Best Casino Bonuses for October 2023

Online casinos are only legal in six US states: New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Delaware, West Virginia, Michigan, and Connecticut. While you don’t have to be a resident there, you must be physically located in the state when playing. Geolocation software will determine if you are, whether playing on desktop or a mobile device. Any play outside these states is illegal, other than sweepstakes-style casinos. 

Once you’re in a legal casino state, you can take advantage of bonus offers. To get the best experience, we recommend that you browse through the casinos that are available in regulated states so that you can get the best overview of the offers available.

Here is a more detailed rundown of where you can play legal online casinos in the US.

New Jersey

When it comes to a spread of legal gambling options, New Jersey is perhaps king of them all. It was the first state to legalize online casinos (in 2013), it pioneered the repeal of the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act (PASPA), and has more active online casino operators than any other state. There are around 30 NJ casinos online, plus poker operators, offering a mind-boggling amount of choices for every player.

Pennsylvania

Pennsylvania is frequently hot on New Jersey’s tail, as it was also an early adopter and produces staggering revenue numbers. The active list of PA online casinos is also quite long. Plus, companies are still acquiring licenses in PA, so there are new launches sporadically.

Michigan

In addition to being very gambling-friendly, Michigan has the benefit of location. Whereas other legal US online casino states are more clustered together, bordering each other and fighting for players crossing state lines, Michigan isn’t a quick drive to a competitor state. It gets the benefit of visitors traveling there solely to gamble. The list of Michigan online casinos is at around 20 operators, so it’s on par with Pennsylvania.

West Virginia

West Virginia may not be as metropolitan as the other three mentioned above, but it’s an online casino powerhouse that secured quite a few A-list brands – all partnered with retail casinos – plus legal online poker. The West Virginia online casinos list features more than a dozen operators.

Connecticut

Think of Connecticut online casino offerings as boutique. The state lacks a few of the major players – BetMGM and Caesars are not active – but the two live CT online casinos are decent. Two area tribes each partnered with a gambling powerhouse, which was a smart move. Mohegan Sun Online Casino is powered by FanDuel Casino and DraftKings Casino in Connecticut is via a partnership with Foxwoods Resort Casino, which is owned by the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation.

Delaware

Delaware is a small state with a big amount of legal gambling options. But when it comes to online casinos, Delaware is the only state where the online casinos are overseen by the state Lottery (in partnership with 888), so options are more limited. This unique set up means that only 888 affiliated partners are allowed, each paired with one of the three racinos in the state. However, the state does also boast legal online poker.

Online casino bonuses are an incentive for players to sign up and keep betting. When bonus offers can boost your bankroll without driving to a land-based casino, it's more of a reason to wager online and play real money slots.

Casinos also use bonuses to get a leg up on the competition. Some operators undercut playthrough and deposit requirements to generate loyal users. Others go all in on a flashy welcome bonus to attract new players. At the end of the day, everyone wants to turn a profit. If an online casino offers bonuses with a fair house edge and wager requirements, it's a win-win.

As you’ll learn in reading this page, not all casino bonuses are created equal. Here are a few tips on how to get the most out of bonuses.

Casino Bonuses with the Least Playthrough

Few online casinos offer bonuses and promotions with no wagering requirements, since this would essentially be giving away free cash. The sweet spot is a casino bonus with a high return and a low playthrough. For example, look for a current offer with an operator that will refund up to $1,000 on wagers lost in the first 24 hours. Players only have to bet the first deposit one time to qualify for this safety net. You will be hard-pressed to find a 1x playthrough for this amount anywhere else. Casino bonuses with wagering requirements of 10x or less are still reasonably competitive. The FanDuel Casino in PA often has a promotion like this, so check it first.

Gambling Site Bonuses with the Most Deposit Match

Deposit matches are the biggest online casino bonus available to new users. Bonus money up for grabs will usually fall between $500 and $1,500. DraftKings Casino usually leads the pack with the best of these kinds of offers, with Golden Nugget Online Casino and BetMGM Casino coming in at a close second and third place.

Online Casinos Bonuses that Have the Most Free Spins

Free spins are a great slot bonus. Free spins let you wager on slots with bonus money that can turn into cold hard cash. Welcome offers with a deposit bonus will generally offer the most free spins. This is the best scenario for new players. These can either be no deposit spins or free spins with wagering requirements. Several online casinos welcome new users with bonus spins, including Unibet and Caesars.

Most casino bonuses are calculated based on a percentage of the initial deposit. This number is referred to as a bonus percentage and typically ranges from 50-200%. This is the portion of the deposit amount you are eligible to receive as bonus cash. The second number that follows the words "up to" represents the maximum amount a casino will issue in bonus funds for real money deposits or wagers.

Activating online casino bonuses will vary based on the type of promotional offer you select. A welcome bonus brings new players to the table with free spins and bonus funds to reduce the upfront risk of getting in on the action. Players can activate a welcome bonus when signing up at new online casinos in USA. For example, premier brands have an online casino promo code for new users to get a deposit bonus of up to a certain amount – plus an extra amount, such as $10, just for signing up.

Existing players are rewarded with online casino bonuses for referrals, bankroll reloads, loyalty, and betting on specific casino games. Top tier casino operators have loyalty programs open to all players, not just high rollers. BetMGM Casino automatically enrolls new users in the MGM Rewards Program to earn credits with every wager. Casino bonuses for referrals reloads, and real money games often have bonus codes to activate the offer. These codes are listed in the online casino promotions section. 

When it comes to the user experience of collecting these bonuses, players will find that the top casino operators usually have the best casino apps, enabling you to play on the go.

Online casino promotions sometimes require an online casino promo code. Players can get these codes from the online casino website, one of their partners, or at the best slot sites. When you make a deposit or play real money games, there is usually a box to type the code in. Once the code is entered, the bonus is activated. The best casino bonus codes have clear instructions to make sure you never miss a chance to boost your bets.

Not all casino bonuses require a code. Some welcome bonus offers and regular promotions can be activated by clicking a "play now" button on the casino website. FanDuel uses a "play now" button to register new players for a sign-up bonus of up to a certain amount, often $1,000, in Play It Again credits. Unibet Live Casino Boosters can also be activated using a button instead of a bonus code.

Like most good things in life, casino bonuses don't last forever. You have to bet your bonus funds or use your free spins before they expire. The average timeline to use an online casino bonus is between 7 and 30 days. You will lose the bonus value and any associated winning amounts if you don't meet the play requirements before the expiration date.

Online casinos run promotions for limited periods to keep bonus offers fresh and bets rolling in. Ocean Online Casino and WynnBET Casino are good ones to check for offers that are fresh and timely.

Before the chips are on the table, you'll want to double check the fine print of online casino bonuses. Licensed online casinos will always have rules that limit what you can and can't do with your free spins and bonus funds. While the rules are fairly similar across operators, some differences make certain bonus types better than others.

The terms and conditions will tell you the bonus requirements for deposits, wagers, playthroughs, time limits, and game restrictions. Most bonus offers will exclude live casino games. Other conditions will usually restrict the use of more than one bonus at a time. However, the top online casinos will offer multiple bonuses and promotions to use one after another.

For example, after using the Hard Rock Casino welcome bonus, players can sometimes get free spins on select slot games. BetRivers Casino in NJ has daily slot tournaments to win bonus money. Wagers of $50 or more on BetMGM Casino games could earn a bonus bet on your favorite team when using the BetMGM sports betting site.

Online casino games contribute different amounts to playthrough requirements. Slots will usually contribute 100%. Table games such as craps and roulette may only contribute a small percentage. 

If you bet $10 on slots, it will count as $10 toward the wagering requirements. The same bet on roulette will only count as $2. Generally speaking, if a game has a high RTP (which translates to a lower house edge, or lower profit for the casino) then the game contributions on bonuses will be lower. This means that for games where statistically the player has a higher chance of winning, like blackjack and roulette, the bonus contributions will be lower, so you need to bet more to convert your bonus funds into withdrawable cash. If you play at blackjack or roulette casinos, then check the game contributions before you claim the bonus offers. Even if the best online blackjack casinos offer hundreds of games and attractive bonuses, it's the game contributions that will determine how much you have to bet before you can withdraw the funds. 

Not all games count towards wagering requirements. Most casinos have pre-selected or excluded games for bonus offers. Table games and video poker are generally off-limits or contribute less to playthrough requirements. Some casinos restrict online slots with progressive jackpots because of their high RTP. Free spins can also be limited to a single slot game (usually a popular one) with set stakes that can make for some pretty small payouts.

If you lean towards a particular game, look for bonuses that favor that game. This way, you won't struggle with figuring out which casino games you can play using bonus cash. BetMGM slots, jackpot slots, scratch games, fixed odds games, and virtual games often contribute 100% to playthrough requirements. Unibet, BetRivers, and Bet365 NJ Casino usually offer game-specific casino bonuses for roulette, trivia, and bingo.

Some online casinos limit the amount of money players can win with bonuses. These caps are used to protect the casino's cash flow and comply with online gambling regulations. Free spins and no deposit bonus offers are the most common promotions to have cashout limits. We have seen a handful of no deposit bonuses with a $500 max cash out. Winnings from free spins are usually credited as a casino bonus with a wagering requirement.

Withdrawing funds can also have some restrictions. Online casinos can have daily, weekly, and monthly withdrawal limits. Player status and banking methods will also determine how much money you can withdraw at one time. Some casinos will let you withdraw up to $100,000 per transaction (original bonus excluded). You can occasionally bypass restrictions if you cash out in person. It's really worth getting familiar with bonus types and rules to get the most out of every wager.

The terms and conditions will indicate if a payment method is restricted from the applicable bonus. Casino bonuses must be used to wager on games before making a withdrawal. Attempting to withdraw only bonus funds without meeting the wager requirements will result in losing all of the cash funds associated with the bonus offer.

Banks will sometimes decline deposits and withdrawals from real money gaming sites. E-wallets like PayPal tend to have better success rates than credit cards. Pre-paid cards are another alternative payment method accepted by multiple online casinos (e.g., Play+). High rollers may need to cash out using ACH or a casino cage because of the higher limits.

Players will need to make a minimum deposit to qualify for casino bonuses. The amount required is determined by the operator and bonus type. The average minimum deposit is between $5 and $30 (excluding no deposit bonuses). There are higher deposit requirements for welcome bonuses. 

Maximum deposits refer to the total bonus amount available. For example, let’s say Caesars Palace Online Casino in NJ offers new users a 200% deposit match bonus up to $100. A deposit of $100 will earn you an extra $100 ($200 total). If you deposit $200, you will still only receive $100 since that's the max bonus amount. The best welcome bonuses will match 100% of an initial deposit of $1,000-$2,000. This is why it’s important to read all the fine print at your chosen operator.

Once you find a casino bonus that catches your eye, it's time to take advantage of the offer. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to claim a casino bonus.

Step 1 - Review the terms

Review the casino bonus terms and conditions. Pay attention to the playthroughs, minimum deposit, game selection, payout amount, and time limits.

Step 2 - Create an account

Sign up for an online casino using a bonus code found on this page or "play now" button. You will be asked to fill out the registration form with the following information.

• Identification: Name, Age, Social Security Number
• Contact: Phone Number, Email Address
• Location: Address, City, State
• Bonus Code

Step 3 - Make a deposit

Deposit funds into your casino account to claim the bonus. If you selected a no deposit bonus or free spins, the money should already be in your account. Visit our US online casino fast payout guide for detailed information on all kinds of payment methods at US online casinos.

Step 4 - Bet your bonus

Place wagers with eligible games that qualify for the bonus. Slots generally contribute 100% to wagering requirements.

Step 5 - Withdraw bonus funds

Clear the bonus requirements to cash out your winnings. Payout times will vary based on the online casino and banking method.

Online casinos aren't in the business of handing out free money without a few caveats. Most bonus offers come with wagering requirements, also called playthrough requirements. These conditions dictate the number of times you have to bet a bonus before you can withdraw funds. Wagering requirements are generally between 30 and 50, depending on the operator and bonus type.

For example, let's say an online casino will match 100% of your first deposit up to $1,000. This welcome bonus carries a 30x wagering requirement. You have to bet $1,000 x 30 ($30,000) to withdraw cashable bonuses. 

The best casino bonuses have the lowest wagering requirements. FanDuel sometimes runs an offer where new users get a refund bonus with a 1x playthrough and get up to $1,000 back if down after the first day. A site credit for net losses would be applied to the FanDuel Casino account within 72 hours of the bonus period end date. 

How to Beat Wagering Requirements:

• Choose casino bonuses with a low playthrough
• Play games with high contribution rates
• Boost cash funds early with high volatility games
• Stabilize bankroll with low volatility online slots

There's no shortage of ways to win more than you wager. Discover the best casino bonuses for every type of player.

Online gambling sites use a welcome bonus to lure new users to the casino floor – or virtual lobby, in this case. The best welcome bonuses include free spins or a deposit match (sometimes both). If you want to go big on your first deposit, DraftKings and BetMGM Online Casino in NJ are two of our top choices, along with FanDuel and Ocean Casino. 

No deposit bonuses are the gold standard of online casino promotions and are the best type of bonus if you want to try new games. New players get free money without an upfront cash deposit. Pala Casino, Virgin Casino, and Scores Casino have no deposit bonuses. We have also seen promotions at Hard Rock Casino that divide out its no deposit bonuses in 50 free spins after registration is complete.

Get the bells and whistles of a casino floor right in the palm of your hand. Most online casino bonuses are available on desktop and mobile apps. Players can still access the best welcome bonuses, free spins, and ongoing promotions on iPhone and Android devices. Mobile casinos may not offer all the games you want, but you can place bets and cash in chips on the go without missing a beat. There are slot apps by various operators plus other online casino apps, including BetMGM, FanDuel, and Caesars.

Free spins are the easiest casino bonus for newcomers, seasoned pros, and every player in between, but are certainly ideal for those who love playing slots at their favorite free spins casino. Players will receive a set number of free spins to use on selected online slot apps. You get to keep any money you win so long as you meet the wagering requirements. Golden Nugget Online Casino and Unibet Casino are known for offering free spin promotions. Even with a few post-win wager targets, these deals are a great way to build your bankroll with less risk.

A reload bonus usually follows the initial welcome bonus. It essentially acts as a deposit match bonus for existing players. It’s definitely nice to have if you play quite frequently. Most reload bonuses match 25-50% of a deposit up to a certain amount. Some are only rewarded for specific payment methods. If you’re interested in reload bonuses, check out Unibet Casino and FanDuel Casino.

Cashback bonuses are one the best casino bonus offers for new players. They operate the same way as risk-free bets on sports betting sites. This promo pads your plays with a little insurance just in case you don't get lucky. For instance, let's say you wager $100 on a poker game. The online casino will give you a portion or all of your cash back if the wager loses. If this sounds ideal to you, scope out FanDuel Casino first, as it has offered these kinds of bonuses many times before.

Players sporting hefty bankrolls will gain access to high roller casino bonuses. These bonus offers are reserved for big money games and the top tiers of online casino loyalty programs. BetMGM is king when it comes to VIP treatment. MGM Rewards offer 5 levels that offer a bigger slice of the action as you progress. High rollers can unlock the invite-only tier that offers bonus bets, cash prizes and exclusive tournaments. MGM Rewards can also be redeemed for hotel stays, room upgrades, concerts, and dining experiences at more than 20 luxury MGM resorts.

Most casinos have at least one referral bonus. Players will receive a referral code after registering for an online casino account. If a friend signs up using your referral code, you can both collect a bonus or other reward such as bonus bets and free play. DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM and Ocean casinos are especially prime for this benefit.

Some casino bonuses are specific to software developers. Sites such as Evolution and Games Global offer the most popular casino games like Texas Hold'em and Jacks or Better. With over 1,000 game titles, Games Global ranks high in jackpot slots and poker online. Evolution Gaming is best known for live dealer games, including Infinite Blackjack and Caribbean Stud Poker. Live dealer casinos online often run software-specific bonuses for welcome offers, bank reloads, free spins, and cash back.

The best online casinos have regular promotions to keep players coming back for more. Monthly bonuses are generally offered on a player's first deposit in a given month. 

Besides the standard types of bonuses available, many sites top their offers with weekly or month promotions. While these vary from casino to casino, slot tournaments are a common one. These tournaments offer you the chance to win extra prizes on top of your casino winnings – and have fun doing it! You would normally be playing a selection of qualifying games for a limited time, competing against other casino players for a place on a leaderboard. The higher up the leaderboard you go, the bigger your prize.

Ongoing promotions will fall into the main bonus types: deposit bonus, free spins, and loyalty rewards. Seasonable bonuses are released around major holidays throughout the year. If you’re a consistent player, it’s good to check the Promotions or Offers page of your favorite casino often, as new ones can get posted any time.

Sweepstakes casinos, also called social casinos, operate on virtual cash and gold coins used to play slots, table games, and poker online. These online casinos are great if you want to feel like you have a stake in the game without betting real money, and unlike US online casinos – which are only legal in a handful of states – sweepstakes casinos are legal in almost all states. There are also plenty of generous sweepstake casino bonuses for free spins and coins. The Chumba Casino sign-up bonus gets new players 2,000,000 gold coins and 2 sweeps coins for free to use on any game. LuckyLand Slots issues 7,777 gold coins and 10 sweeps coins to new casino accounts. Both operators also offer a login bonus, social media giveaways, and slot tournaments for progressive jackpot prizes.

First and foremost, the online casino operator must be legal and licensed to operate in the state where you're placing bets. Once the licensing checks out, you can look at available bonus types. For the most part, you will need to invest some real money to qualify or cash in a bonus offer, so the casino needs to offer some of the best payment methods. Choosing the best online casino bonus will depend on your wager style, betting experience, and bankroll limits. 

How to choose the best casino bonus:

• Amount - Find bonus offers that stretch your bankroll with a deposit match, free spins, or cash back.
• Requirements - Look for bonuses with low (or no) conditions for deposits, wagers, and playthroughs.
• Limits - Compare the max bonus payout with playthrough requirements to calculate the bonus value.
• Games - Choose bonuses that you can use on casino games with a high RTP and contribution rate.
• Expiration - Make sure you can fulfill the requirements before your bonus expires.

No deposit bonuses are great for test-driving multiple online casinos, but you might be able to get some extra mileage out of a loyalty program if you place regular bets with one online casino. 

Which Casino Bonuses Should You Avoid?

For a bonus to be truly beneficial, the terms and conditions shouldn't make it impossible to win. Avoid online casinos that sound too good to be true or have complex terms and conditions.

Online casino bonus red flags:

• Unwarranted loss or confiscation of bonus funds
• Unresponsive or poor customer service
• Slow site speed and payment processing
• Insufficient network security for banking
• Wagering requirements that are not achievable
• Unrealistic time limits
• Challenging requirements to claim and receive bonuses