Reading Casino Bonus Terms Without Getting Caught Out

A bonus headline tells you almost nothing. The terms decide everything.

Wagering requirement. A 35x wagering requirement on a 100 unit bonus means 3,500 units must be staked before a withdrawal is possible. Check whether the multiple applies to the bonus alone or to deposit plus bonus, because the second version doubles the work.

Game weighting. Slots usually count 100 percent toward wagering, while roulette, blackjack and video poker often count 10 percent or nothing at all. Playing a low-weighted game with a bonus balance can mean your wagering barely moves.

Maximum bet while wagering. Many terms cap stakes at a small amount per spin or hand during wagering. Exceed it once, even accidentally through a bonus buy, and the winnings can be voided.

Expiry. Bonus funds and free spins typically expire in 7 to 30 days. Unfinished wagering usually means the bonus and anything won from it are removed.

Maximum conversion. Some offers cap what you can withdraw from a bonus, often a multiple of the bonus amount, regardless of how much you win.

Excluded payment methods. Deposits by certain e-wallets are frequently excluded from promotions.

Practical rule: if the full terms are not published on the same page as the offer, do not opt in. Any offer worth taking will show its terms in full.