Online casinos are famous for offering big money promotions… often looking something like ‘100% deposit match!’, “Hundreds of free spins for new players!” or it might be “Exclusive welcome bonus worth hundreds!” It’s designed to turn your head, catch your eye… and hopefully open your wallet. And more often than not, it works.
However, behind every big number offer, there’s a very long and in-depth set of terms and conditions – and it’s these that actually tell you how valuable that bonus really is. Claiming a big bonus without reading the small print can end up with you having a very disappointing experience.
It doesn’t mean bonuses are bad… far from it. Getting the right one can give you extra playtime on the online casino, you can try out new games, and even win real money. You just need to use them wisely, look past the flashy headline and zoom in on the details.
Why the Terms Matter More Than the Bonus Amount
It’s easy to go for the biggest bonus you see and assume that more money means more value. However, the actual value of the promotion is more determined by the T&CS attached to it. For example, claiming a £500 welcome bonus with super tough T&Cs could end up being a lot less rewarding than a £100 offer with more flexibility.
You need to look at things like wagering requirements, game restrictions, time limits, and withdrawal limits, which determine not only how easily you can use your bonus but whether, realistically, you’ll ever be able to withdraw any winnings.
The Wagering Requirements
Without doubt, the wagering requirement is the most important condition you need to check before you claim your bonus. It basically tells you how many times you need to bet the bonus amount (or sometimes the deposit plus bonus) before you can withdraw any winnings.
For example, if you claim a £100 bonus that has a 40x wagering requirement, you’ll need to place at least £4,000 worth of bets with your own money before you can cash out. The lower the wagering requirements, the more player-friendly they are… some even go as low as 10x or 15x. If you can find no wagering bonuses, even better.
Remember to check whether the requirement applies to the bonus amount alone or to both the bonus and deposit, as this could potentially double the amount you need to wager.
Game Contributions
You might want to spend your bonus on your favourite table game… only to discover it contributes practically nothing to the wagering requirement – because casinos generally have different game contributions….
- Slots: Apart from super high RTP ones, they usually contribute 100% to your wagering.
- Table games: Often only contribute 10–20%; sometimes, they won’t count at all.
- Live dealer games: Again, they’re usually either excluded completely or heavily restricted.
If you start trying to fulfil your wagering on the Blackjack table, that £4,000 worth of bets could end up being £40,000.
Time Limits
They don’t last forever either… They generally have an expiry date, which could be between 7 and 30 days. During this time, you have to claim the bonus, use the bonus and fulfil all the wagering requirements. If you don’t, you’ll end up losing the bonus and anything you win from it – so if you’re only a casual player, be realistic as to whether or not it’s actually achievable.
Withdrawal Caps
Even if you do manage to clear the wagering requirements, you need to make sure you can withdraw everything you win – because some casinos will cap the amount you can withdraw from your winnings… and the rest will be forfeited.
So, you could claim a £50 bonus that has a £200 maximum withdrawal limit. So, anything you win above and beyond that, you won’t get. It doesn’t happen too often, but it’s pretty common with no-deposit bonuses.
Deposit and Bet Size
You’ll also usually need to meet the minimum deposit requirement to trigger the offer – usually £10 or £20. There will also probably be maximum bet limits when using the bonus – (maybe £5, for example). If you try and go over it… and make a £10 bet, for example, you could end up voiding your bonus and losing anything you’ve already won. It’s basically there to stop you putting it all on black, hoping for a win and clearing the wagering all at once.
Eligibility
Not everyone in every country can claim every bonus. There could be licensing restrictions, payment method restrictions (sometimes PayPal, Neteller, and Skrill are ineligible) – and the newly picked casino can decide who is or isn’t eligible to claim any offer. So, make sure both you and your payment method are eligible before trying to claim it.
Making the Most of Your Bonus
Just because the small print can add complications, it doesn’t mean you need to avoid bonuses altogether. It just means you need to use them strategically…
- Compare different bonuses before claiming – looking at the terms and not just the bonus amount.
- Look for a bonus with low wagering requirements (the lower the better… ideally 35x or lower).
- Make sure you play the right games to fulfil the wagering requirements.
- Keep track of your progress so you don’t run out of time.
It’s The Small Things…
Online casino bonuses can be a great way to get more time playing your favourite games, but the devil is in the details. Read the small print and make sure you understand exactly what is required of you so you don’t get caught off-guard.
Remember, claim the right bonus for the games you like, have fun and don’t go over your budget to claim a bonus or fulfil your wagering requirements!
