The Truth Behind Free Online Casino Bonuses

Written by: Sadonna Price, OUSC Expert in Online Casinos and Poker
4 minute read
truth behind free online casino bonus

The gambling environment has drastically changed in the United States over the past few months due to the coronavirus pandemic. Land-based casinos had to shut down, and players started betting online more than ever before. For many new players, accessing a new site can be intimidating, so no deposit bonuses, free play, and free chip offers at online casinos become an attractive alternative.

You must have a full understanding of how promos at internet casinos work before using them. Many sites will offer special promotions, but is there such a thing as a free online casino bonus? Get to know more about how promotions work. 

News Highlights

  • Online casino gaming has grown exponentially since the 2020 lockdowns
  • The online betting industry has seen a massive increase in traffic and revenue
  • You need to understand how casino site bonuses really work when playing online

How do Online Casino Bonuses Work?

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In simple terms, a bonus is an offer that a real money online casino provides users. New players have access to welcome and no deposit promos while existing members have reload promos and other offers. Keep in mind, you need to use a specific code to claim these offers. 

For most deals, you will need to deposit a certain amount prior to getting a percentage back in bonus cash. In general, these promotions have wagering requirements you must meet before making a withdrawal. 

Online Casino Bonus Example: Take a 100% casino promo worth up to $200. With this deal, you would be able to deposit up to $200, and you would receive $200 in bonus cash.

Are Free Online Casino Free Promos The Real Deal?

Free bonuses at casino sites do exist. You can play without making a deposit. However, how “free” are these promotions? While you can play real money games at online casinos without making a deposit, you will not be able to withdraw any winnings until you meet specific requirements.

For the most part, a free casino promo, such as a no deposit or free spins offer, will require you to deposit money before you can cash out. With a no deposit bonus, the casino will give you a certain amount of cash to wager. For a free spins deal, players receive a certain number of spins on a specific slot game. 

With both of these deals, you can win real money. However, you are not allowed to cash out until you have made a deposit. So, while the promo uses the word free, it is not exactly free money. You must deposit a certain amount and meet the requirements to withdraw your winnings. 

Video Recap – No Deposit and Free Bonuses Explained

Our team of online casino experts put together this video to explain how no deposit bonuses work. Hit play and learn more about using a free casino promo.

What to Look For in an Online Casino Bonus

It is essential to keep a few things in mind when using a promotion at an internet casino. The following list highlights some of the factors you should look for when claiming a special offer.

  1. Rollover & Wagering Requirements

    This is important to consider, as it is how much you need to wager to cash out. Such requirements usually range from 25x to 40x per deal, counting the deposit and bonus amount together.

  2. Deposit Amount

    You also have to consider the needed deposit amount you must make before claiming a bonus. Usually, the amount is pretty low, at around $10 to $100.

  3. Expiration Date

    Check the terms and conditions to determine how long you have to complete the promo. Be sure you can meet the rollover requirements before the time runs out.

  4. Deposit Methods

    Check the terms to see if a particular casino deposit method is required. Sometimes, promos are structured for only one payment, such as bitcoin or credit card.

Find Legit Online Casino Promos

As you can see, while online casinos promote freeplay options, they are only without a cost to a certain extent. By learning more about promotions offered at casinos, you can make the right decisions for your gameplay experience.

Use our exclusive reviews of top-rated gambling sites to make sure you are playing at a legit casino site for US players. With a little help, you will understand how the deals work and find the best options for you based on game interest and budget. 


Sadonna Price

Sadonna Price OUSC Expert in Online Casinos and Poker

Sadonna is a former professional poker player. Passionate about writing and loves using her creativity to provide insight into the interesting gambling world.

Learn More About Sadonna