Breaking down casino bonus terms, understanding wagering requirements, and using bonuses responsibly without chasing losses.
📅 Published: May 2021 | Last Updated: November 28, 2024 | Version: 3.2 | Reading Time: 12 min
Casino bonuses are promotional offers designed to attract new players and encourage continued play. While they provide extra playing funds, they come with conditions that must be clearly understood.
The most important condition is the wagering requirement, which determines how much you must bet before withdrawing bonus-derived winnings.
Common bonus types include:
While bonuses provide extra playing funds, they come with conditions—most importantly, wagering requirements. Understanding these terms is essential to avoid frustration and set realistic expectations.
Wagering requirements (also called "playthrough" or "rollover") specify how much you must bet before you can withdraw bonus funds or winnings derived from bonus funds.
A typical wagering requirement is expressed as a multiplier, such as 30x, 35x, or 40x. This multiplier applies to either:
Scenario: You deposit €100 and receive a €100 bonus (100% match). Wagering requirement: 30x bonus.
Scenario: You deposit €100 and receive a €100 bonus. Wagering requirement: 35x (bonus + deposit).
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Casinos assign different game weightings to prevent bonus abuse on low-variance games:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 100% | €10 bet = €10 toward wagering |
| Scratch Cards | 100% | €10 bet = €10 toward wagering |
| Table Games (Roulette, Blackjack) | 10-20% (or excluded) | €10 bet = €1-€2 toward wagering |
| Live Casino | 10% (or excluded) | €10 bet = €1 toward wagering (if allowed) |
| Video Poker, Some Slots | 0-50% | Varies by game; check terms |
Slots have high house edge and variance, making them risky for bonus clearing. Table games like blackjack have low house edge (~0.5-1% with optimal play), so allowing 100% contribution would let players clear bonuses with minimal risk. Weighting balances this.
Most bonuses include a maximum bet restriction while wagering is active. Common limits:
Exceeding the max bet even once can void your bonus and winnings. This rule prevents players from making large bets to quickly clear wagering (which could exploit variance).
Solution: Set your bet size at or below the max limit and don't change it during bonus play.
Bonus terms often exclude certain games entirely. Playing restricted games with bonus funds can void the bonus. Commonly restricted:
Many casinos block restricted games during bonus play (you'll see a message if you try to open them). Others don't block them but void your bonus if you play them—read the terms carefully.
Bonuses typically expire if wagering isn't completed within a set timeframe:
After the time limit expires, the bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited. If you've partially completed wagering, your progress is lost.
You have a €100 bonus with 30x wagering (€3,000 total) and 14 days to complete it. If you've only wagered €1,500 by day 14, the bonus and all winnings from it are voided.
Bonuses are not "free money"—they have expected value that depends on house edge, wagering requirements, and game selection.
EV ≈ Bonus Amount - (Wagering Required × House Edge)
Bonus: €100 with 30x wagering (€3,000 total)
Game: Slot with 4% house edge (96% RTP)
Expected loss during wagering: €3,000 × 0.04 = €120
Expected value: €100 (bonus) - €120 (expected loss) = -€20
In this scenario, completing the wagering has a negative expected value. You'd need to get lucky (win above expectation) to profit.
Some bonuses (especially no-deposit bonuses) limit how much you can withdraw even after completing wagering:
Most bonuses are sticky, meaning the initial bonus amount is deducted upon withdrawal.
Some casinos lock your deposit and bonus together until wagering is complete. This means you can't withdraw your deposit early without forfeiting the bonus. More player-friendly casinos allow you to cancel the bonus and withdraw your deposit anytime.
Bonuses can enhance entertainment value, but they should not be chased as "profit opportunities." Here's how to use them responsibly:
If terms are unclear or hidden, it's a red flag.
Completing 30x wagering on €100 (€3,000 total) at €1 per spin = 3,000 spins. At 10-15 seconds per spin, that's 8-12 hours of play.
Ask yourself: Is this worth my time for the potential return?
If you've lost money, taking a bonus to try to recover is a form of chasing losses—a dangerous pattern. Bonuses don't improve your odds; they extend play time.
Treat bonuses as extended play time with your own deposited funds, not as a path to profit. The expected value is usually neutral or slightly negative.
If you prefer flexibility (quick withdrawals, unrestricted play), decline the bonus. You're not obligated to accept promotional offers.
Sweden's gambling regulations impose strict limits on bonus advertising and structure:
As a result, Swedish-licensed casinos often have smaller, simpler bonuses compared to less-regulated markets. This is by design, emphasizing responsible gambling over promotional intensity.
Casino bonuses extend playtime but come with conditions that reduce (or eliminate) their expected value. Understanding wagering requirements, game weighting, max bet rules, and time limits helps you decide whether a bonus is worth accepting.
Use bonuses as entertainment enhancements, not profit strategies. Read the full terms, calculate the time investment, and never take bonuses to chase losses. When in doubt, declining a bonus gives you maximum flexibility and control over your funds.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general educational information about casino bonus terms. Bonus structures and terms vary by operator and jurisdiction. Always read the full terms and conditions on the operator's website before claiming any bonus. Gambling involves risk of loss; use bonuses responsibly.