Casinos are a business. If they just handed out free money, you’d be right to be suspicious, because let’s face it, there’s always a catch.
Casinos want to turn you into loyal customers. Wagering requirements exist to prevent people from signing up, cashing out right away, and never playing again. But when sites push "playthroughs" that require you to bet 30x, 40x, or even 50x the bonus amount, that’s no longer about protection -- it’s a penalty for players who just wanna have fun.
Example: Deposit $100 with a 35x bonus, and you’ll need to wager $3,500 before you can withdraw any winnings. So much for getting lucky early, right?
The Good News: In the US, there are plenty of no- and low-wager casino bonuses (some even with free spins). You'll find them right here. Pick one, play a little, and keep what you win without giving the casino tons of chances to win it back.