No deposit bonuses are online casino promotions that let you play without having to spend any of your own money. These bonuses are essentially free cash or spins given by the casino as an incentive to join or continue playing on their platform.
Types of no-deposit bonuses
Most commonly, no deposit bonuses come in the form of casino welcome bonuses. While free cash is more frequently offered than free spins, some bonuses may require a specific bonus code while others do not.
Bonus type | Notes |
Credit bonus | Can be used on a variety of online casino games May have less favorable terms and conditions |
Free spins | Great for trying out new slot games May have limitations on which slots can be played |
Cashback | Read the terms and conditions to look for percentage caps and game play restrictions |
Free bets | Make sure you know the withdrawal limits and wagering requirements |
Credit bonus
This type of bonus is the standard no-deposit casino bonus in the USA. The concept is simple – you are given a certain amount of bonus credit to use on casino games, and once you have met the required bets, you can withdraw your winnings as real cash.
No-deposit credit bonuses typically offer more flexibility in terms of which games can be played with the bonus. However, they often come with high wagering requirements and some casinos may not allow any withdrawal at all.
Free spins
No deposit-free spins are easy to understand – you receive a set number of free spins to use on slots, and once you meet the wagering requirements, you can cash out your winnings.
The main difference between free spins and cash bonuses is the flexibility. Cash bonuses can usually be used on a wider range of games, while free spins may be limited to specific slots. Some casinos also use no-deposit free spins to promote new games, making them more frequent.
Less common types of no-deposit bonuses
- Cashback bonuses: Some online casinos offer no deposit cashback bonuses, where you receive a percentage of your losses back as bonus funds.
- Free bets: These types of bonuses are often offered by sports betting sites and allow you to place bets without having to risk your own money.

Val C. Martinez
Founder of BettingLadies.com
New players should understand that no-deposit casino bonuses often come with strict wagering requirements and withdrawal limits. This means you might need to play through the bonus amount a set number of times before cashing out, and even then, there’s usually a cap on how much you can withdraw from your winnings. Read the fine print!
No-deposit bonuses terms and conditions
It is rare to come across a no-deposit bonus that allows players to win real money without eventually having to make a deposit. This is due to the terms and conditions set by online casinos, which often include time limits, wagering requirements, and payment restrictions.
Here is an example of terms and conditions from BetMGM casino
BetMGM offers a $25 no-deposit bonus for new players, allowing you to explore their casino games without an initial deposit.
Key Terms and Conditions:
Wagering Requirement: The $25 no-deposit bonus has a 1x wagering requirement, meaning you must wager the bonus amount once before any associated winnings become eligible for withdrawal.
BETMGM CASINO
Eligible Games: The bonus can be used on various games, but certain games like Baccarat and Roulette may be excluded from contributing towards the wagering requirement.
BETMGM
Expiration: The no-deposit bonus is typically available for a limited time after account registration. For instance, the complimentary $25 casino bonus may be available for three (3) days after completing the registration process.
BETMGM CASINO
Withdrawal Restrictions: Any winnings derived from the $25 no-deposit bonus are not eligible for withdrawal unless the player has made a deposit and met the wagering requirement. To cash out the bonus and associated winnings, you must complete the wagering requirement.
However, there are ways to navigate these hurdles and keep your winnings from a no deposit bonus.
Here are some tips:
- Wagering requirements – These refer to the number of times you must play through your bonus money before being able to withdraw it. To increase your chances of keeping most of your bonus money, choose an online casino with a low wagering requirement (1x) and play a game with a high hit rate (meaning you win often).
- Time limits – Bonuses, including no deposit bonuses, have expiration dates. This means you must meet the wagering requirements and claim your bonus before the time runs out. Keep an eye on both of these deadlines to avoid missing out.
- Withdrawal limits and restrictions – Some casinos impose caps on the amount of winnings that can be withdrawn from a no-deposit bonus or require a minimum withdrawal amount. Additionally, some may only allow withdrawals after making a real money deposit. It is important to read the terms and conditions carefully to understand these restrictions.
- Game weighting and restrictions – Not all games contribute equally towards wagering requirements, and some may not count at all. For example, high-RTP games may only contribute 20-30%, while table games may only contribute 10-20% or be excluded altogether. In the case of no deposit-free spins, they are typically limited to selected slots. To avoid any surprises, make sure to read the terms and conditions before choosing a casino bonus.
How to claim a no-deposit bonus
Claiming a no-deposit bonus is typically a straightforward process. First, players must find an online casino offering such a promotion. They may need to sign up for an account and verify their identity before the bonus is credited.
Once the bonus has been credited, players can use it to play eligible games or place bets according to the terms and conditions of the specific bonus. Some bonuses may require players to enter a special code during the registration or deposit process to claim them.
Which online casino games can you play with a no-deposit bonus?
When it comes to playing online casino games using no-deposit bonuses, it’s usually recommended to stick with slot games. This is because table games are often excluded from these bonuses or have a lower contribution towards the wagering requirements (typically around 10%). Additionally, table games tend to have higher RTP (return to player) rates, such as online blackjack with an average of 99.96%, compared to slots with an average return of 95%.
However, slots also come with lower risk and bet limits as low as $0.05 per spin, providing you with longer gameplay and a better chance of winning something. In the rare case that a no-deposit bonus allows for a 25% bonus contribution rate on table games, you may want to consider opting for those instead.
We always recommend carefully reading and understanding the terms and conditions of any no-deposit bonuses in order to make the most out of them.
Tips for no-deposit bonuses
Claiming the bonus: While most casinos add the no-deposit bonus automatically, some may require an additional step such as entering a bonus code or opting in. Make sure to read the terms and conditions on the promos page before claiming the bonus.
Ask customer support for assistance: If you encounter any difficulties with finding bonus codes or understanding the terms of the bonus, don’t hesitate to reach out to the casino’s customer support. You can also sign up for their newsletter to receive more bonus codes and promotions.
Research and compare terms and conditions: With many no-deposit bonuses available, it’s important to carefully read through the terms and conditions before choosing one. Look out for high wagering requirements or other questionable terms, and don’t be afraid to switch to a different casino if necessary.
Check out new USA no-deposit casinos: New online casinos often offer better bonuses in order to attract new players. Keep an eye out for these opportunities when looking for a no-deposit bonus.
Gamble responsibly: Remember to always set your own personal limits and take advantage of any responsible gambling tools provided by the site. If you or someone you know is displaying signs of problem gambling, seek help from trusted sources such as associations, friends, or family.
Ensure the safety of the casino: Before signing up for a no-deposit bonus at an online casino, make sure they have necessary safety measures in place such as SSL encryption and strict age restrictions. The legal gambling age may vary by state but is typically 21 years old.
So, in summary:
- No deposit bonuses are free and don’t require a deposit, but conditions may apply that affect withdrawing winnings.
- You can win real money with a no-deposit bonus if you meet the terms and conditions.
- Most casinos allow only one no-deposit bonus per account; claiming more may lead to account issues or voided winnings.
- Alternatives to no-deposit bonuses include welcome bonuses, which require a deposit but often come with higher rewards and easier terms.
Let us know how you get on with your no-deposit experience!

Claire Said
Casino Expert

Val C. Martinez
Founder of BettingLadies.com