Instructions
Step-by-step guides on how to earn, claim, and play smarter
Casino Bonuses & Wagering Requirements
Casino bonuses can boost your bankroll, but they come with terms and conditions. Understanding wagering requirements and bonus rules will help you make the most of promotional offers.
Types of Casino Bonuses
Different casinos offer various types of bonuses, each with unique terms and benefits.
Welcome Bonus / Deposit Bonus
The most common bonus type, usually matching your first deposit by a percentage (e.g., 100% up to $500). If you deposit $500 with a 100% match, you'll receive $500 in bonus funds for a total of $1,000.
Example: Stake.com offers 200% up to $2,000 on first deposit, or Shuffle.com offers 100% up to 1 BTC.
No Deposit Bonus
Free bonus money or spins given without requiring a deposit, usually for new players. These typically have strict wagering requirements and withdrawal limits.
Example: Sign up and get $10 free to try the casino.
Free Spins
Free spins on specific slot games, either as part of a deposit bonus or standalone promotion. Winnings from free spins usually need to be wagered before withdrawal.
Example: 100 free spins on Gates of Olympus with first deposit.
Reload Bonus
Bonuses for existing players who make additional deposits after their first. Usually smaller percentages than welcome bonuses (e.g., 50% up to $200).
Cashback Bonus
A percentage of your losses returned as bonus money, usually weekly or monthly. Cashback often has lower wagering requirements or none at all.
Example: 10% weekly cashback on net losses up to $500.
Rakeback
A percentage of the house edge returned to you, regardless of wins or losses. This is calculated on total wagers, not just losses. Popular on crypto casinos.
Example: Stake.com offers up to 15% rakeback based on VIP level.
Understanding Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements (rollover) determine how much you must bet before you can withdraw bonus winnings.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements are expressed as a multiplier (e.g., 40x, 30x, 20x). This means you must wager the bonus amount (or bonus + deposit) that many times before you can withdraw.
Example Calculation:
- You deposit $100 and receive a $100 bonus (total $200)
- Wagering requirement: 40x bonus only
- You must wager: $100 × 40 = $4,000
- After wagering $4,000, you can withdraw any remaining balance
Important: Some bonuses require wagering on bonus + deposit (40x $200 = $8,000 in this example).
Key Terms to Look For:
- Slots: Usually 100% (every $1 wagered = $1 toward requirement)
- Table Games: Often 10-20% or excluded entirely
- Live Casino: Often excluded or 5-10%
Important!
Always read the full terms and conditions. Some bonuses have hidden rules like restricted games, country restrictions, or complex wagering structures that make them nearly impossible to clear.
Are Bonuses Worth It?
Not all bonuses provide good value. Here's how to evaluate if a bonus is worth claiming.
Good Bonuses (Worth Claiming):
- Low wagering requirements (20x or less)
- Wagering on bonus only (not bonus + deposit)
- No max bet restrictions or reasonable limits ($5-$10)
- High or no max cashout limits
- Long expiry period (30+ days)
- Slots contribute 100%, and your favorite games are included
Bad Bonuses (Skip or Be Cautious):
- High wagering requirements (50x+)
- Wagering on bonus + deposit
- Low max bet limits ($1-$2) - makes it tedious to clear
- Low max cashout (e.g., max $100 from $500 bonus)
- Short expiry (24-72 hours)
- Many games excluded or contribute less than 50%
- Sticky bonuses (bonus never withdrawable, only winnings)
Bonus vs No Bonus
Sometimes it's better to play without bonuses:
- More Freedom: No restrictions on bet size or game choice
- Instant Withdrawals: Cash out anytime without meeting wagering requirements
- Less Stress: No pressure to meet rollover before expiry
Consider declining bonuses if you prefer flexibility or plan to make a large deposit and withdraw quickly.
How to Claim Bonuses
Step-by-step process for claiming and activating casino bonuses.
Standard Bonus Claiming Process:
- Read the full bonus terms and conditions on the casino's promotions page
- Create an account or log in to your existing account
- Navigate to the deposit page
- Enter a bonus code if required (some bonuses are automatic)
- Make your deposit using a qualifying payment method
- The bonus should be credited automatically or after contacting support
- Start playing eligible games to meet wagering requirements
Using Bonus Codes
Some bonuses require entering a code during deposit. Codes are usually found on:
- Casino promotions page
- Streamer/affiliate websites (often exclusive codes with better terms)
- Email newsletters from the casino
- VIP manager for high-tier players
Note
Some casinos let you opt-out of bonuses during deposit. If you prefer to play without restrictions, look for a checkbox to decline the bonus.
Bonus Hunting Tips
Strategies to maximize value from casino bonuses while minimizing risk.
Smart Bonus Hunting Tactics:
- •Compare Wagering Requirements: Always calculate the total amount you need to wager. A 200% bonus with 40x might be worse than a 100% bonus with 20x.
- •Use Affiliate Codes: Streamers and affiliate sites often have exclusive bonus codes with better terms than the standard offers.
- •Play High RTP Slots: Choose slots with 96%+ RTP to maximize your chances of completing wagering requirements.
- •Track Your Progress: Most casinos show wagering progress in your account. Check regularly to see how much you have left.
- •Set a Budget: Never deposit more than you can afford to lose just to get a bigger bonus. Stick to your limits.
- •Multi-Account Warning: Never create multiple accounts to abuse bonuses. This violates terms and will result in account closure and fund confiscation.
Best Games for Clearing Bonuses
If slots contribute 100%, focus on:
- High RTP, Low Volatility Slots: Like Starlight Princess, Gates of Olympus, Blood Suckers (98% RTP)
- Avoid Progressive Jackpots: They often don't contribute to wagering or have lower RTP
- Check Restricted Games: Some high RTP slots are excluded from bonuses
Common Bonus Mistakes to Avoid
Learn from others' mistakes to avoid forfeiting your bonus or winnings.
❌ Withdrawing Before Meeting Requirements
If you withdraw before completing wagering, you'll forfeit the bonus and all winnings from it. Always check your progress first.
❌ Exceeding Max Bet Limits
Betting more than the allowed maximum (e.g., $5 per spin) will void your bonus and winnings, even if accidental.
❌ Playing Restricted Games
Playing games that don't contribute or are excluded (like live blackjack or certain slots) won't count toward wagering and may void your bonus.
❌ Letting the Bonus Expire
If you don't complete wagering within the time limit, the bonus and winnings will be forfeited. Plan accordingly or decline bonuses you can't clear in time.
❌ Not Reading Terms Fully
Every bonus has unique terms. Assuming they're all the same can lead to unpleasant surprises. Always read the full T&Cs before claiming.
Remember
When in doubt, contact customer support before claiming a bonus. They can clarify terms and confirm if a bonus is right for your playstyle.
The casino services and affiliate links provided on this website are intended for use only in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. It is your responsibility to ensure that accessing and using these services is permitted by the laws of your country or region. We do not endorse or facilitate illegal gambling, and we strongly advise you to verify the legality of online gambling in your location before engaging in any activity.
The casino services and affiliate links provided on this website are intended for use only in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. It is your responsibility to ensure that accessing and using these services is permitted by the laws of your country or region. We do not endorse or facilitate illegal gambling, and we strongly advise you to verify the legality of online gambling in your location before engaging in any activity.