Casino Bonus Terms Explained
If you’re unaware of bonus rules, it can be quite confusing and disappointing to find out the hard way. So, here’s what you need to know before you get started along with my best tips:
- Wagering requirements: These rules tell you how many times you need to bet your bonus money before you can withdraw potential winnings. They’re there to stop you from running away with free cash. You have to play through the bonus first. Aim for low numbers that don’t include your own deposit!
- Max bet: Unless you’re playing with free spins, you can adjust your bet per spin. But not above a set limit, often around €5 per bet/spin.
- Eligible games: You won’t be able to spend your bonus on every game in the lobby, and there are always a list of games that contribute less/not at all towards the wagering requirements. Have a look at that list before you start spinning.
- Qualifying deposit: The minimum deposit for a bonus can vary from site to site, but what they all have in common is that it applies to one deposit only. Several smaller deposits that add up to the qualifying amount won’t count.
- Excluded payment methods: Another thing most sites have in common is that the e-wallets Skrill and Neteller don’t qualify for bonuses.
- Expiry dates: Once you’ve claimed a bonus, you’ll have to use it and meet the wagering requirements within a given timeframe. Free spins and any other bonus balance will disappear if you don’t use in time.
Understanding Wagering Requirements
Say you get a bonus of 100% with a wagering requirement of 30x the bonus amount. You deposit €50 and so, €100 lands in your player account.
You will then have to wager, as in place bets for a total of €50 x 30 = €1,500. Sounds insane when you don’t have that in your account, I know. But it isn’t really.
A common misunderstanding is that you’d have to deposit the total amount in order to bet it. You don’t – If you go for a decent offer and aim for the right slots, it’s definitely doable.
How it works:
You deposit €50 and get €50 bonus → you now have €100 total playable balance.
Let’s say you bet €1 per spin → every spin “uses” €1 towards that €1,500 target.
If you win on some spins, your balance goes up — those winnings get bet again.
The same €100 can be recycled over and over — wins and re-bets help you reach the total wagering.
If you pick bonus where your own deposit is excluded from the wagering requirements, and aim for slots with low volatility and high return rate - you’re maximising your chances. Especially if the wagering requirements are lower than in my example.
Games for Beating Wagering Requirements
Aim for slots with low volatility (= more frequent wins), and as high RTP (Return to Player) as possible for maximizing your chances of landing some wins while you wager your bonus money. Below are some of your best bets, although some of them are typically excluded from bonus play. Have a look at the T&Cs in whichever offer you claim – it lists games you can’t spend it on.
If you can’t find the RTP for specific slots, click on the little info-icon in one of the corners of the game. RTP is usually stated at the bottom. This number shows how much a game pays out over time across thousands of spins.
How We Rate Casino Bonuses
Before I can recommend any online casino deposit bonus, I test it out. Especially if it looks too good to be true. Afterall, there are some shady sites out there where the T&Cs make it pretty much impossible to really win anything. Here’s what I do:
- Check their licenses: It needs to come from at least one trusted licencing body, for example MGA or UKGC.
- Read the T&Cs: There’s a lot to look into here if I want to avoid surprises. For example, eligible & contributing games, wagering requirements, payment methods, expiry dates, max bets etc.
- Deposit & play: Once the deposit is in and the bonus is activated, I head straight to the games that contribute most towards the wagering requirements. Meaning the online slots in most cases, but making sure I don’t play on excluded titles.
- Test the withdrawal process: Obviously, this only happens if I’m lucky enough. There can be more time-consuming testing for reviewing fast paying casinos.
Gamble Responsibly
While chasing the best casino bonuses or comparing the latest casino bonus online offers can be great fun, it’s important to stay in control. Always set a budget before you play, take regular breaks, and remember that bonuses, including the best online casino deals are meant for entertainment, not guaranteed winnings.
If gambling stops being enjoyable, know that help is available. Visit Gamblers Anonymous Ireland, or Gambling Therapy for free, confidential support. Playing safely ensures you can keep enjoying the best online casino bonuses responsibly.