Casino Bonus Guide: Wagering Requirements Explained

Don't Be Fooled by "Free Money": How Casino Bonuses Really Work

That €1,000 "Welcome Bonus" looks amazing, right? It's the biggest tool online casinos use to get you to sign up. But as you've probably guessed, it's not as simple as getting free cash.

Most bonuses are "locked" behind something called wagering requirements. If you don't understand them, you could end up with €0.

This guide will teach you, in simple terms, how to read the fine print, understand the math, and decide if a bonus is actually a good deal or a trap.

Table of Contents

What this means: If you play slots, every €1 you bet counts as €1 toward your €3,000 requirement. But if you play Blackjack, only €0.05 of that €1 bet counts. You would have to wager 20 times more!

2. Time Limits

Most bonuses are not forever. You will have a time limit, such as 7 days or 30 days, to meet the wagering requirement. If you fail to meet it in time, your bonus and all winnings from it are usually forfeited.

3. Max Bet & Game Restrictions

To prevent you from winning big with bonus money, the casino will limit your bet size.

• Max Bet: You may not be allowed to bet more than €5 per spin on a slot.
• Restricted Games: Some high-RTP (Return to Player) slots, like Blood Suckers or Book of 99, are often banned from bonus play entirely.

So, Is a Casino Bonus Even Worth It?

Yes, but only if you use it correctly.

• Good for Slots Players: If you were already planning to play slots, a bonus is a great way to double your playtime and get more chances to hit a big win.
• Bad for Table Game Players: If you only play Blackjack or Roulette, most bonuses are not worth the hassle due to low game weighting.
• The Best Bonus: The best offers are not always the biggest. A smaller bonus with low wagering (20x-25x) and fair terms is much better than a huge bonus with high wagering (50x+).

Quick Bonus Checklist:

Before you accept any bonus, find this information:

1. Wagering Requirement: (e.g., 30x)
2. Does it apply to: (Bonus Only) or (Deposit + Bonus)?
3. Game Weighting: Do my favorite games count 100%?
4. Time Limit: How long do I have?
5. Max Bet: What is the maximum I can bet per spin?

Now you can read the fine print like a pro and spot a truly good deal.

Ready to test your knowledge? Check out our list of the Best Casino Bonuses with fair terms.

A Note on Responsible Gambling

Bonuses are a tool for entertainment, not a way to guarantee a profit. It can be tempting to deposit more than you normally would just to get a bigger bonus, or to keep playing to "clear" a wagering requirement.

Please always play responsibly:

• Never treat gambling as a source of income.
• Only gamble with money you can afford to lose.
• Set strict limits on your deposits and your playtime.
• Never chase your losses.

If you feel like your gambling is becoming a problem, please seek help immediately. You can find resources and get support on our Responsible Gambling page.