Online casinos and sweepstakes casinos are fighting an eternal battle to bring in new customers and keep a loyal customer base, and one way they do this is by offering a range of attractive bonuses.
There are hundreds of different bonuses and promotions, but one you will repeatedly see at sweepstakes casinos and online casinos is the no deposit bonus. In the below guide, we’ll explore what this bonus is, how it works, and why it’s incredibly popular in the iGaming industry.
The No Deposit Bonus—What is it?
As the name suggests, to claim a no deposit bonus, you don’t have to spend any money. This differs from most sweepstakes casino and online casino bonuses because you usually have to make a minimum deposit amount to claim the reward.
For example, a common bonus is the deposit match bonus. Here, whatever you deposit, you get a percentage of matched bonus funds. The key is, you have to spend money to get the offer.
With no deposit bonuses, you don’t. Common types of no deposit bonuses include
- Free spins on video slots
- Free bonus coins or cash
For example, you can find a range of no deposit bonuses— where you get a set amount of bonus coins for registering an account—at Sweepstakescasino from other providers.These offers are incredibly common at sweepstakes casinos, and you usually get bonus Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins. The Gold Coins have no monetary value but Sweeps Coins can often be redeemed for cash prizes.
Similarly, at real money online casinos, free spins for slot games are often given as a no deposit bonus. For example, you might be given 25x free spins on Rich Wild and The Book of Dead for registering an account.
A no deposit bonus is any casino bonus where you don’t have to spend money to claim the reward.
Benefits of Online Casino No Deposit Bonuses
So, a no deposit bonus gives you free cash or free spins and all you have to do is register an account with the casino—easy! Let’s look at this in more detail and outline the benefits of seeking this type of promotion and why they are so popular at online casinos and sweepstakes casinos.
They are Usually Easy to Claim
Some casino bonuses are convoluted and require you to jump through hoops to claim them. This isn’t the case with the no deposit bonus. 99% of the time, all you have to do is register and make an account on the platform.
Often, the registration process takes a few minutes, and then the bonus funds or free spins are credited automatically to your account. For beginners who have little experience with how online casinos work, no deposit bonuses are superb.
The Wagering Requirements are Usually Minimal
Casino promos often come with wagering requirements. This is where you have to spend a set amount before you can withdraw the bonus funds. For example, a deposit match bonus might have a 10x wagering requirement, meaning if you got $10 in bonus funds, you’d have to spend $100 (10×10) before withdrawing the $10.
This often makes promos difficult to understand and benefit from. In contrast, no deposit bonuses usually don’t have any wagering requirements. Often, the bonus cash or coins can be used with no strings attached, and you keep any winnings from the free spins.
You Get Bonus Money or Free Spins for Nothing
Who doesn’t want something for nothing? The best thing about these promos is that you don’t have to put your hand in your pocket. This allows you to effectively test the online casino to see if you like the games and how the platform works before committing money. Also, you get great entertainment value for free, and that’s often hard to find in today’s online world!
How To Pick a Casino Offering a No Deposit Bonus?
Now that you understand the benefits of no deposit bonuses for online casinos and sweepstakes casinos, you need to be clear on how to find a suitable option. Some offers are better than others, and some platforms are safer and more enjoyable to play on. To help, we’ve outlined four important factors to look for when picking a casino with a no deposit bonus.
Look for a Valid Gambling License
Never use a sweepstakes casino or online casino that doesn’t have a valid gambling license! Gambling licenses are issued by regulatory bodies, such as the Malta Gaming Authority.
To obtain a license, a platform must adhere to rules and regulations and uphold a certain quality level. Essentially, if a platform has a license, you know you won’t get scammed! Sweepstakes casinos don’t require a gambling license to operate, but you should still check the T&Cs to make sure they adhere to U.S. sweepstakes laws instead.
Read the Bonus Terms and Conditions Carefully
Most promos have a long list of terms and conditions. Yes, we know it’s a drag, but make sure you read them! The T&Cs state important things like expiry periods on bonus funds, wagering requirements, and game limitations.
If you don’t read the terms and conditions carefully then you could void your no deposit bonus by accident and not get any benefit from it. The T&Cs are usually written directly beneath the bonus info, or you may have to click a T&Cs link. Some platforms also have a general T&Cs page that has additional terms relating to all promos on their website.
Check the Game Selection
We play at online casinos and sweepstakes casinos to have fun! So, it stands to reason that you should check the game selection the platform provides. Think about the games you like to play, such as video slots, table games, and live dealer games. You can usually check game availability before you register an account. Ideally, the platform should have a wide range of games for your enjoyment.
Test the Platform Accessibility and Features
Look at mobile accessibility and things like payment gateway technology. Yes, you are claiming a no deposit bonus, but if you want to make a deposit in the future, it’s wise to look at what payment methods are accepted, etc. We also advise checking if the platform has a mobile app available for iOS or Android devices, depending on the type of smartphone we have as not all casinos have developed one.
Have Online Gaming Fun With a No Deposit Bonus
If you want some entertainment and to play a few video slots or hands of blackjack, a no deposit bonus at an online casino or sweepstakes casino is the perfect thing to use. These bonuses don’t have the largest value, but they do give excellent value for money and allow you to test the casino games for free before you commit to the platform.
Before claiming a no deposit bonus, make sure you have read the terms and conditions completely. Look for wagering requirements and usage periods so you don’t void the bonus funds or free spins. Also, be sure to have fun and make the most of your bonus by playing any games using the lowest available slot spin or hand wager.
