Interested? Then read on and find out everything you need to know about these bonuses. We’ve sourced the best matched deposit offers on the market and have organized them all right here on this page. So take a look at our reviews, compare casino sites, and capitalize on a matched deposit bonus.
What is a Matched Deposit Bonus?
What is a Matched Deposit Bonus?
When you make a deposit at an online casino, your playing funds will be split into two separate pots: your real money pot, correlating to the amount you’ve deposited, and your bonus money pot, where funds have been contributed by the casino.
This is exactly what happens with a matched deposit bonus. With these offers, the casino site will set the terms of its contribution, giving the bonus a percentage — the rate at which it matches your deposit — and a maximum amount.
For example, a common deposit match bonus for a new customer at an online casino is 100% up to $100. If you were to receive this offer and claimed it with any deposit up to $100, the casino would match that deposit in full, doubling your bankroll. The amount you deposit yourself will be kept in the real money purse, with the other half sitting in the bonus money pot. You can absolutely win real money with the bonus funds, but you’ll need to negotiate a series of terms and conditions in order to do so.
Pros and Cons of a Deposit Match Bonus
If you’re unsure on whether matched deposit bonuses are a good fit for your playing needs, take a look at this list of pros and cons to help you decide.
Pros:
- Boosts your bankroll – matched deposits give a healthy boost to your bankroll, sometimes doubling your funds
- Great for new players – these bonuses give new players extra time to work out whether a casino site is right for them without having to spend much cash
- Available on most games – casino bonuses restrict the number of games that can be played with the bonus, but matched deposits are always lenient in this area
- Free spins often attached – matched deposits, particularly when used as part of a welcome package, often have a bundle of free spins thrown in too
Cons:
- Requires a deposit – this may seem like a petty complaint, but there are casino bonuses out there that don’t require any financial commitment from players
- Wagering requirements – deposit matches are pretty generous on the surface, but T&Cs like wagering requirements will be a significant obstacle to those wanting to make a withdrawal of any bonus money
- Other terms and conditions – we’ll go into these in further detail later on, but game weightings, time limits, winning caps and other conditions will all play a part in the success of the bonus
How to Claim a Deposit Match Bonus
Interested in getting started at a new casino site with a matched deposit bonus? We don’t blame you — just follow these simple steps to claim that bonus.
- Take a look at our recommendations
You’ll find all of our selections for the best matched deposits available for US players right here on this page. Take a look at our recommendations — we’ve made it easy to compare bonus offers as well as other features of the casino, such as payment options, game libraries, and more.
- Click through to the casino and sign up
Once you’ve settled on a casino you like the look of, click on our links and head to the site’s registration page. You can then sign up for a new account by following the on-screen prompts. Before you can make your first deposit, the casino will be required to carry out some identity checks — this may involve submitting some documents to prove you are who you say you are.
- Claim your matched deposit bonus
Once these checks have been satisfied, you’ll be able to make your first deposit. Head over to the cashier page, choose your preferred payment method, and opt-in to the offer if necessary. Be mindful here of payment exclusions — not all of the casino’s available options will be eligible for picking up bonuses.
- Enjoy the bonus!
That’s it! Your bonus money will be credited instantly to your account, and you’ll be able to sample the casino’s games on the casino’s coin.
Match Deposit Bonus Terms and Conditions
We’ve been alluding to the terms and conditions associated with a deposit match and now it’s time to break them down in detail. If you’re looking to make a withdrawal from a casino bonus, this is only made possible by reading the small print in full before you start. Here are the most common conditions you’ll come across.
Wagering Requirements
You’ll be able to make withdrawals from your real money balance whenever you like, provided of course that you meet the casino’s minimum withdrawal limit. But if you want to make a withdrawal from your bonus pot, it’s more than likely that you’ll need to fulfill some wagering requirements. This condition obliges players into wagering extra money at the casino before they can withdraw any bonus cash.
Let’s show you how this works using the 100% up to $100 example we mentioned earlier. If you were to make a $25 deposit with this offer, you’ll receive an extra $25 from the casino — $50 in total. If this bonus came with standard wagering requirements of 35x, you’d need to wager a total of $875 ($25 x 35) before you could request a withdrawal of bonus funds.
Game Weightings
You’ll find a table in the bonus’s terms and conditions that places each of the casino’s games into a wagering category. This table relates to game weightings — the rate at which wagers made on each game chips away at the wagering requirements.
The majority of the site’s slots will be weighted at 100%, which means all of your wager will contribute to the requirements. However, games with higher return to player (RTP) percentages will be weighted at meaner rates. For instance, it’s likely that table games such as blackjack and roulette will be weighted as low as 20%, 10% or 5%. In the worst cases, wagers on these games are discounted entirely from fulfilling the requirements.
Time Limits
If you’re joining a new site, be mindful that there may be a time limit within which you can claim the deposit match bonus. If you opt in, there’ll be further time limits to pay attention to: one for use of the bonus as a whole, and another for completion of the wagering requirements. Don’t let any of these clocks run out — if you do, anything remaining will be forfeited.
Eligible Games
There might be thousands of games at your casino site, but not all of them will be eligible to play with bonus funds. Matched deposits are always pretty good in this area though, so game weightings will be more of a problem. Just make sure your preferred games are included!
Payment Exclusions
Similarly, not all of the casino’s available payment methods will be able to claim the bonus. Bank cards, Bank Transfer and Trustly tend to be safe here, but e-wallets are likely to be on the list of exclusions. Check the T&Cs on this prior to making your first deposit — if you deposit with an option not eligible for bonuses, it’s unlikely that you’ll be able to use the offer.
Winning Caps
All casino bonuses come with a winning cap, limiting the amount that can be won from them. Don’t feel aggrieved though — if you’ve hit the cap, you can put that down as a decent gambling session!
How to Choose the Right Deposit Match Bonus
The right matched deposit bonus for you will largely come down to personal budget. If you consider yourself a bit of a high roller, it makes sense to pick a high-value offer. We’ve discussed how many matched deposits for new players are placed at 100%, but you might also come across 200% or even 500% offers. Remember that you’ll receive better bonus returns and therefore more free play with these offers, but wagering requirements will be harder to complete.
On the other side of the coin, those on smaller budgets will have a better chance of cashing out winnings from their bonus if the value of the offer is small, and if wagering requirements are more favorable.
It’s important to look beyond the offer and consider how much of a hindrance each condition of the bonus is — only then will you truly be able to pick the right bonus.
Using Your Deposit Match Bonus
So, what kind of casino games are at your disposal with a matched deposit bonus? Below are the most popular categories of games at US casino sites.
Slots
Although much has changed since the first mechanical slot machine was developed towards the end of the 19th century, the principle of these games remains the same: spin the reels and hope your luck is in!
Casino software developers are constantly competing to outperform each other in the creation of slot games, which means there are thousands upon thousands of titles to choose from. No theme is considered too wild — you could be playing a spin-off game of The Dark Knight franchise one minute, and looking for the lost city of El Dorado in the next.
There are many subcategories of slots too. Classic, video, progressive jackpot, Megaways and more — it’s over to you to find your favorite.
Table Games
The glamor of the green felt has been represented in popular culture countless times, and for many, games like blackjack and roulette epitomize the casino. Online gambling sites aren’t any different, offering up many variants of the world’s most famous casino games. Popular dice games like craps and sic bo are also offered in abundance.
Live Dealer Games
Simulating authentic casino experiences are live dealer games, where developers livestream the action to wherever you’re playing from. Table games are the most popular in this format, but developers like Evolution Gaming and Pragmatic Play have also spawned a series of live casino games based on TV game shows and famous board games.
Poker
Poker variants like Texas Hold’em, Stud Poker, and Omaha will also be available at US matched deposit casinos. One of the most popular poker games at online casinos is in fact not really a poker game at all — video poker is played with a random number generator and based on a five-card draw.
Alternatives to Matched Deposits
Deposit matches aren’t the only bonus available, check out are some of the others below.
Free Spins
Free spins bonuses — where players are given a free swing at the slots — and matched deposits are often included as part of the same welcome package. For existing customers, free spins can be unlocked with a minimum deposit.
No Deposit Bonuses
The best US online casinos will offer players a sign-up bonus as soon as they’ve registered a new account. Known as no deposit bonuses, these offers come entirely at the casino’s expense, but their values are smaller than matched deposits as a result.
Sportsbook Offers
If your casino doubles up as a sportsbook, you’ll also be able to land some sports betting bonuses, such as free bets and risk-free bets. Sportsbook bonuses will be eligible to use on the biggest sporting competitions in the US and abroad, including the NBA, NFL, MBL, and loads more.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling can be incredibly addictive, so it’s important that players are aware of its potential warning signs. We’ve highlighted some of these below:
- An increased preoccupation with gambling — playing and thinking about gambling more than usual
- Viewing gambling as a way of making money
- Lying about your gambling habits
- Neglecting familial, professional or social responsibilities in favor of gambling
- Borrowing or even stealing money to gamble
- Heightened levels of stress
If you recognize any of these behaviors in yourself or someone you know, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. Here are some organizations that can provide professional support:
- National Problem Gambling Helpline – a live chat and telephone service available in all 50 states and open 24 hours a day
- National Council on Problem Gambling – known as the NCPG, this organization is full of useful resources and lists available treatment centers in all 50 states. Its main aim is to develop safeguarding policies for the industry
- The Recovery Village – offers a list of gambling helplines and state-specific resources for problem gamblers
Problem Gambling Tips
Here are some tips to help you stay safe while you gamble:
- Never chase losses
- Only bet what you’re okay with losing
- Use on-site limiters, both for budget and for time
- Only gamble when sober and of sound mind
- Research games and betting markets before you gamble on them for the first time
Get Started with a Match Deposit Bonus
If you like the idea of having the casino contribute to your own bankroll, then a matched deposit bonus might be the perfect offer for you. Check out our recommendations for the best casinos offering this bonus type, before clicking through to the offer that catches your eye.