Placing that initial deposit at an internet casino is a unique, nearly thrilling experience. That this is particularly the case for beginners, but also that experienced players tend to recall their first experiences so clearly, is due to most internet casinos providing a welcome bonus on your first deposit. It's for this reason that experienced players usually sign up with a few sites to maximize various welcome packages, especially those featuring the best casino payouts Michigan.
The formula seems pretty straightforward: sign up, make a first deposit, receive your bonus, and start playing. But the best part is yet to come — some casinos offer $50 no deposit bonuses, meaning you can play for real money without spendings a single penny from your pocket. Still, it's not all rainbows and unicorns. Before transferring your pocketed hard-earned cash, there's something you should take into account. Below, we break down what to be on the lookout for before making your first deposit and how to evaluate welcome bonuses.
Welcome Bonuses: The Bait for Beginners
Typically, US online casinos use welcome promotions to entice new players. These offers are the "calling cards" of any gambling platform and typically carry the following perks:
- Deposit match bonuses with 100%, 200%, or higher
- Free spins on specific slot machines
- No deposit bonus upon successful registration
Sometimes, the bonus is spread out so that it is not just your first deposit. Casinos put it on the second, third, or fourth deposit. Of course, they are pretty lucrative, but beware. Hidden in the T&Cs could be some clauses that may take away the attractiveness from an otherwise fabulous offer.
Be careful with your method of payment
Your deposit option may determine eligibility for your bonus. In the real world, a welcome bonus may be obtained by nearly every new player, yet certain deposit options are not eligible for bonuses.
For example, some deposit options, like NETELLER and Skrill, are normally not allowed to claim a bonus. This is, of course, not a requirement, but always review the terms of your bonus prior to choosing your deposit method.
Look Out for the Expiry Date on Your Welcome Bonus
All welcome bonuses expire after some period. As long as the bonus will only serve for the first deposit, time is not an issue — players tend to deposit within minutes of signing up at the site.
However, if the bonus applies to multiple deposits, you’ll need to make all qualifying deposits within the given time limit. For example, if your welcome package includes bonuses for the first four deposits, and the validity is 7 days, all four must be completed within that window.
Minimum Deposit Limits: Not Always So Simple
Minimum deposit requirements are standard in any U.S. online casino. Just like some retailers only allow card payments above a certain amount, casinos set deposit thresholds due to processing fees from payment providers.
While casinos usually list the minimum deposit in their terms, be aware: the amount required to activate a bonus may be different from the platform’s general minimum deposit. Always double-check.
Your Address Might Matter More Than You Think
This one's crucial if you share with others. Let's say you're in a shared flat, or cohabit with a partner or adult children — the casino will prevent your bonus.
Why? Most welcome offers are restricted to one per individual, household address, or IP address. So if another person in your household has already taken up the welcome bonus by using the same Wi-Fi connection, you'll be out of luck.
Read the General Bonus Terms Carefully
Check the rollover condition before you make a first deposit. Softer rollover conditions are usually harder to meet, especially if there is not much time left.
Other factors to be taken into consideration:
- Game contribution: Not all games count equally toward rollovers. Slots will most likely be 100% while table games may vary at 10%-20%.
- Bet limits: You may have a bet limit while you're playing with bonus cash. Don't cross it or you'll lose your bonus.
Do You Really Want to Accept the Bonus?
There are some pretty awesome first deposit bonuses and, if you do the steps like the ones below, it'll allow you to play slots, table games, scratch cards, and even live dealer shows almost for free.
But in case, after reading the bonus terms you realize that this offer just doesn't fit into your playing style or expectations, it is perfectly alright to not take the bonus.
Last Advice
By reading the fine print before opening an account and making the first deposit, you can be very sure that you would avoid any unwanted surprise that will leave a blotch on your U.S. online casino experience.