Published: Aug 28th 2017
Best Poker Bonuses & Signup Bonus Offers
We understand that finding the best poker bonuses can be a daunting task. With so many websites offering enticing deals, it can be difficult to know which ones to trust.
That’s why we’ve taken it upon ourselves to do the research and provide you with a comprehensive guide to the top online poker welcome offers available.
We are going into detail, and we show you where you can find the best online poker bonus offers available right now!
Table of Contents
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Best Online Poker Bonuses Offers by Category in 2025
| Category | Winner | Details |
| 🎁Largest Online Poker Bonus | CoinPoker | CoinPoker offers the largest bonus, and we are running exclusive rake races for you. |
| 🆕Best Bonus for New Players | VangPoker | The newest crypto poker site with a soft player pool, daily freerolls, and low rake for players looking to get started. |
| 🎰Best Bonus for Tournament Players | GGPoker | The perfect bonus if you enjoy playing MTTs at the largest online poker site. |
| 💵Best Bonus for US Players | ACR | The largest offshore poker site that is welcoming players from the US. |
| 🌏Best Bonus for Asian Players | Natural8 | Part of the GGNetwork and tons of further exclusive promotions. |
What is a Poker Bonus?
A poker bonus is a promotional offer provided by online poker sites to encourage players to register, deposit and play for real money on their platforms.
These bonuses come in various forms, such as sign up bonuses, deposit match bonuses, no deposit bonuses, reload bonuses, tournament tickets and more.
The main purpose of a poker bonus is to attract new players and retain existing ones by providing additional value, often in the form of extra cash or access to exclusive tournaments.
So what’s the benefit for you?
- More Playtime: Increases your bankroll, so that you can move up in stakes faster and increase your win rate.
- Reduced Risk: Extra funds from a bonus minimize the risk of having to move down in stakes.
- Higher Winnings Potential: Increases the chances to win by enabling participation in bigger games or tournaments.
- Loyalty Rewards: Continue play and get access to VIP and loyalty program benefits.
Different Types of Poker Bonuses
When talking about online poker bonuses, it is important to point out, that there are different kinds of bonus offers which we would like to explain to you:
Welcome or Sign-Up Bonuses
Sign-up bonuses, also known as poker welcome bonuses, are offered to new players when they create an account on a poker site. These bonuses usually match a percentage of the player’s first deposit.
Examples:
- GGPoker: 100% match up to $600; good for new players looking to build their bankroll.
- WPT Global: 100% up to $3,850 (including tournament tickets); great for tournament players.
- CoinPoker: 150% up to $2,000; a great offer for mid-stakes players and if you use cryptocurrencies for transactions.
- Key Considerations: When choosing a welcome bonus, consider the bonus amount, playthrough requirements (how much you need to play to withdraw the bonus), and expiration date.
No Deposit Bonuses
No deposit bonuses provide free money or tournament tickets without requiring a deposit, allowing new players to try the site risk-free.
Sign up and verify your account to claim a no deposit poker bonus. Restrictions often include limited games and high playthrough requirements.
Reload Bonuses
Reload bonuses are offered to existing players who make additional deposits, encouraging them to stay active on the platform.
These bonuses are usually offered at a lower percentage than sign-up bonuses and require additional deposits. To use effectively, time your deposits around bonus periods and keep an eye out for promotional events.
Tournament Tickets and Free Spins
These allow players to enter specific tournaments or games without using their money, providing a risk-free way to win real money.
Unlike cash bonuses, tournament tickets can exclusively be used for entry into tournaments and cannot be withdrawn.
Our tip: Use tickets for high-value tournaments with good player-to-prize ratios to maximize your chances of winning.
Referral Bonuses
Referral bonuses are earned by referring new players to a poker site, rewarding both the referrer and the new player with bonuses or free play.
Share referral links with friends or communities interested in poker, and ensure the referred player completes any required deposits or playthroughs to qualify for the bonus.
VIP and Loyalty Bonuses
VIP and loyalty programs reward players for their ongoing activity on a poker site, often through a point system that grants access to exclusive bonuses, tournaments, or cash rewards.
Higher VIP levels often provide better rewards, such as higher rakeback deals, special promotions, and priority support.
Accumulate points by playing regularly, then redeem them for bonuses or tournament entries to boost your bankroll.
How to Choose the Best Poker Bonus for Your Play Style
So what are the main factors to consider when selecting a poker bonus? Here is our expert opinion on this matter:
Bonus Size vs. Playthrough Requirements
A larger bonus might seem appealing, but it’s essential to consider the attached playthrough requirements. A massive bonus can become a burden if the wagering requirements are unrealistic for your level of play.
Playthrough Requirements are the conditions you must meet to convert your bonus into withdrawable cash.
- For example: if you receive a $500 bonus with a 10x playthrough requirement, you must wager $5,000 to access the bonus funds.
Evaluate if your regular gameplay allows you to meet these conditions comfortably.
Game Restrictions and Eligible Poker Variants
Some poker bonuses are limited to specific games or formats. For instance, a bonus might only be usable in tournaments or cash games, not both. Ensure the bonus applies to the poker variants you prefer.
If you specialize in a particular game type, like Texas Hold’em or Omaha, verify that the bonus can be used in those games. Bonuses that restrict you to less popular variants may not be worth your time.
Time Constraints and Expiration Dates
Bonuses often come with a time limit within which the playthrough requirements must be met. If you play casually or don’t have much time to dedicate, a poker sign up bonus with a short expiration period might not be suitable.
Check the expiration date of the bonus. Some bonuses expire within days, while others might give you several weeks or even months to meet the requirements. Choose a bonus that aligns with your playing schedule.
Tips for Evaluating Poker Bonuses Based on Player Experience Level
If you are just getting started playing poker online, here is what you should focus on:
Smaller Bonuses with Low Playthrough Requirements: Beginners should prioritize bonuses with lower playthrough requirements to avoid overwhelming conditions. A modest bonus that you can actually clear is more beneficial than a large bonus you can’t fully utilize.
No Deposit Bonuses: These are ideal for beginners as they allow you to explore the site and play with free money, reducing financial risk while you learn the ropes.
Game Variety: Look for bonuses that allow you to play different poker variants. This flexibility lets you explore and discover which game type suits you best without any financial commitment.
Grinders should consider the following
Larger Bonuses with Higher Playthrough Requirements: True grinders should consider larger bonuses, even if they come with higher playthrough requirements, as they are more likely to meet these conditions through regular play.
Game-Specific Bonuses: If you’re an experienced online poker player specializing in a particular variant or tournament format, seek bonuses tailored to your preferred game type to maximize their value.
VIP and Loyalty Programs: You should focus on sites with appealing VIP or loyalty programs, as these can offer long-term benefits and rewards that complement your regular gameplay.
FAQ
How do you get bonuses in poker?
Getting bonuses in poker can be done in several ways. Many online poker sites offer different types of bonuses such as sign up bonuses, first deposit bonuses, no deposit bonuses, and reload bonuses.
These bonuses can be claimed by registering with the site, making a deposit, or meeting certain play through requirements.
Some sites may require a bonus code, while others may credit the bonus automatically upon deposit. Bonuses are a way to increase your bankroll and play real money games online.
What is the welcome bonus for poker games?
A welcome bonus in poker is a special offer given to new players when they join an online poker site.
It can include a match on the first deposit, free play money, tournament tickets, or a combination of these.
For example, some sites may offer a 100% match on the first deposit up to a certain amount, while others may offer free tickets or no deposit bonuses.
The welcome bonus is designed to attract new players and provide them with additional funds to play with.
What is the bonus code in poker?
A bonus code in poker is a special code that players can enter when they sign up or make a deposit at an online poker site.
This code is used to claim a specific bonus offer, such as a welcome bonus or deposit bonus. Not all poker sites require a bonus code to claim an offer, some may credit the bonus automatically.
Bonus codes are often provided by the poker site itself or through affiliate partners and allow players access to special promotions and additional rakeback.
Further Interesting Topics
Besides the above-mentioned online poker bonuses, there are tons of additional promotions available. Furthermore, we at VIP-Grinders also bring you exclusive poker promotions, that you won’t find anywhere else.