Casino Bonus Terms Glossary

Casino bonus terms are the conditions attached to an offer: how much you have to bet, on which games, how fast, and what you can take out. The headline number tells you the ceiling. The terms tell you what it costs to get there.

This glossary covers the terms you will meet on US casino offers, from wagering requirements and casino credits to KYC and Sweeps Coins. Each entry says what the term means, how it usually reads in the fine print, and what to check before you claim. Where the math helps, there is a worked example with round numbers.

Three things to know before you start:

• Terms change by state and by casino. In New Jersey, casinos file promotion terms with the state and have to write them in plain language. Always read the terms on the exact offer you are claiming.
• Real-money casino offers are for players 21+ in a state where the casino operates. Sweepstakes casinos have their own rules and their own section below.
• Examples use made-up numbers, not any one casino's current offer. For live offers, start at the best casino bonuses.

New to bonuses? Read the wagering guide first, then come back here when a term trips you up.

If you only have two minutes, learn these. Every one has a full entry further down.

The name of a bonus tells you what you get. It does not tell you how it pays out. Two offers with the same name can behave very differently, so use these entries to identify the type, then read the terms.

Welcome bonus

The offer a casino gives you for signing up. It can be a deposit match, casino credits, extra spins, a lossback safety net, or a mix of these. At most US casinos it is for new customers only, in states where the casino operates.

Check: whether it needs a deposit, a promo code or an opt-in, and which parts carry wagering. Track current offers on the welcome bonus live tracker.

Deposit match bonus

The casino adds bonus funds equal to a percentage of your deposit, up to a cap. A "100% match up to $500" means a $300 deposit earns $300 in bonus funds. An $800 deposit still earns $500, because of the cap.

Check: the wagering base (bonus only, or deposit plus bonus), the game contribution table and the expiry. A big match with a heavy requirement can be worth less than a small one with a light requirement. See the wagering guide.

No deposit bonus

Bonus funds or spins credited to your account without a deposit. They are usually small, and they almost always carry terms. Some offers only let you withdraw winnings after you make a first deposit, so read for that line.

Check: the playthrough, the expiry, any cap on winnings and whether a deposit is needed to cash out. Browse no deposit bonus page and the $200 no deposit bonus page.

Extra spins (bonus spins)

A set number of spins on a chosen slot, each at a fixed value the casino sets. Winnings may be paid as cash, or as bonus credits that carry their own wagering. That difference decides how much the spins are worth.

Check: the value per spin, which game they apply to, how winnings are paid and how long the spins last. Some daily spins expire in as little as 24 hours. See the extra spins page.

Casino credits (bonus credits, site credit, play credits)

Bonus funds credited to your account. You can bet with them, but you usually cannot withdraw them as they are. Winnings from credits become withdrawable once you meet the playthrough, which at many US casinos is 1x.

Whether the credits themselves turn into cash or only the winnings do varies by casino. Look for wording like "converts to cash" or "non-withdrawable" in the terms.

Check: the playthrough, the expiry (often 7 to 14 days) and whether the credits are returned with winnings.

Lossback (loss rebate, net loss refund)

The casino returns a share of your net losses over a set window, such as your first 24 hours or first week, usually as casino credits. If you lose $80 in the window and the offer covers up to $500, you get $80 in credits. If you finish ahead, you get nothing.

Check: the length of the window, the cap, the percentage returned, and whether the refund comes as cash or as credits with a playthrough. Compare options on the cashback casinos page.

Cashback

A share of your losses, or sometimes your wagering volume, paid back on a schedule. The key question is whether it arrives as cash or as bonus funds. Cash cashback can be withdrawn straight away. Bonus cashback carries a playthrough like any other bonus.

Check: the percentage, how often it pays, the cap and the form it is paid in. See the cashback casinos page.

Reload bonus

A deposit match for existing players. It is usually smaller than a welcome match, or tied to a day of the week or a minimum deposit. Terms are often close to the welcome offer, just with smaller numbers.

Check: the minimum deposit, the match percentage, the cap and the playthrough.

No wagering bonus (no playthrough)

A bonus where winnings are withdrawable right away, with no multiplier. It is not the same as 1x, which still asks you to bet once. No wagering offers are often smaller, or come with a cap on winnings or a short expiry.

Check: the cap, the expiry, the games it applies to and whether any other condition replaces the wagering. Browse the no wagering casinos page.

Referral bonus

A reward for inviting a friend. The friend usually has to sign up, and often deposit or play a minimum, before you are paid.

Check: what counts as a qualifying referral, how the reward is paid and whether it has its own playthrough.

Existing player promotions

The catch-all for ongoing offers: boosted rewards, daily spins, leaderboards and prize drops. Each one has its own terms, separate from the welcome offer. Prizes from leaderboards and contests can be paid as credits or spins that carry wagering.

This is the part of the terms that does the most to decide whether a bonus is worth claiming. Use the wagering calculator to run your own numbers.

Wager (wagering)

A wager is a bet. Wagering is the act of placing bets. In bonus terms, wagering means the bets you place that count toward the requirement. A $5 spin is $5 of wagering, whether you win or lose it.

Check: which bets count. Not every bet does (see game contribution below).

Wagering requirement (playthrough, rollover, turnover)

The amount you must bet before bonus funds, or winnings from them, can be withdrawn. It is written as a multiplier. The total you have to bet is the multiplier times the wagering base.

Example: a $100 bonus with a 30x requirement on the bonus only means $3,000 in bets. You do not need $3,000 in your account. Your balance cycles through bets, and wins can be bet again.

At US regulated casinos the multiplier ranges from 1x on casino credits to 15x or 20x on larger deposit matches, and some casinos set higher multipliers for certain game types.

Check: the multiplier, the wagering base, the game contribution table and the deadline. Full explainer in the wagering guide.

What 20x, 30x and 40x mean

The multiplier turns into dollars fast. Here is what each one asks for on a $100 bonus, with a $100 deposit in the second column.

The same 40x costs $4,000 in bets or $8,000, depending on the base. That is why the base matters as much as the number.

Rollover

Another name for the wagering requirement. Some casinos use it for the multiplier, others for the total you have to bet. The math is the same either way.

Wagering base (bonus only vs deposit plus bonus)

The amount the multiplier is applied to. This is the detail most players miss, and it can flip which offer is cheaper.

Say you deposit $100 and get a $100 match.

• 20x on the bonus only: 20 x $100 = $2,000 to wager.
• 15x on deposit plus bonus: 15 x $200 = $3,000 to wager.

The lower multiplier costs more. Always multiply, then compare.

Check: wording like "bonus only", "bonus amount" or "deposit and bonus".

1x playthrough

You bet the bonus amount once. Get $50 in casino credits with a 1x playthrough and you need $50 in bets before winnings from them can be withdrawn. Many US regulated casinos use 1x on casino credits and lossback refunds, which is far lighter than the multipliers common on deposit matches.

Check: the expiry. A 1x requirement with a 7-day clock still ends if you miss the deadline.

Expected cost of clearing a bonus

Every bet has a house edge, so clearing a bonus costs you something on average. A rough way to size it: total wagering times the house edge of the game.

Example: $3,000 in wagering on a slot with a 96% RTP (4% house edge) is about $120 in expected loss. Against a $100 bonus, that is a negative result on average, before you count the fun. It is an average over many bets, not a prediction for one session.

A lighter requirement or a higher contribution game lowers that cost. See the wagering calculator.

Bonus balance and cash balance

Most casinos keep bonus funds and cash in separate balances. Your account page shows both, and the split controls what you can withdraw. If the numbers look different on the withdraw screen, that is usually why.

Check: which balance a bet comes from first (see order of funds below).

Restricted funds and unrestricted funds

Restricted funds are bonus money with conditions attached. Unrestricted funds are cash you can withdraw. New Jersey's rules use these terms, and when a player cancels a promotion the casino has to show how much unrestricted money comes back and how much restricted money is removed.

Check: the breakdown before you confirm any cancellation.

Order of funds

The order in which your balances are used for bets. Under New Jersey's promotion rules the terms must state it. In plain terms it answers one question: does a bet draw on your cash first, or on the bonus first?

Cash first usually means you can win and walk away without touching the bonus. Bonus first can lock your cash behind the requirement.

Sticky bonus (non-cashable bonus)

A bonus that stays in the account and is removed when you withdraw. You can bet with it, and you can keep winnings made with it, but you cannot cash out the bonus itself. Other names include phantom bonus and non-withdrawable bonus.

Example: you deposit $50, take a $50 sticky bonus, and clear the wagering with a balance of $120. At withdrawal the $50 bonus comes off, so you take out $70.

Check: terms that say the bonus amount is deducted or removed before withdrawal.

Non-sticky bonus (cashable bonus, parachute bonus)

A bonus where your cash is bet first. If you win or lose with cash before touching the bonus, you can withdraw cash and drop the bonus. Some casinos also use cashable to mean the bonus itself can be withdrawn once the wagering is done, so read how each casino uses the word.

Check: wording like "cash funds are used first".

Wagering on winnings

Some offers require you to wager the winnings from bonus funds or from extra spins, not just the bonus. This often applies when spin winnings are paid as bonus credits.

Check: whether spin winnings arrive as cash or credits.

Clearing a bonus

Finishing the wagering requirement. Once cleared, the remaining balance becomes withdrawable cash, subject to any other terms such as a cap or verification. Most casinos show wagering progress in your account.

Forfeiture (void)

The casino takes away the bonus and any winnings from it. Common triggers are missing the expiry, breaking the max bet rule, playing excluded games and violating the terms on bonus abuse. A void normally leaves your own cash alone.

Check: the list of triggers, and screenshot the terms when you opt in.

Dropping a bonus (forfeit, cancel, opt out)

Cancelling an active bonus from your account page. You give up the bonus funds and any winnings tied to them, and you keep your cash. In New Jersey a casino must provide a clear, visible way to cancel a promotion that uses restricted credits.

Use it if the terms are heavier than you thought, or if you want to withdraw cash and the bonus is in the way.

Where you play a bonus matters as much as how big it is. These terms control which games count and how you are allowed to bet.

Game contribution (game weighting)

The share of each bet that counts toward the wagering requirement. Slots often count at 100%. Video poker, table games and live dealer games often count for less, and some count for nothing.

Example: you owe $3,000 in wagering.

• Slots at 100%: $3,000 in bets clears it.
• A table game at 10%: only 10 cents of every dollar counts, so you need $30,000 in bets.

A 30x requirement on a game that counts 10% behaves like 300x. Casinos weight games this way because low house edge games clear a bonus faster and cost the casino more.

Check: the contribution table in the terms, for the exact games you like. If you play mostly table games, a bonus built for slots may not suit you.

Eligible games and excluded games (restricted games)

Eligible games are the ones where your bets count toward wagering. Excluded games are off limits during a bonus, or count for nothing. Craps, certain high-RTP slots and some table game variants are common exclusions. Playing an excluded game with bonus funds can void the bonus, even if the game itself loads without a warning.

In New Jersey the terms have to list the eligible games.

Check: the list, every time. Exclusions can change from one promotion to the next.

Max bet (bet limit, maximum stake)

The largest bet you can place while a bonus is active, usually written per spin or per hand. A common example is a $5 limit.

Example: your limit is $5 and you bump a spin to $7.50 chasing a jackpot. That is a breach, and the casino can void the bonus and the winnings from it. Some platforms block bets above the limit, others accept them and enforce the rule later, so do not count on the software to stop you.

Check: whether the limit applies to every bet or only to bets made with bonus funds, and whether it covers the whole time the bonus is active.

Bonus buy and feature buy

A slot feature that lets you pay a set price to jump straight into a bonus round. Many casinos ban it while a bonus is active, because it lets you stake large amounts quickly.

Check: the terms for a ban on bonus buy, feature buy or similar features.

Two-sided betting (covering bets)

Betting both sides of the same outcome to lower your risk, for example banker and player in baccarat, or red and black in roulette. Bonus terms usually forbid it when you are working through a requirement.

Check: the language on low-risk or hedged play.

Irregular play (bonus abuse, advantage play)

The terms usually define a set of betting patterns the casino treats as abuse: hedging, minimum betting then jumping to maximum, or any pattern that lowers variance to clear a requirement. The definition is often broad, and the casino decides what counts.

Check: how the terms define it. Vague wording is worth a second look. See the red flags section below.

RTP (return to player)

The percentage of money a game is designed to return over a very large number of bets. A slot with a 96% RTP returns about $96 for every $100 wagered, on average, over the long run.

Why it matters for bonuses: RTP sets the cost of clearing a requirement. Casinos also tend to exclude or down-weight games with very high RTP.

House edge

The casino's built-in advantage, shown as a percentage. It is the flip side of RTP: 96% RTP is a 4% house edge. Use it to estimate what clearing a bonus costs (see expected cost of clearing a bonus above).

Volatility (variance)

How widely results swing from the average. High volatility slots pay less often but bigger. Low volatility slots pay smaller wins more often. During a bonus, a long cold streak on a high volatility game can drain your balance before you finish the requirement.

Jackpot exclusions

Some terms exclude progressive jackpot games from bonus play, or exclude jackpot wins from the bonus balance. Check the eligible game list before chasing a jackpot with bonus funds.

These terms set the size of the offer, the floor to qualify and the ceiling on what you can keep.

Max cashout (win cap, withdrawal cap)

A cap on how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings. Anything above it is removed, whether or not you finished the wagering.

Example: a no deposit bonus has a $100 max cashout. You turn it into $400 and clear the wagering. You can withdraw $100.

Caps show up most often on no deposit offers and extra spins. They are not allowed everywhere: New Jersey's promotion rules say a casino cannot cap or limit winnings once a player has met the terms of a promotion. Other states have their own rules, so read the terms for the state you are playing in.

Check: whether the offer has a cap, how it is calculated (a flat amount or a multiple of the bonus) and what happens to the excess.

Maximum bonus amount (bonus cap)

The most the casino will give you in bonus funds. In a "100% match up to $1,000", the $1,000 is the bonus cap. Depositing more than $1,000 earns no additional bonus.

Check: how much you need to deposit to reach the cap. Many offers pay out in full at a lower deposit than the headline suggests.

Minimum deposit

The smallest deposit that qualifies for the offer. Deposits below it do not trigger the bonus, and the casino will not add it afterward.

Check: the minimum for the bonus, which can be higher than the minimum to open an account.

Spin value (value per spin)

The stake attached to each extra spin, set by the casino. A bundle of 100 spins at $0.10 each has a total value of $10. A bundle of 50 spins at $0.50 each is worth $25. Spin count alone says very little.

Check: spin value and the game, then do the multiplication.

Cap on spin winnings

Some terms cap how much you can win from extra spins, or how much of that win you can withdraw. It works like a max cashout, just for spins.

Check: whether the cap applies per spin, per batch or in total.

Withdrawal limits (daily, weekly, monthly)

Caps on how much you can withdraw in a set period, set by the casino and often by payment method. They are separate from bonus caps and apply to your account in general.

Check: the limits in the casino's payments terms if you expect a large win.

Bonus terms at the promo level and the account level

Promotion terms apply to one offer. Account terms apply to your whole relationship with the casino. Read both if the amounts are large.

A bonus has a clock. Miss it and the bonus, plus any winnings from it, can disappear. In New Jersey, the terms of every promotion have to state the date and time limits, so look for them in the offer details.

Expiry (validity period)

The deadline to use or clear the bonus. US casinos commonly give 7 to 14 days for casino credits. The time can be shorter for extra spins and longer for large deposit matches.

Check: the exact number of days, and when the clock starts.

When the clock starts

Usually the moment the bonus is credited to your account, not the moment you first play it. A bonus credited on Monday with a 7-day expiry ends the following Monday, even if you did not log in until Friday.

Check: wording like "from the date the credits are issued".

Wagering period

The deadline to finish the wagering requirement. It is sometimes the same as the expiry and sometimes longer. A bigger multiplier on a short wagering period is hard to finish.

Example: a $3,000 requirement with 7 days left needs roughly $429 in bets per day.

Claim window and opt-in deadline

The time you have to claim an offer after you qualify. If a welcome offer says you must opt in within a number of days of registering, missing that window means the offer is gone.

Check: whether the claim window starts at sign-up, at your first deposit, or at your first bet.

Qualifying period (lossback window)

The stretch of time in which your net losses count toward a lossback offer. A common setup is a 24-hour or 7-day window starting at your first bet or first deposit. Only losses inside the window count.

Check: when the window starts and ends, and whether it is counted in hours or calendar days.

Daily expiry on spins

Some extra spins arrive daily and expire within 24 hours if you do not use them. They do not roll over to the next day.

Offer period

The dates during which an offer can be claimed at all. A promotion can end before you sign up, even if you saw it last week.

Check: the end date, especially for seasonal and event offers.

Tip: when a clock matters, put the expiry date in your calendar the day you claim, and screenshot the terms.

A bonus is not cash until it clears the cashier. These terms cover how you qualify with a deposit, how you get paid and what the casino needs from you first.

Qualifying deposit

The deposit that triggers a bonus. It usually has to meet a minimum amount and be made after you opt in. Deposits made before opting in often do not count.

Check: the minimum, the deadline and the order of steps (opt in, then deposit).

Payment method exclusions

Some offers do not apply to deposits made with certain payment methods. Which methods are excluded depends on the casino and the offer.

Check: the list of excluded methods before you pick how to fund your account.

Net deposits and net losses

Net deposits are what you have put in, minus what you have taken out. Net losses are what you have lost, after counting wins. Lossback and cashback offers use net figures, so a win during the window lowers or removes what you can get back.

Example: you bet and lose $100, then win $60 back in the same window. Your net loss is $40.

Withdrawal processing time

How long the casino takes to review and release a withdrawal. Methods differ. A withdrawal can be pending while the casino checks your account, and it usually will not be paid out until verification is done.

Check: the stated processing time for the method you plan to use. See the payments hub for comparisons.

Pending withdrawal and reversal

A pending withdrawal is a request that has not been paid yet. Some casinos let you reverse it and return the money to your balance during the pending period. Reversing can put the funds back into play, so it is a decision worth making on purpose.

Withdrawal method matching

A rule that you must withdraw using the same method you deposited with, or that withdrawals go back to the original source. It exists for anti-money-laundering reasons.

Check: the payment terms before you deposit, especially if you want a fast payout.

KYC (Know Your Customer)

The identity checks a casino runs before it will pay out. You are usually asked to confirm your name, date of birth, address and the last digits of your Social Security number, and sometimes to upload an ID or a proof of address.

Verifying early avoids delays. If you wait until your first withdrawal, the review can hold up your payout.

Source of funds

Proof of where the money in your account came from. It is requested for larger deposits and withdrawals, and is part of the anti-money-laundering checks regulated casinos run.

Check: what documents are accepted, so you can have them ready.

Geolocation

Software that confirms you are physically inside a state where the casino is licensed. Regulated online casinos use it every time you play. A VPN or a location off by a few miles can block you from claiming or playing.

Check: that location services are on and that you are in a state where the offer is available.

Age and identity eligibility

Real-money online casinos require players to be 21 or older. Sweepstakes casinos set their own age rules in their official rules. Giving false information to claim a bonus can result in forfeited winnings and a closed account.

Most bonus problems start before a single bet, with a missed step at sign-up. These terms cover how an offer is claimed and who can claim it.

Terms and conditions (T&Cs, bonus terms)

The written rules for an offer. In New Jersey, casinos file promotion terms with the state, and the terms have to cover date and time limits, registration, who can take part, wagering requirements by game type, the order funds are used, eligible games, withdrawal restrictions and cancellation, and they have to stay available to you until the promotion is finished.

Check: the terms for the exact offer, not the casino's general terms alone. Save a copy when you opt in.

Promo code (bonus code)

A code you enter at sign-up or in the cashier to unlock a specific offer. Without it, you may get a smaller offer or none at all. Codes are usually tied to one offer and one casino.

Check: where to enter it and whether it has to go in before your first deposit. Entering it late often means the offer cannot be added.

Opt-in

A step you take to claim an offer, such as ticking a box, clicking a button or choosing the bonus in the cashier. Some offers apply on their own. Others do not apply unless you opt in first.

Check: whether you need to opt in before depositing. A deposit made before opting in often does not count.

Eligibility (new customer, state, age)

The conditions that decide whether you can claim: new customer status, location in a state where the casino operates, age and sometimes the payment method used.

Check: the new customer definition. Having an account at a sister brand or a past account at the same casino can disqualify you.

One per customer

A limit of one claim per person. Casinos may apply it per household, address, device or payment method, not only per account.

Check: how the terms define the limit, particularly if someone else in your household already has an account.

Multiple accounts

Holding more than one account at the same casino. It is almost always prohibited, and it is a common trigger for forfeited winnings and closed accounts.

Bonus stacking

Using more than one bonus at the same time. Many casinos allow only one active bonus. Claiming a second may need you to finish or drop the first.

Check: the terms on overlapping offers before claiming a new one.

Bonus abuse

A broad term for using a promotion in a way the casino did not intend: multiple accounts, hedged play, bots, false information. The casino decides whether a pattern counts. The usual penalty is losing the bonus and any winnings from it.

Check: how the terms define abuse, and whether the definition is specific or vague.

Exclusions

The lists of games, payment methods, states or players that do not qualify for an offer. They sit in the terms, and they can differ from one promotion to the next.

Changes to terms

Casinos can update their general terms from time to time, and promotions are updated or replaced. The terms you accepted when you opted in are the ones you will want to refer to. Screenshots with a date and time make that easy.

Two separate vocabularies live here. Loyalty terms apply to real-money casinos. Sweepstakes terms apply to sweepstakes casinos, which use two virtual currencies instead of dollars and have their own rules. Age and state rules vary by brand, so check each site's official rules.

Loyalty program terms

Comp points (loyalty points)

Points earned by playing, redeemable for rewards such as credits, perks or experiences. Earning rates vary by game, and the conversion rate from points to credits sets their real value.

Check: how many points equal $1 in credits, and whether the credits carry a playthrough.

Tier (loyalty tier, VIP level)

A level in a loyalty program. Higher tiers unlock better perks, such as faster support, boosted rewards and exclusive promotions. Tiers are earned by play volume, and some programs reset or drop you down if activity falls.

Check: the points needed per tier and the time period they are counted over.

VIP program

A tiered rewards scheme aimed at frequent or high-stakes players. Perks and terms vary by casino, and some are invitation-only.

Sweepstakes casino terms

Sweepstakes casino

A casino-style platform where you play with virtual currency and can win prizes. It uses two currencies, Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins, and does not take real-money bets. Purchases are optional. See the sweepstakes casinos page.

Social casino

A platform for casino-style games with no prize redemption. It is play for entertainment only. Sweepstakes casinos add the option to play for prizes.

Gold Coins (GC)

The virtual currency for no-cost, entertainment play. Gold Coins have no cash value and cannot be redeemed for prizes. You get them from sign-up offers, daily bonuses and promotions, or you can buy coin packages.

Sweeps Coins (SC)

The prize-eligible currency. Sweeps Coins cannot be bought directly. They come from sign-up offers, promotions, daily bonuses, mail-in requests and as an extra with Gold Coin purchases. They are generally valued at 1 SC to $1 when redeemed, though the exact terms vary by brand.

Coin package

A bundle of Gold Coins, often with Sweeps Coins added as a promotion, that you can buy. Prices and bundle contents vary. Buying is optional.

Wallet separation

Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins sit in separate wallets and cannot be exchanged for each other.

No purchase necessary (NPN)

The principle sweepstakes casinos operate under: you can take part without buying anything. Sweeps Coins have to be available through a no-purchase route.

Alternative method of entry (AMOE)

The way to get Sweeps Coins without buying a coin package. The most common form is a mail-in request, where you send a handwritten request by post following the casino's official rules. Some brands offer other methods, which are listed in their rules.

Sweeps playthrough

The number of times you must play your Sweeps Coins before they are eligible for redemption. Many brands set it at 1x on Sweeps Coins you receive as a bonus, which means you play them through once. Check the official rules for the exact figure.

Daily login bonus

A reward for logging in on a regular basis, often a fixed number of Gold Coins and sometimes Sweeps Coins. Some brands raise the reward for consecutive days.

Minimum redemption threshold

The lowest number of Sweeps Coins you can redeem at once. It is set by the brand, and some use different minimums for different redemption methods.

Redemption (cash out)

Exchanging Sweeps Coins for prizes, usually cash by bank transfer or gift cards. It typically needs you to reach the minimum threshold, finish any bonus playthrough and complete identity verification.

Official rules

The document that sets the eligibility rules, entry methods, prizes and state restrictions for a sweepstakes casino. It is the sweepstakes version of bonus terms, and it is the place to check age and location rules for the brand you are using.

Sweepstakes KYC

Identity verification a sweepstakes casino runs before it processes a redemption. It usually involves a government ID and proof of address. Completing it early speeds up your first redemption.

Once you know the terms, read any offer in the same six steps. It takes a couple of minutes and covers almost everything that goes wrong.

1. What do I have to do to get it? Promo code, opt-in, minimum deposit, payment method.
2. What form is the bonus in? Cash, casino credits or extra spins, and whether it is sticky.
3. What do I have to wager, and on what base? The multiplier and whether your deposit counts.
4. Which games count, and what is the max bet? Check the contribution table for the games you play.
5. How long do I have? The expiry, and when the clock starts.
6. What can I withdraw, and what has to happen first? Caps, verification and payment method rules.

Decoder: a sample terms line

Here is a made-up offer, read line by line. You deposit $100.

"Deposit $10 or more. 100% match up to $500 in casino credits. 15x playthrough on deposit plus bonus. Slots count 100%, table games 10%. Credits expire in 7 days. Max bet $5."

• Deposit $10 or more: the minimum to qualify. Your $100 clears it.
• 100% match up to $500: you get $100 in credits. The $500 cap does not matter at this deposit.
• 15x on deposit plus bonus: 15 x ($100 + $100) = $3,000 in wagering.
• Slots 100%, table games 10%: $3,000 of slot bets clears it. On table games you would need $30,000.
• 7 days: about $429 in bets per day to finish in time.
• Max bet $5: a bigger bet can void the bonus.

Three offers side by side

The biggest bonus is not always the best. Compare the work each one asks for.

Offer C has the smaller multiplier of the two deposit matches, but it asks for the most work per day. When your deposit counts toward wagering, the effective multiple of the bonus can be double the number in the headline.

Compare live offers in the best casino bonuses hub and run your own sums in the wagering calculator.

Red flags in bonus terms

Green flags in bonus terms

• A low playthrough, such as 1x on casino credits
• Cash funds used before bonus funds
• A clear contribution table, with the exact games listed
• A specific expiry date and clock start
• Plain language and specific numbers, with no vague catch-alls
• An easy way to drop the bonus and keep your cash

If the terms are unclear, ask the casino's support team before you deposit, and keep the chat transcript.