s still fun to play games and claim casino bonuses via your desktop. However, we live in a mobile world, which is why the top-rated US casinos must be available for smartphones and tablets.
At the most basic level, an online casino should have an optimized website that not only functions on all devices but looks good at all screen sizes. Of course, we don’t want basic, we want the best. That’s why our US online casino reviews only recommend operators with iOS and Android apps.
Payment methods
Demo games should be available to all customers who want to have fun. However, if you want to combine fun with financial potential, you must pay to play. This means you need secure ways to make deposits and withdrawals using reputable processors such as Visa, MasterCard, and PayPal.
As well as safe payment methods to help you play real-money casino games, you also need funds in your account to clear bonuses. Every casino bonus has a playthrough requirement. A playthrough requirement is a betting target you need to hit by wagering your own money. Therefore, payment methods matter.
Customer support
Our recommended US casinos score highly in all departments, but even they aren’t perfect. There will be times when things go wrong. These times will be few and far between, but it remains the case that you might need help.
Because of this, we look to see an operator’s customer support options on the gambling site. An FAQ, live chat, and email contact options are a minimum requirement. A phone number is a nice extra, as is the social media support and a phone number in the United States.
What are online casino bonuses?
Online casino bonuses are rewards you get in exchange for your time online. That doesn’t mean you can just log into your account and do nothing; you have to play. By play we mean you need to make real-money wagers. Doing this allows you to take part in promotions that pay out bonus bets, spins, cashback, and more. Furthermore, taking advantage of these offers can be an excellent strategy for disciplined players.
What types of casino bonuses are available at online casinos in the US?
There are various types of casino bonuses out there. The difference between certain bonuses is minimal, while some offers are completely unique. The best way to explain these differences is to break down the various types of bonuses you can find online.
No deposit bonuses
Casino promotions that don’t hinge on a financial transaction are known as no deposit bonuses. The clue is in the name, so you probably guessed that anyway. However, for the purpose of clarity, these offers are usually given to new players as a sign-up bonus i.e. you get a reward for successfully creating an account. However, any rewards you receive without making a deposit also fall into this category.
Welcome bonuses
Ever heard of a golden hello? Golden hellos are incentives big businesses offer to prospective employees. They’re designed to entice someone to switch from a rival company. Casino welcome bonuses are similar. They’re incentives you get for joining an online casino.
The good news, however, is that you don’t have to leave one site to join another. You can’t get multiple welcome bonuses from the same casino, but you can claim different offers from different casinos. Most welcome offers are deposit bonuses. This means you need to create an account and make a minimum deposit to get your reward.
A deposit match bonus amount bases your reward on the amount of money you put into your account (aka it’s a 100% match). Other deposit bonuses can trigger cashback deals (money back on net losses), bonus spins, and site credit. Finally, some offers might require a casino bonus code (aka a promo code).
Bonus codes need to be entered when you register or before you make an initial deposit. We have exclusive deposit bonus codes for more than one US casino site, so look out for those when you’re reading our reviews.
DraftKings casino sign up promo
Get 100% match up to $2,000
The above offers are available in the following states at present: PA, MI, and CT. 21+ New players only. Full T&Cs apply.
Bonus spins
There are hundreds of different slots online, and some of the best casino bonuses give you a chance to play them without spending a cent. Bonus spins have a real-money value, so any prizes you win can be converted to cash once you’ve hit the playthrough target. There may be an upper limit to the amount you can win but the fact remains you can use bonus spins to play slots and, if you align the right symbols, bank prizes.
Reload bonuses
Any deposit-based reward that comes after an initial transaction is known as a reload bonus. You’re reloading your account with credit and getting a reward for it. Some reload bonuses require casino promo codes, others are simply activated when you make deposits at certain times. The average reload bonus is worth between 20% and 50% of your deposit.
Seasonal or recurring promotions
Some offers are seasonal. That means they appear at certain times of the year or around particular events. A great example of this is the Super Bowl. Most legal US casino sites also offer sports betting. Promo teams are always trying to link the two verticals, which means you’ll often find sports-themed casino bonuses, such as bonus credits for table games when you bet on the Super Bowl.
Mobile-only bonuses
It’s rare these days that casinos offer mobile-only bonuses, but they still exist. As the name suggests, these deals are only available to mobile casino players. For example, if you play certain slots via a casino’s mobile app, you might unlock a spins bonus that isn’t available via the website.
BetRivers casino sign up promo
Up to $500 bonus money on 1st deposit
The above offers are available in the following states at present: PA, WV, and MI. 21+ New players only. Full T&Cs apply.
What kind of requirements do casino bonuses have?
Casino bonuses have restrictions on who can claim them, the amount you can win from site credit, and how much you need to wager before you can request a withdrawal. Every offer has its own requirements, and we’ll run through some of the main ones in a moment. Before that, let’s quickly explain why there are restrictions on bonus money and any associated winnings.
Some casino bonus offers are free of restrictions, but not many. In fact, even offers that don’t have a playthrough requirement have certain terms and conditions. Without rules, it would be anarchy. The system would be easily exploited and, once too much money had been drained from the pot by unfair play, there’d be no more bonuses. Therefore, even though they can be annoying, wagering requirements actually make bonuses viable.
Now that’s clear, here are some of the important wagering requirements you need to take note of before you claim a bonus…
Deposit requirements
Almost all promos, particularly deposit bonuses, have a minimum payment requirement. For example, you need to deposit at least $10 to get BetMGM’s welcome bonus. You might also find that certain payment methods exclude you from promo offers. This is rare, but we suggest checking the terms before you make a deposit.
Limited time offers
Few things in life last forever, and casino promos don’t buck that trend. Offers have expiry dates both in terms of how long the bonus is available to claim and how long you’ve got to hit your playthrough target (more on this below).
Bonus can be limited to certain games
Bonus spins are clearly restricted to slots because they’re the only viable way they could be used. However, when you receive bonus cash, it might not be obvious where you can and can’t use it. In general, bonus cash can be used on all games. Live casino games are sometimes excluded from the mix but check the terms before you start playing.
Something else to note is that bets made to clear a bonus aren’t always given equal weighting. The general rule is that slot bets have a 100% contribution weighting i.e. every cent you wager helps to clear a bonus. The contribution weighting for table games ranges from 10% to 20% in most cases. You’ll also find that bets on certain games don’t count towards your playthrough.
Playthrough requirements
A playthrough, aka a rollover, is the amount you have to stake before a bonus is converted to withdrawable cash. Bonus credits and spins can’t be withdrawn. In fact, bonus winnings can’t be withdrawn until you hit your playthrough target.
Only once you’ve wagered a certain amount of your own money are bonuses eligible for withdrawal. In technical terms, bonus funds/winnings are converted to real money which is yours to play with or withdraw.
State restrictions
The final restrictions to be aware of are regulatory ones. Online casinos are only legal in certain US states. At the time of writing, you could legally play online casino games in Delaware, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia.
More states are likely to enter the mix over time. However, you can only claim bonuses in these states. What’s more, operators with apps in multiple states might not be able to offer the same promotions everywhere because of local gambling restrictions.
How to sign up at an online casino and claim a casino bonus
Every casino player should know how to get something extra when they join a new site. We’ve shown you where to find the best casino bonuses right now. We’ve also outlined the various offers out there and how they work. Before we wrap up this guide, here are the steps you need to get more for less when you play online:
- Read our US online casino reviews.
- Find a casino/s you like based on the casino welcome bonus size, wagering requirement, casino bonus terms and type, and use our secure links to start the registration process.
- Use the sign-up button on the homepage of your chosen casino.
- Complete the registration form by inputting your personal details, including the last four digits of your Social Security Number. *Your Social Security Number is used to verify your identity.
- Enter a casino promo code, if required.
- Allow the casino’s geolocation software to verify your location.
- Confirm your account and log in to claim any no deposit bonuses you’re entitled to.
- Go to the cashier and stake the minimum deposit amount to claim your welcome bonus.
DraftKings casino sign up promo
Get 100% match up to $2,000
The above offers are available in the following states at present: PA, MI, and CT. 21+ New players only. Full T&Cs apply.
What’s the age requirement for signing up at an online casino?
The minimum age to use US online casinos is 21. You must verify your age during the registration process using your Social Security Number. As well as meeting the minimum age requirement, you need to be within the borders of a state that allows online gambling.
Which states allow online casinos?
Online casino gaming isn’t legal in every state. Even though you can use online sports betting sites in more than 30 states, the number of places where digital casinos are regulated is a lot lower. This number is likely to increase over time. However, at the time of writing this guide, the legal US online casino states were:
- Connecticut
- Delaware
- Michigan
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- West Virginia
Are you an NBA fan? Check out our list of best NBA betting sites.
Can I win real money with casino bonuses?
Yes, you can win real-money prizes using casino bonuses. However, there may be a cap on the amount of money you’re allowed to win. What’s more, any winnings gleaned from bonus credits will be subject to wagering requirements. This means you can’t withdraw the money until you’ve hit a playthrough target.
Are my casino winnings taxable?
Yes, casino winnings are taxable. As noted by the IRS, “Gambling winnings are fully taxable, and you must report the income on your tax return.” You might be able to make deductions based on your wins, losses, and expenses, but it’s advisable to check the IRS website for more information on this.
As a general rule, 24% of certain gambling wins will be withheld by a land-based casino. If this happens, you’ll receive a For Form W-2G that has to be submitted with your annual tax return. If winnings aren’t deducted automatically, you need to record your profits on a Form 1040 or Form 1040-SR. Once you’ve done this, profits will be classed as income and taxed at the federal level (10% to 24% based on your income) and at a state level.
Are casino bonuses available for mobile play?
Yes, you can use every casino bonus for mobile play. You can do this by using a casino’s optimized mobile website or native app for iOS/Android.
Looking for betting sites for UFC? Here's our list of top US sportsbooks.
What are the best games to play with casino bonuses?
Slots are great games to play with casino bonuses because the payouts are bigger than those available in table games. What’s more, slots can also help you hit playthrough targets faster. However, it’s up to you what you play. As long as there aren’t any game restrictions, our advice is to use bonus money to play something you enjoy.
What casino bonus is the best for new players?
Welcome bonuses are the best offers for new players because they give you the most value. Indeed, it’s rare for ongoing promotions to give you as much bonus credit as a welcome offer. Therefore, if you’re a newbie, use our exclusive promo codes and sign-up links to get deposit bonuses worth upwards of $1,000, cashback deals, spins, and more.
Are there casino bonuses and promotions for existing players?
Yes, you can get casino bonuses and promotions as an existing player. Common offers in this category are reload bonuses, random prize drops, slot tournaments, and giveaways. But, in our opinion, the best way for existing customers to get maximum value from their online casino experience is to claim loyalty rewards. These rewards are unlocked by earning points. You earn points by playing real-money casino games.
Which online casino has the biggest welcome bonus?
DraftKings Casino has the biggest new customer offer in terms of top-end value. First-time depositors can use our sign-up link to get a matched bonus worth up to $2,000. Other welcome offers that stand out in terms of overall value are BetMGM’s no deposit bonus and BetRivers’ $500 deposit match.
If you are looking for NFL betting bonuses, we've found the best online sportsbooks in the US.
Our five tips and strategies on how to pick the best online casino bonuses
That’s just about all you need to know about online casino bonuses and how much extra value you can get. Before you rush off and scoop up as many promotions as possible, here are five tips to help you get maximum value:
- Use bonus codes whenever possible because they often unlock exclusive deals.
- Read the terms and conditions to ensure it’s easy to unlock a promotion’s rewards.
- Play slots whenever possible because they’re the easiest way to hit your playthrough targets.
- Shoot for offers that suit your playing style because, at the end of the day, gaming should be fun.
- Don’t spend more than you can afford to lose just to get a casino bonus. It’s a terrible idea!
Keep those five bonus hunting tips in mind and use our recommended US online casinos to get a constant stream of added value every time you play.
About the author
Daniel Smyth
Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.
Responsible gambling
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- National Council on Problem Gambling – https://www.ncpgambling.org/
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 1-800-522-4700 or go to ncpgambling.org/chat
