Wagering: the key condition
The wagering requirement (or playthrough) is how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw it.
Example. A $100 bonus with 35x wagering means $3,500 in bets. On a slot with 96% RTP, the expected loss on that turnover is 4% Ã $3,500 = $140 â more than the bonus itself. On average, that bonus doesn't survive to withdrawal.
Check what the wagering applies to: the bonus alone, or bonus plus deposit. In the second case the turnover doubles.
What else to check
| Term | What it means |
|---|---|
| Expiry | How many days you have to complete wagering |
| Maximum bet | Bets above the limit while a bonus is active can void your winnings |
| Game weighting | Slots usually count 100%, table and live games 0â20% |
| Maximum cashout | A cap on winnings from the bonus, especially for no-deposit offers |
| Excluded games | High-RTP slots often don't count toward wagering |
Casino bonuses
- Welcome bonus â a percentage match on your first deposit, or a package across several deposits.
- Free spins â free rounds on a set slot; winnings from them often need wagering too.
- No-deposit bonus â a small amount or free spins without depositing; usually high wagering and a cashout cap.
- Cashback â part of your net losses returned over a period. Wager-free cashback is one of the fairest bonuses there is.
- Loyalty programme (VIP) â points for play, exchanged for bonuses or personal perks.
Bookmaker bonuses
- Free bet â a bet on the house. If it wins, you usually get only the profit, not the free bet stake.
- Deposit bonus â often requires accumulators at minimum odds.
- Odds boost â improved odds on a specific match, usually with a stake limit.
- Bet insurance â part of your stake back if the bet loses.
When a bonus is worth taking
A bonus is worth it if wagering is low (up to about 20â25x), the time limit is reasonable, and the bet and game restrictions don't get in the way of how you normally play. If the terms are confusing, it's often better to decline and play with your own money with no withdrawal strings attached.
FAQ
What does 35x wagering mean?
You need to bet the bonus amount 35 times. For a $100 bonus that's $3,500 in total bets.
Can I turn down a bonus?
With most operators, yes â when you deposit or in your account settings. Without a bonus there are no wagering or maximum-bet restrictions.
How is a free bet different from a normal bet?
When a free bet wins, you usually receive only the net profit; the free bet stake itself isn't returned.