Online and sweepstakes casinos in the U.S. keep increasing in popularity. They offer a safe, fun way to enjoy popular casino games without having to travel. However, not every casino is the right fit for every player.

The casinos I love only sometimes appeal to others, and some of the casinos I dislike get high praise from people. No-deposit bonuses allow you to explore a casino and see what you think.

What Is A Casino No-Deposit Bonus?

A casino no-deposit bonus is a gift where you get free chips, free play, or free spins to use on one or more games within a casino. They’re often given to new players who want to explore the casino without having to make a deposit. However, casinos also give them out to celebrate new slots or as reward program incentives.

As an example, you receive a $25 free chip when you join a specific casino. Those spins are only good on a specific slot game for a per-spin wager of $1. You’d get 25 free spins to use on that game. Once the 25 spins are up, decide if the casino appealed to you enough to keep playing. If so, you’d deposit funds the next time you want to play.

How Does It Work?

Most no-deposit bonuses require a no-deposit bonus code to claim them. Join the casino and redeem the coupon code in the cashier area. Sometimes, signing up from a specific link awards the no-deposit bonus automatically. 

Once you’ve signed up, your casino balance will show the free chip’s value. If you get free spins, go to a qualifying slot game, and the free spins are noted in a counter on the game.

These bonuses always have rules that you have to follow. Wagering requirements are one of them, and cashout restrictions are the other. You may have a limited time before the free spins or funds expire. 

Which Online Casinos Have a No Deposit Bonus?

Many online and sweepstakes casinos offer no-deposit bonuses to help you determine the best casino for your preferences. I’m highlighting five real money and five sweepstakes casinos to show what offers are available and highlighting others that you can access by clicking the link to sign up.

Sweepstakes Casinos

Sweepstakes casinos do not require deposits, which makes them stand out. However, you don’t win cash playing the games; instead, you use virtual currency. For this reason, the terms and conditions are less restrictive.

Gold Coins have no value, while Sweeps Coins can be exchanged for prizes when you’ve collected enough. You collect Sweeps Coins by playing games with them or receiving them as gifts with coin bundles or daily rewards. If you haven’t heard of these new casinos, check out our fill list of sweepstakes casinos. 

Chumba Casino

I love Chumba Casino as you get a free bonus every day. It’s a sweepstakes casino where eligible players (U.S. and Canada, excluding Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Washington, and Quebec) play games using virtual currency. 

The sign-up offer awards 2,000,000 Gold Coins and 2 Sweeps coins as soon as you complete registration. If you purchase a bundle, you receive a $20 discount and get 30 Sweeps Coins as a gift. Every day, return and get another free bonus of 200,000 Gold Coins and 1 Sweeps Coin. 

Fortune Coins Casino

If you’re eligible to join Fortune Coins, I recommend you do. The Fortune Coins sign-up bonus is worth 630,000 Gold Coins and 1,400 Sweeps Coins when you complete each step of registration using our link. Make your first purchase and get a discount on 20 million Gold Coins and receive $50 worth of Fortune Coins free.

Fortune Coins are redeemable for prizes. As a result, they do have a 1x wagering requirement. As long as you’re in the U.S. or Canada, except for Idaho, Michigan, Washington, and Quebec, Canada, you qualify for the bonus offer.

High 5 Casino

New players receive a bonus of 250 Game Coins, 5 Sweeps Coins, and 600 Diamonds after joining High 5 Casino. To qualify, you must be in the U.S. or Canada and not playing from Idaho, Michigan, Nevada, Washington, or Quebec.

High 5 Casino is unique in that you also get Diamonds that amplify the prizes you win on certain games using the Boost On Demand feature that the Diamonds award. Free spins promotions award additional Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins from time to time.

Pulsz Casino

Pulsz Casino is another of my favorite casinos because free coins are given out regularly in daily log-in rewards, tournaments, and giveaways. In addition to daily rewards, you’ll receive them on social media and through discounted prices on bundles. 

New players receive Pulsz’ no-deposit bonus and 5,000 Gold Coins and 2.3 Sweeps Coins when they claim the offer through this link. Returning players enjoy daily log-in rewards based on their Loyalty Tier. You qualify as long as you are in the U.S. and not playing from Idaho, Michigan, Montana, Nevada, or Washington.

WOW Vegas Casino

Paris Hilton is the spokesperson for WOW Vegas Casino, and she has many special offers available. All new players get 250,000 WOW Coins and 5 free Sweeps Coins with the WOW Vegas no-deposit bonus. If you purchase a coin bundle for $9.99, 1.5 million WOW Coins and 35 Sweeps Coins await you.

Rising Daily Coin Reward bundles go to players each day, starting with 1,500 WOW Coins and 0.30 Sweeps Coins. They increase in value as you progress to the next loyalty level.

WOW Vegas updated the terms and conditions in February 2024. While excluded states (Idaho, Nevada, and Washington) used to be laid out, the terms now state that you declare you are 18 or the legal age in your jurisdiction and are legally allowed to participate. Make sure it’s legal before you sign up.

The other sweepstakes casinos with no-deposit bonuses are:

• FunzPoints Casino
• Golden Hearts Casino
• Luckyland Slots
• McLuck Casino
• No Limit Coins Casino
• Stake.us
• Zula Casino

Best No Deposit Bonus Casinos

With so many offers which are the best? These are the seven I believe are worth everyone’s time and shouldn’t be missed. Make sure you use the links to access no-deposit bonuses as exclusive bonuses are available.

• BetMGM Online Casino (Real Money)
• Borgata Casino (Real Money)
• Caesars Palace Online Casino (Real Money)
• Chumba Casino (Sweepstakes)
• Fortune Coins (Sweepstakes)
• PlayLive! Casino (Real Money)
• WOW Vegas (Sweepstakes)

How To Choose the Best No-Deposit Bonus

My number one rule when it comes to choosing a no-deposit bonus is if I can even claim it. Read the terms and conditions to ensure you’re eligible.

After that, I look carefully at the bonus terms and conditions. If the wagering requirement is exceedingly high, I move on to the next. I also believe you should look at what games you’re allowed to play with the bonus. If it’s limiting the games I can play, I have to decide if it’s worth it. Make sure you’re considering:

• How restrictive are the terms and conditions?
• How long do you have to use the bonus? 
• How long do you have when it comes to meeting the wagering requirements?
• Does the casino offer enough games for your liking?
• Are you eligible to claim the promotion?

How to Get a No Deposit Bonus

• Use our link or click “Claim Now” to go to the page where you register with the casino.
• Complete the registration process ensuring you read the terms and conditions as directed.
• Verify your email, if required.
• Check your balance to ensure the no-deposit bonus has been awarded.
• Free spins may not appear until you load the applicable slot game.

Best Ways to Use Casino No-Deposit Bonuses

Make the most of your no-deposit bonus by making sure you do your research when it comes to the games you play. The return-to-player (RTP) percentage is a measure of the amount of collected wagers that go back to players during the game’s existence. The higher the RTP, the better it is. When possible, pick games with an RTP over 96%.

Volatility is another measurement to consider. Games with low volatility are easier to win, but the payouts are low. Higher volatility can be a little harder to win, but the prizes are substantial. I look for medium-high volatility and usually have great luck winning back all or most of my wagers.

Finally, pay attention to the wagering contribution. If you have a 10x wagering requirement to meet and you’re playing video poker, it may take a lot longer to meet the wagering requirement than if you were sticking to slots.

Which Casino Games Are Best For No Deposit Bonuses?

Depending on the no-deposit bonus, you may not have a lot of choice on which games you can play. Free spins are often tied to a specific slot game or a handful of games. If you do have a choice, these casino games are best for these bonuses.

Slots: They’re my first choice as they typically count 100% towards any wagering requirement. Plus, slots offer high RTP percentages, so you’re more likely to win a jackpot. Look for slots with an RTP over 96%, such as Clover Gold slots that has an RTP of 96.54%.

Table Games: Blackjack and Roulette may not pay as much as slots, but the odds of winning are in your favor. That’s also why not every casino allows table games to count toward wagering requirements. Chumba Casino’s Back Blackjack has an RTP of 99.43%.

Video Poker: Video poker games are easy to play and winning hands occur regularly. Jacks or Better is one of the most popular. As long as you get a pair of Jacks or better, you win. NetEnt’s Jacks or Better Double Up boasts an RTP of 99.56%.

No Deposit Promo Restrictions

No deposit promotions and all online casino promotions always have rules to follow. These are the two most important things to know about these restrictions.

What Is Game Contribution Percentage?

When you place bets on casino games and have wagering requirements to meet, some wagers count more than others. Game contribution percentages vary from one casino to another, and I shared them above when possible.

What Are Wagering Requirements?

Wagering requirements are the amount you must wager before you’re allowed to withdraw any winnings. If you have a $20 free chip bonus and a 10x wagering requirement, you need to wager $20 x 10 ($200) first. 

Sometimes, the rules require you to complete the wagering requirement within 30 or 60 days. If that time limit passes and you haven’t completed the wagering requirements, you forfeit any winnings and any remaining bonus.

How to Keep What You Win & Withdraw

You can withdraw your winnings in most cases, but you have to meet the terms of the no-deposit bonus. When you claim free play rewards, note the wagering requirements and maximum cashout restrictions, if applicable. From there, you’ll follow these steps.

• Play enough games that you meet the requirements, making sure you’re playing games that count towards the requirement. 
• Watch for deadlines as you often need to meet the wagering requirements within a month or two.
• Deposit additional funds if needed to meet the requirement.
• Make sure the amount you want to withdraw doesn’t exceed the maximum cashout restriction.
• Begin filling out the withdrawal request.
• Verify that you’ve submitted the necessary verification documents, such as a picture of your photo ID, current utility bill, and recent bank statement.
• Choose the banking method you prefer and note any fees that will be deducted from your casino payout request.
• Submit the request and watch for emails asking for additional documentation, if needed.
• If the casino requires additional documents, submit them as quickly as possible to get your winnings.

Pros & Cons of a No Deposit Bonus

Pros

• Free spins or money to use when playing a variety of casino games.
• Makes it easy to try out multiple casinos without using your own money.
• Encourages you to try new slot games.
• Helps you see which casino offers the best bonuses.

Cons

• Wagering requirements may be higher than seems worthwhile.
• Restrictions on how much of your winnings you’re allowed to keep.
• Usually, they limit your play to slots and restrict table games and live dealer games.

Are No Deposit Bonuses Worth It?

Yes. No deposit bonuses provide the opportunity to try a casino without having to risk your own money. Just make sure you read and understand any rules that apply to that bonus. My rule of thumb is to avoid no-deposit bonuses with wagering requirements or more than 5x when possible.

Choose More Than One Casino with a No Deposit Bonus

One-size-fits-all clothing never fits everyone, just as one casino isn’t right for every player. It takes time to find the best casino for your preferences, and that’s where no-deposit bonuses help immensely. 

I recommend testing out at least four casinos using a no-deposit bonus to have the best range of games and determine which you enjoy the most. From there, you can spend time at each one when you want and make the most of your online or sweepstakes casino experience.