Many new players get excited and blow through their first deposit bonus before really understanding how it works at a USA live casino. Really, it’s quite understandable when this happens. But the truth is, a few small choices at the start can make a big difference in how much value you get.
Picking the right games, watching the wagering terms and setting small goals can all give you better results. So let’s now look at five simple tips to help you get the most out of your first deposit bonus.
Read the Terms Before Accepting Anything
It might sound tedious, but the very first thing you should do is read the bonus terms and conditions. Every casino bonus comes with rules, and if you don’t know them, you might break them without even realizing it. So make sure you pay attention to the following because if you skip this step, you might win something only to find out later that it doesn’t count or you can’t withdraw:
- Wagering requirements
- Which games count toward bonus wagering and which ones don’t
- Maximum bet limits of the welcome bonus
- How long the offer lasts before it expires
Pick the Right Games for the Bonus
All games are not the same when it comes to using your bonus. This is why most casinos give you a list of the games that count toward wagering and how much they contribute.
For instance, slots usually count 100% and even then, some casinos only recognize specific slot titles when it comes to these welcome offers. Then, for table games like blackjack or roulette, they may only count 10% – 20% toward wagering, depending on the platform. Live dealer casino games, on the other hand, are most times excluded from the game contribution. Read on for How Live Dealer Games Work at Online Casinos.
So if you want to clear your bonus quickly, focus on the games that give you full credit, which are usually slots. But don’t just choose any slot game. Instead, look for ones with a high RTP rate that will pay back more over time.
Start Small to Stretch the Offer
When you get your first deposit bonus, it’s tempting to make big bets and try to win fast. But that approach usually burns through your balance quickly.
Instead, start with smaller bets to have more time to play and more chances to win a winning streak. The longer your balance lasts, the better your chances of completing the wagering requirements. And when you do, you can then turn your bonus into real, withdrawable cash.
So, assuming you deposit $100 and get a 100% match bonus, you now have a total of $200. If you start betting $10 per spin, that’s only 20 spins before your balance runs out. But if you start with $1 or $2 per spin, you have more breathing room and time to build a substantial profit margin.
Keep Track of Your Progress
Many players forget how close they are to completing the bonus requirements, which makes them quit too early or keep playing when they don’t need to. For this reason, most gambling sites have a wagering progress tracker on the player’s account dashboard. However, if they don’t, you can keep your own notes.
By doing this, you can stay focused and make better decisions. This is why it’s important to track:
- How much you’ve wagered so far
- What is left of your bonus
- How many days you have left before the bonus expires
Don’t Chase Losses
Finally, and maybe most importantly, know when it’s time to stop. Bonuses can be a great boost, but they do not guarantee that you will win real money. Some players don’t understand this, so they chase losses to try and win back what they’ve already spent. In such instances, gambling then becomes stressful instead of fun.
However, if your bonus depletes and you didn’t win anything, don’t keep depositing just to “get it back.” Take a break, come back with a clear head and maybe try again another day. Basically, the goal is to treat your bonus like an opportunity to explore the games and maybe win a little extra.
Final Thoughts on How to Maximize your First Deposit Bonus
Your first deposit bonus is a great opportunity if you use it wisely. The tips we’ve shared are easy to follow, so use them to make smarter choices. With them, you can get more value and make your welcome offer last longer for you.