Poker Sites With Free Signup Bonus
How Do Bonuses Work At Sweepstakes Poker Sites? Global Poker offers a free sign-up bonus for new players upon submission of verification documents. This free SC 20 is easy to collect and requires no purchase. New players can register an account at Global Poker by simply signing in with an existing Facebook or Google account. Sign Up Replay Poker is one of the top rated free online poker sites. Whether you are new to poker or a pro our community provides a wide selection of low, medium, and high stakes tables to play Texas Hold’em, Omaha Hi/Lo, and more. Sign up now for free chips, frequent promotions, free poker games, and constant tournaments. Also note, that poker rooms do not accept players under age. In order to get free start up capital in one of the poker sites, you need to be 18+. Sign up poker bonus is, probably, the best way to start playing online poker free. You don’t need to make a deposit, so you are able to master your skills without a risk to loose a penny.
Sweepstakes poker sites offer a legal online poker experience to players across the United States.
The games at a sweepstakes poker site operate as mini sweepstakes games and are available to poker players in virtually every US state. In states without legalized real-money poker, sweepstakes sites like Global Poker are the best option available to US players.
The sweepstakes gaming model offers players the opportunity to play poker for cash prizes. Sweepstakes poker sites offer both play money games, as well as sweepstakes games, using a unique “Sweeps Coins” currency system.
Most Popular Sweepstakes Poker Site: Global Poker
stands at the front of the pack among US-facing sweepstakes poker sites. Launched in 2016, Global Poker operates under the banner of VGW Holdings. This is the same company that introduced sweepstakes casino sites like Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots.
Global Poker’s popularity is backed by a prominent presence on Facebook and other social media platforms. That social media presence powers Global Poker’s status as one of the highest-traffic online poker sites in the US.
Players can access the full gamut of online poker options at Global Poker. Ring games, multi-table tournaments, Sit N Gos, and Jackpot Sit N Gos all run around the clock at the biggest sweepstakes poker site in the US.
With the sweepstakes model in place, Global Poker is a great alternative to real money online sites. Global Poker legally operates in 49 states. This gives US players in just about every jurisdiction the opportunity to compete in the online poker realm.
The games at Global Poker are separated into two categories: play money games and sweepstakes games. Play money games, played with “Gold Coins” as currency, run on the social poker side of the site.
Global Poker’s sweepstakes poker games allow players to compete for “Sweeps Coins,” which are redeemable for cash prizes.
Can I Win Real Money Playing Sweepstakes Online Poker?
How Does The Currency System Work At Sweepstakes Poker Sites?
Global Poker operates as both a social gaming site and a sweepstakes poker platform.
The games at Global Poker are divided into “Gold Coins” games and “Sweeps Coins” games. The Gold Coins side of the site offers play money games, using Gold Coins as currency.
Gold Coins packages are available for purchase. With the purchase of a Gold Coins package, Global Poker also awards an amount of Sweeps Coins as a gift.
The Sweeps Coins can be used to play in the sweepstakes games, aka Sweeps Coins games. Sweeps Coins are used as the currency on that side of the site and can be used to play in ring games and tournaments.
Sweeps Coins carry no cash value but can be redeemed for cash prizes. As such, the Sweeps Coins games at Global Poker operate legally as mini sweepstakes games and give players across the US a chance to play poker for cash prizes.
Do I Need To Deposit Money To Play?
Sweeps Coins can be acquired without making a Gold Coins package purchase. Global Poker offers free Sweeps Coins through mail-in and social media offers, and these promotions are open to anyone 18 or over.
Global Poker regularly runs Facebook promotions that give away Sweeps Coins for free. These offers can be found on Global Poker’s Facebook page.
Mail-In Offers At Global Poker
In addition to social media offers, Global Poker also extends the opportunity to obtain free Sweeps Coins through mail-in offers. Any player 18 or over, and with a valid Global Poker account, can redeem this mail-in offer.
To qualify, players must send an envelope with name, address, and the phrase “Sweepstakes Credits” on the front, to the VGW Holdings Sweepstakes Department.
Once Global Poker verifies the details, the Sweeps Coins appear on the player’s Global Poker account.
More information on Global Poker’s free Sweeps Coins offers is found by navigating to the “Sweeps Rules” link under the “Help Center” menu at the bottom of the Global Poker homepage.
This information is also found by clicking the ‘Get Coins” link from the main lobby, and then clicking on the “Play For Free Tab” and navigating to the “Sweeps Rules” link.
Using these free offers, players can win cash prizes at Global Poker without making any kind of deposit.
How Do I Purchase At A Sweepstakes Poker Sites?
Sweepstakes poker sites don’t legally operate the same way as a real money poker site. There’s no way for players to deposit a USD amount of their choosing and play poker with those funds.
Sweeps Coins are available, however, as a gift that comes along with the purchase of a Gold Coins play money package.
For example, players can purchase a $100 USD package that comes with 500,000 Gold Coins for use in the play money games. That package also gives the player SC 103 as a gift. The SC 103 can then be used as currency in the sweepstakes poker games.
Purchase Methods
Gold Coins packages can be purchased using online banking, with players able to use an account from virtually every bank in the US to make a purchase. Debit and credit cards issued by Visa, MasterCard, and American Express can also be used.
Other purchase options include Skrill eWallet and Instant ACH. Instant ACH purchases require a valid Skrill account.
How Do I Win Real Money At These Sites?
Sweeps Coins can be used as currency to play Global Poker’s sweepstakes poker games. After meeting the site’s playthrough requirement, Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes.
Cash-out methods include direct deposit into a valid bank account or Skrill account. Sweeps Coins can also be converted into a USD gift card.
To cash out, players must provide proof of identity, age, and location.
Sweepstakes Poker: Blocked And Allowed States
Global Poker is by far the most widely available legal online poker option in the US. The sweepstakes platform operates in 49 states, as well as Washington DC.
Players in these jurisdictions can access, play, and redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes 24 hours a day at Global Poker. This availability to US players makes Global Poker one of the highest traffic online poker sites in the US.
The exception to this availability is Washington state. By state law, sweepstakes gaming sites are outlawed in Washington. Players in the state are unable to purchase Gold Coins packages or redeem Sweeps Coins.
Comparing Sweepstakes Poker Sites To Traditional Poker Sites
What’s The Same?
Global Poker offers US players the full online poker experience. The sweepstakes poker games come in many of the same formats offered at other legal poker sites.
Cash games can be found at a variety of Sweeps Coins stakes. Both six-max and full ring games run around the clock, at stakes from SC .02/SC .04 up to SC 5/SC 10. Ring game variants include both No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha.
Multi-Table Tournaments
Multi-table tournaments also run around the clock at Global Poker, giving players access to the biggest tournament player pool among US-facing poker sites.
Tournaments include both No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha, and run from the micro stakes up to high buy-ins like SC 110 and SC 218.
The centerpiece tournament on the Global Poker schedule is the weekly Sunday Scrimmage. The Sunday Scrimmage offers a prize pool of at least SC 50,000, and at times that guarantee has gone all the way up to SC 500,000.
Global Poker also runs special tournament series like the annual Rattlesnake Open, which offers a total prize pool of SC 1,000,000 across numerous events.
Sit N Gos and Jackpot Sit N Gos are also on the menu of games at Global Poker.
What Sets Sweepstakes Poker Apart?
With a wide array of tournaments and cash game options, Global Poker’s game selection is on par with any US-facing online poker site.
The availability of Global Poker across virtually the entire US, however, puts the site in a category of its own. While legal online poker is only available in a few states, Global Poker’s ability to operate in so many jurisdictions makes it a viable option for poker players around the country.
Accessibility To US Players
Global Poker’s legal status as a sweepstakes gaming site makes it possible for the platform to operate just about anywhere in the US.
The future looks bright for state-regulated, legal online poker in states like New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Those states, along with a handful of others, have legislation in place allowing state casinos to legally offer online poker.
Most of the US, however, has yet to legalize online poker. For the majority of US poker players, Global Poker is the best legal option to enjoy online poker for cash prizes.
Global Poker also offers the easiest barrier to entry of any US-facing online poker site. With no download required, players can register for an account and play the sweepstakes poker games within minutes.
How Sweepstakes Games Work
The sweepstakes games on the Sweeps Coins side of Global Poker run around the clock. Starting with the smallest limits at SC .05/SC .10., players can find games at a variety of stakes.
Cash games for both No-Limit Hold’em and Pot-Limit Omaha run from the micro stakes up to SC 5/SC 10. The No-Limit Hold’em games offer six-max and full ring formats.
Even during the slower traffic hours of the day, players can find multiple games running at all stakes. Like most poker sites, most of the full tables are micro and low stakes at and given time, but plenty of action awaits for mid-stakes players as well.
No-Limit Hold’em
Poker Sites With Free Sign Up Bonus
There’s never a bad time to get into a No-Limit Hold’em cash game at Global Poker. Players looking for micro and low stakes game will always find plenty of games running.
Multiple tables for both six-max and full ring cash games run throughout the day at these stakes. From the micro stakes at SC .05/SC .10, up to SC .25/SC .50, No-Limit Hold’em players will have no trouble finding a seat.
The player pool at stakes from SC 1/SC 2 up to SC 2/SC 5 isn’t as large as the micro stakes pool, but players at those stakes can still find multiple games at most times. The highest-stakes cash games at Global Poker run at SC 5/SC 10, as well as short-stacked buy-in games at SC 10/SC 20.
Peak hours for traffic for Global Poker’s No-Limit Hold’em games occur from 5 pm to midnight eastern time on weekdays, and throughout most of the day on weekends.
Pot-Limit Omaha
Six-max cash games for Pot-Limit Omaha offer plenty of opportunity for PLO players at Global Poker. Games can usually be found running all day at stakes from SC .05/SC .10 up to SC 1/SC 2.
The highest-stakes Pot-Limit Omaha games at Global Poker run at SC 2/SC 5 up to SC 10/SC 20. Games at these stakes run multiple tables at peak hours, which are generally on weekday evenings and throughout the weekend.
How Sweepstakes Tournaments Work
The multi-table tournament schedule at Global Poker presents one of the largest selections of poker tournaments available to US players.
More than 100 different tournaments run daily. This includes traditional structure tournaments, as well as rebuy, bounty, and satellites. Deep stack, regular, turbo, and hyper-turbo tournaments can be found throughout the day.
From buy-ins as low as SC 1 up to the highest-stakes events at SC 218, the tournament menu at Global Poker offers plenty of options for players at a variety of levels. No-Limit Hold’em tournaments make up most of the schedule, with a few Pot Limit Omaha events offered as well.
All of Global Poker’s tournaments run with guaranteed prize pools. The biggest guarantee on the schedule is the weekly Sunday Scrimmage, with a guarantee of at least SC 50,000.
Global Poker often raises the guarantee on the Sunday Scrimmage, sometimes as high as SC 500,000. Special tournament series events, like the annual Rattlesnake Open, attract big player numbers as well.
How Do Bonuses Work At Sweepstakes Poker Sites?
Global Poker offers a free sign-up bonus for new players upon submission of verification documents. This free SC 20 is easy to collect and requires no purchase.
New players can register an account at Global Poker by simply signing in with an existing Facebook or Google account. If neither of these options is used, the sign-up process requires a simple fill out of first and last name details, and a valid email address.
Once registered, players can immediately begin the steps to earn the free sign-up bonus.
How To Get The Global Poker Sign-Up Bonus
To earn the SC 20 sign-up bonus, new players must provide documentation of age, address, and identity to the Global Poker support team. The verification process is rapid, and the SC 20 becomes available in the player’s account with 24 hours.
To verify a new account, players must click on the menu icon at the top left of the main lobby. From there, clicking on “Account” brings up the account verification menu.
The “Identity Verification” section of this menu needs to be completed to obtain the bonus. Clicking on that section will prompt the site to ask for an upload of a valid identification document, as well as a photo for facial recognition.
Once these documents are verified, the SC 20 bonus becomes available by clicking on the “Get Coins” button at the top right of the main lobby. The free SC 20 will appear in that menu.
How Does Rake Work At Sweepstakes Poker Sites?
The rake structure for cash games and tournaments at Global Poker is comparable to some of the world’s biggest legal online poker sites.
Multi-table tournaments are generally offered at around 10% rake per buy-in. For example, the SC 11 buy-in tournaments put SC 10 toward the prize pool and SC 1 toward rake. Rake as a percentage of buy-in goes down as the buy-ins increase.
Global Poker Cash Game Rake
The rake structure for cash games varies at different limits, becoming more player-friendly as the stakes go up. At all stakes, pots that go past the preflop betting round are raked at 5%.
Each stake level has a cap on the maximum amount of rake Global Poker takes in from the pot. The cap is based on the stake level and how many players are in the pot.
The rake structure for Global Poker’s cash games is as follows:
| Stakes | Rake Percentage | 2 Players Cap | 3+ Player Cap | 5+ Player Cap |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SC .05/SC .10 | 5% | SC 0.75 | SC 1.00 | SC 1.50 |
| SC .10/SC .20 | 5% | SC 1.00 | SC 1.50 | SC 2.00 |
| SC .20/SC .40 (20BB) | 5% | SC 1.00 | SC 1.50 | SC 2.00 |
| SC .25/SC.50 | 5% | SC 1.00 | SC 2.00 | SC 3.00 |
| SC .50/SC 1 | 5% | SC 1.00 | SC 2.00 | SC 3.00 |
| SC .80/SC 1.60 (20BB) | 5% | SC 1.00 | SC 2.00 | SC 3.00 |
| SC 1/SC 2 | 5% | SC 1.00 | SC 2.00 | SC 3.00 |
| SC 2.50/SC 5 | 5% | SC 1.25 | SC 2.25 | SC 3.50 |
| SC 4/SC 8 (20BB) | 5% | SC 1.25 | SC 2.25 | SC 3.50 |
| SC 5/SC 10 | 5% | SC 1.50 | SC 2.50 | SC 3.50 |
| SC 10/SC 20 (20BB) | 5% | SC 1.50 | SC 2.50 | SC 3.50 |
Online Sweepstakes Poker FAQ
No. PokerStars, the largest online poker site in the world, operates real money games around the world on its primary PokerStars.com client. PokerStars also operates legal, state-regulated platforms in select US states.
None of PokerStars’ platforms operate as sweepstakes poker sites. PokerStars.net is a play money site open to most of the US, but is strictly a social gaming site. Players on PokerStars.net cannot win real money prizes.
The minimum age to redeem Sweeps Coins for real US dollars at Global Poker is 18. This age applies in all US states in which Global Poker legally operates.
To cash out on Global Poker, players must provide proof of age, identity, and location. Once these documents are verified, players can redeem Sweeps Coins for cash prizes.
Players unable to provide these documents will not be able to redeem cash prizes at Global Poker.
No. Global Poker is a poker-only platform, with no other casino games available to play on the site. The parent company to Global Poker, VGW Holdings, does operate a pair of sweepstakes casino sites separate from Global Poker.
Chumba Casino and LuckyLand Slots are sister sites to Global Poker, operated by VGW Holdings. These are both sweepstakes casino platforms, with a variety of slots and other casino games.
Yes. Global Poker’s software offers a simple, intuitive interface that online poker players will find familiar. New players will likely have no problems playing the games and following the action as well.
The software execution and presentation at Global Poker is comparable to other legal poker sites. Since debuting the product in 2016, Global Poker has continually updated the software to accommodate its growing player base.
Yes. Sweepstakes poker sites like Global Poker operate legally in 49 US states. The sweepstakes gaming model behind Global Poker has been used in the US for many years by other companies and promotions.
Global Poker is owned by VGW Holdings. VGW Holdings is a public company with a vested interest in providing legitimate sweepstakes poker games to US players.
The sweepstakes games at Global Poker use Sweeps Coins as currency. Sweeps Coins function as entry credits to the sweepstakes poker games at Global Poker.
Sweeps Coins can be redeemed for cash prizes at a redemption rate. Redemption options at Global Poker include direct deposit to a bank account, Skrill eWallet, and conversion of Sweeps Coins into a USD gift card.
Yes. Global Poker is legal in California, as well as a total of 49 US states. The only US state outlawing sweepstakes poker and casino sites is Washington state.
In California, as well as other states without state-regulated online poker, Global Poker is the best option for playing poker for real-money prizes.
Whether you’re new to poker or simply new to playing poker online, No Deposit Poker offers a chance to get your first online hands in for no money out of your own pocket.
While you can always play for free on any poker site in play-money games, most online poker sites also give you credit to play in real money online poker games just for signing up.
This is known as “No Deposit” Poker. While it’s usually not a ton of money (typically up to $25 or $30), and it can’t be cashed out right away, a no deposit poker bonus makes it easy to play for fun in actual, competitive poker games and start building your online bankroll.
All you have to do to claim it is set up a new account, create a username, and start playing.
No Deposit Poker Bonus Codes
| Poker Site | Free Money Offer | States Available | Bonus Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| WSOP.com | Free $10 (NJ) Free $10 (NV) | • New Jersey • Nevada | NJ: 10FREE NV: GET10 |
| 888poker | Free $20 | • New Jersey • Delaware | No code needed |
| partypoker | Free $25 | • New Jersey | PLAYNJCASH |
| BorgataPoker.com | Free $20 | • New Jersey | FREEMONEY |
| BetMGM Poker | Free $25 | • New Jersey | PLAYNJFREE |
| Global Poker | Free $20 package with a verified account | • US players (excl. WA) • CAN players (excl. Que.) | No code needed |
| PokerStars (Note: Deposit required but play is free) | Free $30 (with $20 deposit) (NJ or PA) | • New Jersey • Pennsylvania | FREE30 |
Where can you play no deposit poker in the US?
As of 2020, there are four states that currently offer legal, real-money poker sites to US players:
Two more states have passed regulation to license and legalize online poker but have yet to launch any real money sites:
While the amount of real money poker sites available in each state varies (NJ has the most options, for example), most if not all poker sites offer no deposit poker for new players.
No Deposit Bonus Poker Sites
Whichever your state, use the links in the table above to claim your no-deposit poker bonus. After downloading the online poker software, you can then create your account.
This is where you enter your “Bonus Code” (see table above) to secure your no deposit bonus. After signup, the bonus is instantly credited to your account. You can then hit the tables and get started.
If you want to play no deposit poker outside of the above states, see our Global Poker section below.
WSOP.com (NJ, NV) – $10 free
This is the online poker arm of the famed World Series of Poker. WSOP.com offers online poker to players in Nevada (where it’s the only operator in the market) and New Jersey.
The WSOP partners with 888poker in the US for its software platform. 888 is a respected international online poker operator and a regular sponsor of the WSOP in Las Vegas.
WSOP.com offers the only shared player pool in the US among Nevada and New Jersey, and with 888 in Delaware. This makes for larger prize pools and player pools in most events, which makes it the regular revenue leader in New Jersey.
WSOP.com gives you a free $10 no deposit bonus simply for signing up. This makes it easy to play low-budget cash games, tournaments, sit & go’s, and other events.
That 10 bucks may not seem like a lot, but there are cash games that start at only pennies and low roller tournaments and sit & go’s for that as well. Those who decide to play for even more will also find an extra bonus of 100% match up to $1,000 on your first deposit.
If you prefer taking your poker on the road, WSOP.com also has a nice real money poker app for your phone. The free $10 No Deposit Bonus is also available to app users so it’s easy to jump right in the action and test drive what’s on offer.
888poker (NJ, DE) – $20 free
888poker offers online poker in New Jersey as a partner with WSOP.com, but also offers all online poker in the state of Delaware. 888 players also benefit from being part of the New Jersey/Nevada/Delaware interstate player compact with WSOP.
As for a no-deposit bonus, new players get $20 free to play real money casino games and poker tournaments. Here’s how that cash is distributed:
- $10 in free play for select casino games on 888 Casino.
- A credit of $4 worth in bonus money that can be used at 888poker or 888 Casino.
- Six 888poker tournament tickets with a value of $1 each.
If you want to deposit into your account for further play you can also claim a 100% match bonus up to $1,500.
partypoker (NJ) – $25 free
This is another excellent option for players in New Jersey offering a $25 No Deposit Bonus for players simply signing up. That can go a long way for players looking to play some cards on house money.
partypoker is one of the best platforms in the world and partners with MGM’s Borgata casino in Atlantic City. The additional skins BorgataPoker.com and BetMGM Poker also make use of partypoker software and all three share the same group of players.
You can receive your $25 in a few different ways. This makes for a nice way to play some of what partypoker has to offer including:
- $10 in poker cash
- $5 free for use in partypoker tournaments
- $10 free for use in the party casino
Players simply have to set up and account to earn that free money. The partypoker app also offers a great playing experience, and the company has worked to make it an even better option since 2019.
Beyond the free money option, those looking to fund their account will find another nice deposit match bonus of 100% up to $600.
PokerStars (NJ, PA) – $30 free play (on deposit)
When you’re the most recognized and popular online poker site in the world, a no deposit bonus isn’t in the cards. But you can get $30 in free play for a minimal deposit.
Known for its world-class software and massive tournaments, PokerStars now offers real-money online poker in New Jersey and Pennsylvania. As of November 2020, it’s the only poker site in PA, but that should change in the Fall when partypoker launches. In the US, both NJ and PA are “fenced-in” markets, which means players can only play against others located in that state – not against a national or international player pool (yet).
That being said, you’ll find many similar series and promotions that you’d find on the international PokerStars platform, only geared toward NJ and PA. Both have proven popular so far and offer access to big tournament series such as the NJ/PA Championships of Online Poker and the Bounty Builder Series.
Players won’t find a completely free no deposit bonus for poker, but a pretty solid deal nonetheless. For a deposit of $20, players get $30 in free play. Or, on that first deposit players can also choose a 100% match bonus up to $600 instead.
The $30 free play bonus includes:
- $20 Bonus Money
- $10 in Spin & Go tickets
- Free entry into a $5,000 depositor freeroll
- 1 million in Play-Money chips
BorgataPoker.com (NJ) – $20 free
The online site of one of Atlantic City’s most renowned poker rooms, Borgata Poker online is a partypoker skin that offers another nice no deposit bonus – simply set up your account and earn a free $20.
As they share software, you’ll find the same excellent and newly revised table layout you’d find on partypoker NJ plus the same cash game and tournament selection.
Your no deposit bonus comes in the form of:
- $10 in cash
- $10 poker bonus
If you choose to go on and make a deposit you’ll get a 100% match bonus up to $600.
Poker Sites Free Sign Up Bonus
Players at BorgataPoker.com will find some nice daily and weekly events as well as major tournament series. That includes chances to qualify at the property’s regular live tournament events – some of the best in the country.
BetMGM Poker (NJ) – $25 free
Another partypoker skin, this platform also uses the same software and player pool. It also offers the chance to earn another nice no deposit bonus.
Set up an account and take the free $25 to jump on a table and do some betting and bluffing. No big requirements here; just use this link and get started playing with your free cash.
If you decide to actually make an additional deposit, you’ll get a 100% match bonus up to $1,000.
Global Poker No Deposit Bonus (All US except WA & Canada except Quebec)
This is a unique sweepstake poker site available to players in the US (excl. WA) and Canada (excl. Que). Similar to a social gaming site, players can play for a free with a virtual currency called Gold Coins (GC).
Those who purchase more Gold Coins receive Sweeps Coins (SC) as a bonus. These can also be used in separate tournaments and ring games and ultimately be redeemed for cash prizes and gift cards.
Global Poker is a great sweeps cash poker option with a $20 Gold Coin no deposit package for you to get started and try the platform out.
Free Poker vs No Deposit Poker
No deposit poker is a great way to jump in to your first action online. These bonuses are indeed real money and can be a great jumpstart to having a proper poker bankroll you can use to play progressively bigger stakes.
That’s certainly not required however – you can play at the lowest stakes (literally pennies) for as long as you want to. Legal poker sites also offer the chance to simply play for virtual currency (play money), too, although the game is decidedly different strategically than real money poker.
Regardless, through both you can see how the site functions, get used to the speed of the online game and work on your own strategy weak spots.
Playing at a legal, regulated online poker site in the US is the same as playing at a live poker table at a casino. They offer safety and security and must meet strict gaming regulations like traditional casinos. Read more about safe and secure online poker sites.
Beyond the traditional poker software client, playing for real money on poker apps is also an option.
These are not to be confused with other social gaming and similar play money apps. These don’t offer a real-money option and playing poker is much different when not playing for real money. You’ll find traditional real-money online poker is much closer to what you might experience in a real casino card room.
Traditional online poker sites in the US offer players a virtual game as well as the ability to play for real money in major tournaments and cash games.
New Player Freerolls to Build a Poker Bankroll
Another great way to build a bankroll on an online poker site is to make use of freerolls. These are free tournaments to enter where the poker site puts up a real money prize pool.
There is no tournament fee and you can earn real money if you win or make it into the money spots. Many sites offer new players exclusive freerolls in addition to no deposit bonuses.
Freerolls are another nice option to make some money on a poker site without having to make a deposit. Additionally, these tournaments aren’t solely for new players and many sites use them as promotions.
No Deposit Bonus vs. Welcome Bonus
Most poker sites offer all new players a Welcome Bonus. This shouldn’t be confused with a no deposit bonus.
A welcome bonus, also sometimes referred to as a match bonus, applies to players who make an initial deposit. Some of these bonuses can be for up to $1,500 and make for a great way to get started on a real-money online poker site if you intend to play a lot of poker. Meeting the clearing requirements for some welcome bonuses – particularly the largest amounts – will take some concentrated effort in a short period of time.
A no deposit bonus is just as the name implies. A new player only has to register an account and can play using these funds without even making a deposit. No deposit bonuses are the easier way to get started with online poker.
Play Free Poker on Your Phone
Online poker has exploded as a way to play poker for real money on a cell phone or tablet. Poker sites now tailor their product for mobile users as well as those using the traditional poker client.
All the traditional online poker sites mentioned here in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Nevada and Delaware all offer nice poker apps. Those include:
- WSOP.com (NJ, NV)
- PokerStars (NJ, PA)
- 888poker (NJ)
- Partypoker (NJ)
- BorgataPoker.com (NJ)
- BetMGM (NJ)
Poker apps are easy to download for both iPhone and Android. You can still take advantage of no deposit bonuses as well as other deposit offers found here. You can expect to find all the games and events you’d find using a laptop including:
- Cash games
- Tournaments
- Sit & Go’s
- Major MTT series
If you try out a poker app you’ll find a platform built specifically for mobile play. Much of the play on a poker app can be done utilizing a single finger, which makes playing on the go very simple. Most features found on the desktop client are also available on the app.
For players not able to play traditional online poker on their phones, sweepstakes poker sites like Global Poker also offer an opportunity. While Global doesn’t yet have a mobile app, the site uses a browser-based system that also works great on a cell phone or tablet.
No Deposit Poker FAQ
Are online No Deposit Poker bonuses really free?
Yes, poker sites offer these bonuses to USPoker readers to try out the site. Players can build a bankroll using these funds and ultimately cash them out for real money.
What games can I play with a No Deposit Bonus?
While these bonuses may be smaller than players would typically deposit, they do offer a chance to play for real money. Players can take advantage of cash games, tournaments, and sit & go’s.
You can find stakes for all bankrolls and can play for as low as $0.01/$0.02 at many sites. You’ll also find tournaments and sit & go’s available for around $1.
Some sites may offer the no deposit bonus as a simple credit to your account allowing you to play as you wish. Others may offer players specific tournament or sit & go tickets. These can be used to actually win real money and build a poker bankroll just like funds you can deposit on the site.
Can I claim a No Deposit Bonus and a Match Bonus?
Yes, a no deposit bonus is free money a player can use after simply creating an account at a site. There is no deposit required and you don’t have to fund an account.
Match Bonuses or Welcome Bonuses are funds credited to a player’s account after making a deposit. These can be hundreds of dollars and even thousands, and are a great benefit for players looking to make a deposit.
These may have requirements for “play-through” before these funds are released however. That means a player may need to play a certain number of hands or events to have some of that bonus released and credited to his account.
When can I withdraw my no deposit bonus?
Most winnings from these bonuses can be withdrawn as they are accumulated. These funds are real money as if the player had made a deposit.
What’s the catch with a No Deposit Bonus?
There’s no “catch” with these types of funds. They’re available to you to try out a regulated, legal online poker site for real money and see if it’s for you. It’s real money to play poker and it’s free. What could be better? You won’t be able to claim the bonus and then immediately cash it out, obviously, but that shouldn’t be classified as a “catch” per se. That’s simple common sense.
Where can I get a No Deposit bonus in the US?
Since 2011, after what’s known as “Black Friday,” the US has been limited to a state-by-state approach to legalizing online poker. Nevada, New Jersey, and Delaware have offered online poker since 2013.
Pennsylvania began offering online poker in 2019. West Virginia and Michigan legalized online gaming including poker in 2019. However, those two states haven’t gone live with online gaming yet as of June 2020.
Those looking for some No Deposit Poker are in luck with a few sites in some of these legal states. It’s also important to note that while you have to be located within these states to play, you don’t have to be there to sign up for a No Deposit Bonus or even fund your account.
Some players see that No Deposit Bonus as a challenge – ie how long they can make it last as they try to build it up into an even bigger bonus. Here’s a look at a few popular sites where you can get in the games just for signing up.
If you’re interested in no deposit bonuses for online casino play, see our dedicated page here: