Online poker is more popular than ever, as there are tens of thousands of active players around the world — including the US. Many new players who want to start playing online face a tough choice as they have no prior experience in choosing a poker site — which bonus to use. If you're one of them, make sure to read this short guide to learn how to select the best bonus for you.
The first thing you should understand is that there are two main types of bonuses out there — welcome bonuses and regular promotions. A welcome bonus is mainly aimed at new players, and it offers some sort of boost, usually on your first deposit.
Regular promotions are for existing players, and their purpose is to keep those users and make them come back to the site.
A welcome bonus is usually a match bonus, which means you'll receive bonus money on top of your first deposit. For example, if the bonus is 100%, your deposit amount will be matched with the exact same amount. If you deposit $100, you'll get another $100 for playing USA online poker.
Regular promotions come in all shapes and sizes. However, the most common promotions are various boosts for tournaments and cash games, such as freeroll tournaments, cashback bonuses, and more.
Another method that online poker rooms use to build trust with their users is introducing various VIP and loyalty programs. It means that you can receive additional prizes if you're an active player and become a member of the VIP scheme. These are usually tiered, which means you can progress through levels and get even better rewards.
The online gambling market is competitive, and there are plenty of US online poker sites fighting for their share of users, which is why their offers become more lucrative with time.
To choose the best welcome bonus, you also need to read their respective T&Cs sections and read more about terms such as wagering requirements, expiry dates, and more. This should ultimately help you decide which bonus is the best for you.
However, you shouldn't focus only on bonuses when choosing a new poker site. There are all kinds of features that you need to check out, and some sites have better features than others. Make sure to check out our page focusing on poker site features and learn more about the recommended poker platforms on it.