Casino Bonuses Explained (Wagering & Fine Print)
Understand wagering requirements, game weighting, and regional restrictions so you know what you’re accepting.
What a bonus is
A bonus is extra balance or free spins given on conditions. The conditions decide what the offer is worth, so read them before the headline number.
The terms that matter
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Wagering requirement | How many times you must bet the bonus (or bonus plus deposit) before winnings can be withdrawn |
| Game weighting | How much each game counts towards wagering. Slots usually count in full; table and live games often count 10% or less |
| Maximum bet | The largest stake allowed while a bonus is active. Going over can void the winnings |
| Time limit | How long you have to finish the wagering |
| Maximum cashout | A cap on what you can withdraw from bonus winnings |
| Excluded payment methods | Deposits by some methods do not qualify |
A worked example
A casino offers a 100 bonus with 30x wagering on the bonus. You must place 3,000 in bets before withdrawing. On slots that return 96% on average, the expected cost of 3,000 in bets is about 120. That is more than the bonus was worth.
If the wagering applies to deposit plus bonus, a 100 deposit and 100 bonus at 30x means 6,000 in bets. Always check which one the terms use.
Types of bonus
- Deposit match. The casino adds a percentage of your deposit.
- Free spins. Spins on a named slot; winnings usually carry their own wagering.
- No-deposit bonus. A small amount for signing up, usually with a low cashout cap.
- Cashback. A share of net losses returned, sometimes with no wagering.
- Sticky and non-sticky. With a non-sticky bonus you play your own money first and can withdraw before touching the bonus. A sticky bonus locks both together.
When to decline
- The wagering is on deposit plus bonus and above about 30x.
- You mainly play table or live games that barely count.
- You want to be able to withdraw at any time.
You can usually opt out at deposit or ask support to remove a bonus before you play with it. Some countries and regions restrict how bonuses can be advertised, so offers differ by location.