Best Sign Up Poker Bonuses for 2025

Poker room sign-up bonuses are an interesting opportunity for new players to improve their gaming experience. These promotions are offered by poker platforms to provide new players with additional funds to explore all the available features. Welcome bonuses help players increase their bankroll and test desired strategies with decreased risk, making the gameplay more enjoyable.

Why the Best Poker Welcome Bonus Matters

A welcome bonus is essential for a player who is just starting out at a particular poker room. It increases the player’s bankroll, improving their starting opportunities and allowing them to explore the presented options without financial pressure. Whether you get free tournament tickets or a deposit match up to a certain amount, there is always a use for such gifts.

Poker Rooms With the Best Sign-Up Bonuses

There are dozens of sites that offer sign-up bonuses, which makes it fairly hard to pick out those that can be considered good. Fortunately, our team have done enough research to present you with 3 platforms that feature some of the best poker sign-up bonuses available:

Types of Sign-Up Poker Bonuses

Welcome bonuses come in many forms, with the most popular being a poker registration bonus and a first deposit bonus. Let’s have a closer look at each of these.

Bonus for Registration

A no deposit poker sign up bonus is considered the most tempting offer, as you do not have to deposit any funds to start playing. In order to receive this bonus, you just need to register and verify your account. While the size of such offers is usually small, you don’t need to risk anything to have a chance to win real money, which is always pleasant.

Bonus for Deposit

A first deposit bonus is another enticing reward offered by poker platforms. This type of bonus is awarded when you make your initial deposit. Typically, the bonus money amount is a percentage of your deposit, often reaching up to 100% or even more. For instance, if you deposit $50 and the offer provides a 100% match, you’ll receive an additional $50 in bonus funds. With how big the upper limits for such offers reach, players can get a significant amount of playtime from a single deposit.

Choosing the Best Sign Up Poker Offer

In order to choose the best welcome offer from popular poker rooms, you need to pay attention to several important criteria. These will help you decide if the offer is worth your time.

  • Bonus amount: Of course, the first thing you need to pay attention to is the amount of the welcome offer. The larger the bonus, the larger your bankroll will be. Just make sure that you are aware of the minimum deposit required.
  • Bonus duration: In order to understand how much time you have to wager the bonus, you need to study the terms. Some welcome bonuses have strict time limits while others don’t, but it is always better to know what to expect.
  • Game mode restrictions: Some bonus poker offers can only be applied to certain game formats. Be sure to check whether your preferred poker mode is suitable for this bonus.
  • Wagering Requirements: Most welcome offers come with specific requirements on how you can convert bonus money into withdrawable winnings. Most of the time, it comes down to rake, obtained when you play money poker. Make sure you are aware of how much is needed, as there are plenty of offers that are very hard to benefit from.

How to Claim a Poker Sign-Up Bonus

Getting good sign up poker bonuses is relatively easy, at least when you know what to do. If you don’t or want to refresh your memory, make sure to:

1 Choose a poker platform:

Select a poker platform from our chart that offers a welcome bonus that interests you.

2 Register a new account:

Visit the chosen site and create an account by entering all the necessary personal information. Make sure that all the data you enter is up-to-date to avoid difficulties during verification.

3 Select a bonus:

Some platforms require the user to independently select a free bonus after registration. To do this, you will need to check a box or enter a promo code.

4 Make your first deposit:

To activate some registration bonuses, you must make your first deposit. Be sure to read the bonus terms and conditions to ensure that the deposit meets the requirements.

5 Verify your account:

Go through the account verification process, by providing documents that can prove you are an adult and have the right to use the platforms for real money poker games.

Get your bonus:

Once you have met all the requirements, you will be granted your welcome bonus. Note, that on some poker sites you will get your bonus as soon as you register – no extra steps required.

Tips for Maximizing Your Sign-Up Poker Bonus

To make the most of your poker signup bonuses, you need to approach them strategically. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your advantage based on our experience:

  • Terms and conditions: Always read the terms and conditions before using any bonus offer. Pay attention to the wagering requirements, eligible game formats and time limits.
  • Learn who you are playing against: Play at lower stakes than usual to learn the nuances of the poker site and adjust your approach depending on the average level of the opponents.
  • Monitor your wagering: Periodically check how close you are to be able to withdraw the bonus via the promotion or account page.
  • Use other poker promotions and bonuses: Some poker platforms allow users to have several bonus offers activated. Depending on the combination, you can increase your bankroll much higher.

Common Mistakes When Claiming a Sign-Up Bonus

Welcome sign-up bonuses may provide an advantage, but they do not protect against common mistakes made by new users. Let’s look at the most glaring of them:

  • Ignoring Bonus Validity: Those who are new to online poker often miss the bonus claim period or fail to wager it in time. To avoid that, make sure you are familiar with the validity of the bonus and plan your sessions accordingly.
  • Overlooking limits on poker online variations: Welcome bonuses are often restricted to certain formats, meaning that you won’t be able to use them however you like. Make sure the format you prefer is eligible for bonus usage before claiming the offer.  
  • Lack of strategy when playing: Using bonus funds without a good strategy will result in them being lost. Study different poker strategies and stick to tables with players of similar skill level.
  • Ignoring the deposit threshold: Before claiming a registration bonus, you need to be aware of its minimum deposit requirements. If your initial deposit  does not meet them, you will get no bonus. 
  • Ignoring wagering requirements: The requirements for wagering bonus funds are specified in the bonus terms. If you do not meet them and attempt to withdraw the funds, your bonus might get terminated.

Playthrough Requirements for Sign-Up Bonuses

Wagering requirements are an important part of the sign-up bonus system. The requirements determine how exactly you must wager the bonus funds in order to withdraw them. Always check these terms carefully, as higher wagering requirements may make it more difficult to convert bonus funds into withdrawable funds.

Poker rooms often use a points or rakeback system in setting up wagering requirements. For example, you get more and more bonuses as real money as you accumulate rakes. Wagering terms vary significantly depending on the poker room, so make sure you read them before claiming any bonus.

Pros and Cons of Sign-Up Poker Bonuses

Claiming a signup bonus offers a variety of benefits and drawbacks that players should consider before claiming a poker bonus.

  • Increased bankroll: A sign-up bonus offer increases your funds for the game, which gives you the opportunity to explore modes or make higher bets.
  • Motivation to play: Bonuses become another incentive for new users to interact with poker rooms.
  • Improved gaming skills: Bonus funds give more space to use new tactics and strategies. The more time a user spends in the game, the more they improve their skills.
  • Risk-free poker play: Sign-up bonus offers can provide funds without a deposit, which allows users to play without financial worries.
  • Wagering requirements: Some sites set unrealistic wagering requirements, making withdrawing a bonus a very hard challenge.
  • Time restrictions: Many bonuses are time-limited, which can negatively impact player decisions.
  • Selective access: Poker bonuses may only apply to certain game modes.

FAQs About Poker Sign-Up Bonuses

Are sign-up and welcome bonuses the same?

Welcome bonuses and signup poker offers are created specifically for new users, so we can say that they are interchangeable concepts.

Which online poker sites offer a free sign-up bonus?

Here are some popular online poker sites that offer interesting welcome bonuses — Redstar Poker, 1Win, JackPoker, PokerStars, 888poker, and CoinPoker.

Can I claim multiple sign-up bonuses from different poker sites?

No site can restrict your ability to play elsewhere, meaning you can get as many free signup offers as you want.

Are online sign-up poker bonuses worth using?

Yes they are. When handled appropriately, bonuses can provide additional value to your poker sessions.

What is the welcome bonus for poker games?

Each platform has different offers, but most of the time it is easier a deposit match or free tickets for tournaments.

What’s the best sign-up poker bonus for US players?

Identifying the best offer is hard, as each player has their own preferences. Fortunately, players can decide for themselves by making use of our chart of online poker sites with great bonuses.

What’s the best sign-up poker bonus for UK players?

Finding the best offer can be challenging, as every player has unique preferences. Thankfully, our comprehensive chart of online poker sites with top bonuses allows everyone to choose the option that suits them best.

Can I use sign-up poker bonuses to play real money games?

Yes, sign-up poker bonuses can typically be used for real money games, but there are often terms and conditions attached. Most bonuses are subject to wagering requirements, meaning you may need to generate a specific level of rake before the bonus funds are fully unlocked.

Can I use a sign-up bonus on mobile poker apps?

Yes, most sign-up bonuses offered by poker sites are also available on their mobile apps. The bonuses function the same way, whether you play on a desktop or mobile.

Is it necessary to claim a sign-up bonus on poker sites?

No, you are free to opt-out of the bonus offer if you prefer not to use it.

What happens if my sign-up poker bonus expires?

If you failed to claim or wager the bonus during the provided period, your poker bonus will be deducted from your account or voided.

What happens if I don’t meet the wagering requirements?

Players that are yet to wager their bonuses are restricted from withdrawing them.

Are poker sign-up bonuses taxable in the US?

Yes, poker sign-up bonuses are considered taxable income in the US. The IRS has determined that any gambling winnings, including bonuses from poker sites, must be reported on your tax return. This applies to bonuses that are cashed out in real money.

User Comments

Total: 5 Comments

Hi Netze,

You can become a PokerListings player simply by downloading the software of any poker site via our review link.

June 14, 2017

how can I sign up https://www.pokerlistings.com/.

June 14, 2017

@snackattack

Yep, you definitely can. There are usually playing requirements to clear the full bonus but they are typically very minimal.

@Sunny

Rankings are based on a variety of factors. PokerStars definitely has a massive amount of tournaments and games but competition there is easily the toughest online. Read through the reviews for more specific factors that make a poker site better or worse for different types of players.

March 20, 2015

Can I really get a 200% bonus match?

March 12, 2015

How do you come up with the rating per room? How can Full Tilt have a higher rating than pokerstars?? Seem weirddd

February 24, 2015