How to Read an Online Casino Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

Last Updated on 11.11.2024

Before accepting any online casino bonus, it's essential to understand the terms. Our expert team is here to explain them clearly. We'll show you exactly what to consider, helping you choose the right bonuses and avoid common problems.

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Article Summary
Important Bonus & Wagering Terms
  • Wagering Requirements
  • Validity
  • Game Restrictions
  • Minimum Deposit
  • Payment Restrictions
  • Bet Limits
  • Unusual Betting Patterns
  • Locked Balance

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements tell you how many times you must play a bonus before you can withdraw any winnings. Wagering requirements are also known as playthrough, rollover, and turnover.

The Wagering Requirements in the Bonus Terms of Coral
In the Photo: The Wagering Requirement in an Online Casino’s Bonus Terms

Most bonuses have wagering requirements. They are expressed as a multiplier, like 30x. By playing the bonus the required number of times, your bonus winnings become real cash that you can withdraw.

It’s important to distinguish between deposit + bonus and bonus-only wagering. Some casinos apply wagering to both the deposit and bonus, while others apply it only to the bonus.

For example:

If you get a £10 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you need to bet £300 (£10 x 30) before you can withdraw. If the requirement includes both your £10 deposit and £10 bonus, you’d need to bet £600 (£20 x 30).

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Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice

“The lower the wagering requirement, the better. That’s why I avoid deposit + wagering offers. Other terms matter, too – I’d consider accepting a 50x wagering bonus if I could use it to pay low volatility games.”

Good Wagering Terms
  • Under 50x Playthrough
  • Bonus Only
  • 30 Days Validity
Bad Wagering Terms
  • Over 50x
  • Deposit + Bonus
  • 7 Days Validity

Casino Bonus Validity

Most casino bonuses come with time limits. Validity refers to the length of time you get to complete the wagering requirements. Why is validity important? If you don’t play through the bonus in time, it will expire, along with any winnings made with it.

The Validity in the Bonus Terms of Coral
In the Photo: The Validity of an Online Casino Bonus

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Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice

“Wagering requirements and validity go hand-in-hand. I only accept a bonus if I can conveniently fulfil the requirements within the specified time limits.”

Game Restrictions and Weighting

Not all bonuses can be used to play all games. You may only be able to play specific games with a bonus. You could also find games have different weightings towards bonus wagering. So, only a percentage of your bets would contribute to bonus playthrough.

The Game Restrictions in the Bonus Terms of Duelz
In the Photo: Game Restrictions and Weighting of a Casino Bonus

Slots usually contribute 100%. But table games generally have a lower wagering contribution. You could also find that games like blackjack and roulette are excluded entirely.

For example:

If you bet £10 on slots, the full £10 would contribute to the wagering requirements. If blackjack has a 10% weighting, only £1 of every £10 you bet would count towards the playthrough.

Photo of Angelina Vodenicharova, Author on Online-Casinos.com

Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice

“Game restrictions can seriously impact your ability to fulfil wagering requirements. I recommend avoiding bonuses that are limited to high volatility games – you may exhaust your bonus balance before hitting any wins.”

Deposit Requirements

The bonus terms usually include a minimum deposit. This is the smallest payment you can make that will trigger the offer. If you make a smaller deposit, you will not get the bonus.

The Deposit Requirements in the Bonus Terms of Casimba
In the Photo: The Minimum Deposit Required for an Online Casino Bonus

The minimum deposit required to activate a bonus is usually £10 – £20. Some welcome bonuses come as a package deal. After claiming the first deposit bonus, you could also get bonuses on subsequent deposits.

Payment Restrictions

Online casinos accept various payment methods. However, they could restrict the deposit options you can use to claim a bonus. For example, Skrill and Neteller deposits are often excluded from claiming bonuses.

The Payment Restrictions in the Bonus Terms of Grosvenor
In the Photo: Payment Restrictions of a Casino Bonus

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Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice

“Always check for any payment restrictions before depositing. Remember – if you deposit with an excluded payment method, you will miss out on claiming the bonus.”

Betting Limits and Restrictions

Some casino bonus terms include a maximum bet limit. This means you cannot exceed the max bet size when playing with a bonus.

The Betting Restrictions in the Bonus Terms of Casimba
In the Photo: Betting Restrictions of a Casino Bonus

Betting limits could be indirectly applied by providing a limited pool of games. If you want to place bigger or smaller bets with a bonus, you should check the games in advance.

Photo of Angelina Vodenicharova, Author on Online-Casinos.com

Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice

“Don’t overlook maximum bet limits. With a small max bet, you may find it is near impossible to fulfil the wagering requirements in time.”

Unusual Betting Patterns

Casinos include terms to stamp out promotional abuse. The bonus terms could refer to unusual betting patterns, playing strategies, and irregular play.

Unusual Betting Patterns Warning in the Bonus Terms of Coral
In the Photo: Prohibition of Unusual Betting Patterns

One such example of an unusual betting pattern relates to bet size and volatility. This involves placing large bets on high variance outcomes, hitting a big win, and then switching to small bets on low variance outcomes to clear wagering requirements. Here’s how to avoid unusual betting behaviour:

  • High Variance Bets – For example, placing large bets on a single number in roulette, winning a large payout, then switching to smaller, even-money bets. Avoid this by placing consistent bet sizes and types.
  • Minimal-Risk Bets – For example, placing bets on red and black on roulette, meaning you are removing virtually all risk. Avoid this by not making these types of bets.
  • Progressive Betting Strategies – For example, progressively increasing your bet size after losses and reducing it after a win. Avoid this by placing consistent bets.

Balance Restrictions

Under UK gambling laws, players must be allowed to withdraw their deposit balance at any time. This includes when a bonus is active. If you withdraw your deposited funds when you have an active bonus, you will forfeit any remaining bonus funds.

The Balance Lock Policy in the Bonus Terms of Coral
In the Photo: Balance Lock Policy

In keeping with the UKGC’s rules, your deposit and bonus balances will always be displayed separately. Bonuses that lock your deposit and bonus together are prohibited at UK online casinos. Here are some references to balance restrictions you may encounter in bonus terms:

  • Sticky Bonuses – Also known as a non-cashable bonus. You can withdraw winnings made with the bonus after completing the wagering requirements, but the bonus amount itself cannot be withdrawn.
  • Parachute Bonuses – The type of deposit bonus where you play with your deposit balance first. You will only start playing with bonus money after you have exhausted your real cash balance.
  • Cashable Bonuses – You can withdraw the bonus amount and any winnings made with it upon fulfilling the wagering requirements.

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Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
About the Author

With a background in marketing, Angelina has a keen eye for emerging trends and stays ahead of the curve on the latest game releases and payment innovations. Her expertise extends to the growing world of gambling apps, where her tech-savviness allows her to offer valuable insights on optimizing gameplay.