Written by Angelina Vodenicharova
You must register at a licensed casino before you can claim a bonus. Why? In the US, you can’t play for real money without a verified account at an online casino licensed in your state. If you already have an account and want to claim a bonus, simply log in.
When you sign up, you’ll enter your personal details and verify your identity. Casinos must confirm you’re 21 or older and will ask for your Social Security number (usually the last 4 digits) along with a government-issued ID.
Don’t forget about geolocation: Every time you log in, the casino checks that you’re physically inside a state where it’s licensed. This is separate from verifying your identity. You’ll need to allow location services on your device, and desktop players may have to install a small geolocation plugin.
Need more guidance? Check our step-by-step online casino registration guide for full details.
Before you accept any bonus, read the terms and conditions. This step is incredibly important. You’ll only get the most out of your bonus if you understand the terms.
“Everyone checks the wagering multiplier; almost nobody does the math. Multiply the bonus by the requirement, and that’s the real amount you have to bet. Beyond that, I always check two quieter terms: the maximum stake allowed during wagering, and which games actually count – table and live games often contribute next to nothing.”
Now is the time to check whether you can claim a no-deposit bonus. If such an offer is available – don’t forget to read the terms. The bonus will have wagering requirements, time limits, and other conditions attached.
You usually need to make your first deposit to claim a welcome bonus. Most other bonuses also require a deposit. Unsure how to do that? Then check our online casino deposit guide.
“Never deposit without first confirming that you will get the bonus. You may need to opt in to the bonus before depositing. I’ve also found that online casinos often exclude certain payment methods, such as Skrill and Neteller, from bonus eligibility.”
You may have the option to enter a bonus code. You will see this during registration, when depositing, or upon opening the banking page. Always check the terms attached to the code – they may differ from the standard bonus T&Cs.
“It’s not always worth using bonus codes. I only add a bonus code if the terms are better than the standard offer. If the code unlocks extra benefits on fair terms – that’s when I recommend using it.”
Once you’ve completed the deposit, your bonus will be automatically credited. It’s worth noting – some casinos will offer the option to claim the bonus when depositing. You will now see your cash and bonus balance reflected in your account.
The best online casinos we’ve tested offer various bonuses for regular players. Keep track of the promotions so you don’t miss out on any special offers. Remember: always check the full terms and conditions before deciding whether to claim any bonus.
With a background in marketing, Angelina has a keen eye for emerging trends and stays ahead of the curve on the latest game releases and payment innovations. Her expertise extends to the growing world of gambling apps, where her tech-savviness allows her to offer valuable insights on optimizing gameplay.