Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements are the most important part of any bonus. These requirements tell you how many times you must play through the bonus amount before you can withdraw. For example a $100 bonus with 35x wagering means you must play through $3,500.
Types of Wagering Requirements
There are 3 ways to calculate:
- Bonus Only: You must play through the bonus amount x requirement
- Bonus + Deposit: Both your deposit and bonus must be played through the requirement
- Winnings Only: Common with free spins where you play through the winnings only
Look for 35x or lower. Anything above 50x is unreasonable and should be avoided. The most common wagering requirements are 30x to 35x, some operators offer no wagering bonuses.
Game Contribution Percentages
Not all games count towards wagering requirements. Understanding game contribution is key to your bonus strategy:
- Slots: Typically 100% of your bets
- Table Games: Often 10-20% or excluded
- Live Dealer Games: Very low contribution rates
- Video Poker: Excluded from bonus play
Check which games are restricted or have lower contribution before claiming a bonus. Playing games with low contribution can make it impossible to meet wagering requirements within the time limit.
Time Limits and Expiration Dates
Bonus validity varies between operators and bonus types. Most casino bonuses have 1 week to 30 days to complete wagering. Key points to consider:
- Daily bonuses expire within 24 hours
- Welcome bonuses have 7-30 days to complete
- Free spins have shorter expiration than cash bonuses
Plan your gaming sessions to make sure you can complete the requirements within the time frame. Don’t claim bonuses during busy periods when you won’t have time to play.
Max Bet Limits
Many casinos have max bet limits when using bonus funds. These limits prevent you from making big bets to complete wagering requirements quickly. Common max bet limits are $2 to $10 per spin or hand.
Violating max bet limits will result in bonus forfeiture and voided winnings. Always check these limits before playing and adjust your betting strategy accordingly.
Payment Method Restrictions
Not all deposit methods are eligible for bonus. Common exclusions are:
Check your preferred payment method is eligible before making a deposit to claim a bonus. Using an excluded method will disqualify you from the promotion.
Max Cashout Limits
Some bonuses, especially no-deposit and free spins, have max cashout limits. These limits cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings, regardless of how much you win.
For example a no-deposit bonus might have a $100 max cashout limit, so you can only withdraw up to that amount even if you win $500. Factor these limits into your bonus evaluation to make sure the potential return is worth your time.
Country and Account Restrictions
Geographic restrictions are common with casino bonuses. Always check your country is eligible before claiming an offer. Most bonuses are:
- One per user, household or IP address
- New customers only (for welcome bonuses)
- Players who haven’t claimed similar offers recently
Trying to circumvent these restrictions by creating multiple accounts is bonus abuse and will result in account closure.
Red Flags to Watch Out For
Watch out for these when evaluating bonus terms:
Unreasonable Requirements
- Wagering requirements above 50x
- Extremely short expiration periods (less than 7 days for big bonuses)
- Max bet limits below $1
- Game restrictions that exclude most popular games
Hidden Terms
- Vague language around withdrawal conditions
- Buried restrictions in long terms and conditions
- Bonus codes not clearly stated
- Unclear game contribution percentages
Predatory Practices
- Automatic bonus opt-in without clear opt-out
- Bonuses that activate immediately upon deposit
- Terms that change frequently without notice
- Customer support that can’t explain bonus rules
Bonus Evaluation Checklist
Before claiming any bonus ask yourself:
1. Can I complete the wagering requirements within the time limit?
2. Do my favorite games contribute to the requirements?
3. Is the max bet limit suitable for me?
4. Is my deposit method eligible for the bonus?
5. Are there max cashout limits that will limit my winnings?
6. Have I read and understood all terms in both the bonus and general terms?
Bonus Strategy
Quality over quantity when it comes to bonuses. It’s better to claim fewer bonuses with good terms than to take every bonus available. Focus on bonuses that:
- Have reasonable wagering requirements (35x or less)
- Allow you to play your favorite games
- Have enough time to complete requirements
- Are from reputable, licensed operators
- Offer real value after all restrictions
Remember bonuses are to enhance your gaming experience, not guaranteed profit. Set realistic expectations and never deposit more than you can afford to lose while chasing bonus requirements.
By evaluating these key terms and conditions you can make informed decisions on which bonuses are worth it and which to avoid. Taking the time to read the fine print will lead to more enjoyable and potentially profitable bonus experiences.