The most recent 2025 data states that there will likely be 95.8 million online casino players in the US by 2029, with the average spend per player likely to reach $399. And in 2025, user penetration for online casinos in the US reached 21.7%, with 44.1% being 18-24 year olds and 26.6% being 25-34 year olds (Rich Ads).
Player spending might be increasing, but do they even need to spend a dollar to win anything? Read on to find out more.
How No Deposit Bonuses Work
To understand the likelihood of a payout from a no deposit bonus, it’s worth understanding how they work.
They’re promotional offers that online casinos give, mostly to new players but sometimes to loyal or returning players, without requiring an upfront deposit. The deposit is rarely more than $10, but you will see some websites offering free credit up to $30/40.
What you will see is some strict conditions that protect the casino’s money. Because, of course, they’re going to put measures in place to ensure they’re not putting themselves at a loss. Some of those conditions include:
- Higher wagering requirements
- Game restrictions
- Maximum cash-out limits
- Time restrictions
And not all games count equally toward wagering. Slots typically count 100%, while high-return games like blackjack or video poker might only count 10–20%. What that means is that these offers are usually limited to slots. Slots are the easiest way to meet the playthrough requirements. If table games are allowed at all, they contribute very little to clearing the requirement.
Players must also complete identity verification (KYC) before any withdrawal.
Can You Really Win Money Without Depositing Any?
It’s not a myth: you can win real money without depositing any. Is it easy? Not necessarily.
Statistics from 2024 state that only 8–12% of players meet the wagering requirements and withdraw winnings from a no-deposit bonus. That’s roughly 1 in 10 players who might walk away with cash.
Most others either fail to complete the playthrough or end up with no winnings above the minimum threshold (Card Player Lifestyle). Casinos deliberately set these hurdles so that offering “free money” remains sustainable for them.
Those who do beat the odds must also abide by the cash-out rules. Almost all no-deposit deals impose the maximum withdrawal cap that we mentioned. For example, if the cap is $100 and you somehow win $300 from a free bonus, the terms might limit you to withdrawing $100 and forfeit the rest.
Even the best no-deposit promotions in 2025 tend to be capped at around $200 in winnings, and most are much lower (Wizard of Odds).
Do iGaming Platforms Make Money From No Deposit Bonuses?
Online casinos wouldn’t give a bonus that doesn’t require a deposit if they didn’t make sense for business.
The bonus itself costs the casino money (around a few dollars in free credits per player, plus the occasional payout to lucky winners), but it’s viewed as a marketing investment with a strong return. The cost of acquiring a new player has increased by around 37% in two years as of early 2025, so casinos have turned to creative promotions to attract sign-ups (Card Player Lifestyle).
The biggest benefit for casinos comes after that initial attraction. These bonuses are highly effective at converting curious visitors into paying customers. Players who claim a no-deposit bonus are 27% more likely to make a real money deposit within their first month compared to those who signed up with no free bonus (Card Player Lifestyle).
Most gamblers treat the free credit as a trial run, and if they enjoy the experience, if they are entertained, they’ll deposit their own funds to continue. There’s also the principle of reciprocity. When the casino gives something for free, players often feel an obligation (even subconsciously) to give back by depositing later. Around 64% of players who won money using a no-deposit bonus went on to make at least one deposit (Card Player Lifestyle).
What Other Types of Bonuses Are “Free”?
There are so many great promotional offers to look out for as a player. Some of the bonuses that are technically “free” include:
- Free spins
- Free bets and no deposit sports bonuses
- Second chance bonuses: They’re not outright free, but they feel like it. Players will initially deposit money and play a game, but they don’t win. Some platforms will offer a “second chance” and allow players to play again for free.
- Loyalty freebies for existing customers
- Referral bonuses
- Sweepstakes and social casino bonuses
In a global context, the variety of “free” bonuses has been growing. European and international online casinos frequently advertise offers such as free €5 sign-up bonuses, free bingo tickets, or no-wager free spin offers to attract customers in saturated markets.
Can you win without spending? Yes. It might not necessarily be as easy as if you were to deposit money, but it definitely isn’t impossible. Always look for games with a higher return to player percentage to increase your chances.