Much like online gambling sites that offer casino games such as blackjack and slots, regulated and legit online poker sites offer bonuses and rewards to both new and existing players.
Due to the continuation of legalization, and the potential for poker sites to combine player pools from different states, online poker is starting to gain in popularity all over again. And with that popularity, comes online poker bonuses that you should definitely be taking advantage of.
These special offers come in a variety of different formats, typically starting with a sign-up bonus that requires no deposit. After this no deposit bonus, new players then may receive a second bonus, such as a “bet and get” or a first-deposit bonus.
Existing players can look forward to continued rewards at frequent intervals thereafter based on the amount of play.
Online poker no deposit bonuses are the most common and really give the player a chance to explore different games and determine if they enjoy the poker site. First deposit and reload bonuses are great because they allow you to get some return on your investment. We will go through all of the poker promotions and bonuses below.
Global Poker is a poker site that is legal in 49 of the 50 US states (all but Washington), and is also legal everywhere in Canada except for Quebec.
Every new Global Poker player gets a $40 Gold Coin Package, including 200,000 Gold Coins and Bonus 40 Sweeps Coins for just $20 on your First Purchase! Plus get a $20 Gold Coin Package absolutely FREE once you verify your account!
You play with these Sweeps Coins, which can be redeemed for actual money. Poker pros such as Joey Ingram have recommended Global Poker.
Online poker no deposit bonuses are open to new players, however, not every online poker site offers them. They are made available as soon as the player completes the registration form with the requested information.
No deposit bonuses usually come in smaller amounts compared to other bonuses.
A poker site might also be very specific about how the bonus is to be used. The amount of time that players get to clear the bonus also varies between poker sites. Other terms and conditions might apply as well, such as wagering requirements, so be sure to read the full terms before playing.
Getting these online poker free sign up bonuses is quick and easy. Here are some steps to follow:
There may be subtle differences between each poker site, but these are the general steps when registering for an online poker free sign up bonus.
Here are some of the best no deposit poker sites in the following states:
Poker first deposit bonuses are open to players who have just signed up with a site. These offers tend to be on the generous side, especially when compared to no deposit bonuses.
When a player makes his or her first deposit, the online poker site will match it (many times with a 100% match). The minimum and maximum on deposits may vary, but the average is between $10-$20, though you should consider a bigger investment if you want to take full advantage of a first deposit bonus.
And just like no deposit bonuses, you may need to fulfill a wagering requirement to trigger the first deposit bonus, including withdrawing the money you may win. Please read the full terms and conditions of each poker site.
Online poker sites frequently offer special promotions for their existing players. The specific offers vary depending on the site, and some are for a limited time only while others can be accessed over an extended period of time or indefinitely.
Below you will find a brief description of the most common types of online poker promotions. However, we recommend that you visit the promotions page of your favorite online poker room often. Specific offers might be subject to change, and the site might also post new special promotions that you don’t want to miss.
A freeroll is a poker tournament with no entry fee that still pays out prizes. Some online poker rooms such as WSOP.com and PokerStars.com allocate part of the welcome bonus in the form of Welcome Week freeroll tickets.
A satellite is a low-cost buy-in tournament in which the winner(s) will likely earn a seat into a bigger tournament (which has a much higher buy-in).
The most famous example of a poker player who used satellites to his advantage in a big way is Chris Moneymaker. In 2003, he parlayed his win in a $39 online tournament all the way to a $2.5 million top prize in the WSOP Main Event.
The rake is a small percentage of the pot that the house takes out from every played hand. However, many online poker rooms return some of that money back to high volume players in the form of a rakeback credited to the player’s account.
Cashback is another way that many online poker rooms reward players for their gambling activity. For example, at 888 Poker in New Jersey, players earn both Reward Points and Status Points. Reward Points can be converted into Cashback, while Status Points determine a player’s tier level. The higher one’s tier level, the more Reward Points each Status Point is worth, and the more cashback the player receives.
Sit and Gos are single table tournaments. Unlike multi-table tournaments (MTTs), which are scheduled to start on designated days at specific times, a Sit and Go starts as soon as all of the seats at a table are filled.
Sit and Gos are very popular on online poker sites. The leaderboards give additional ways to win based on how your play stacks up not just against your opponents in each game you play but compared to the top Sit and Go players on the site.
The bonuses and rewards for online poker players start with the sign-up and first deposit bonus but don’t end there. Legal online poker sites reward loyal existing players in a variety of ways, too. The following are some of the exciting extras you might be eligible for long after you register with a site as a real money player.
These might be offered in a variety of forms such as a weekly reload bonus along with special offers that only higher tier players receive.
Some online poker sites reward players for reaching a certain VIP tier level, or special events such as a birthday or holiday. At times you may receive free entry into a tournament or a special tournament freeroll may be available to join.
All players have the opportunity to earn both tier points, which determine their tier level and reward points, which are convertible into cashback based on play. Top tier players receive extra amenities such as a personal host, exclusive bonuses and promotions, free rooms at the affiliated land-based casino, and invitations to special events both on the site and elsewhere.