Online casinos are known for their generous bonuses, but with great bonuses come confusing terms. Players often encounter terms like wagering requirements, sticky bonuses, game contribution rates, and maximum cashouts, which directly impact how much you can actually win and withdraw.
Understanding these bonus terms isn’t just helpful; it’s essential. A poorly understood bonus can cost you real money through forfeited winnings and missed opportunities, which in turn could mean the difference between a profitable gaming experience and a disappointing one.
This comprehensive guide explains 30+ essential casino bonus terms, how bonuses actually work, common mistakes to avoid, and strategies to evaluate bonuses before claiming them. By the end, you’ll be able to navigate any casino bonus offer with confidence.
A bonus is free money or free spins that online casinos give to new or existing players to encourage them to sign up and play. These bonuses appear in your account as separate funds (bonus balance) from your real money (cash balance), and remain that way until specific conditions are met.
Key concept: Bonuses aren’t free money you can instantly withdraw—they come with conditions and requirements that must be completed before you can withdraw winnings generated from them.
When you claim a casino bonus, it appears in your account with two distinct balances:
Bonus Balance: Shows the bonus funds available to play with. This amount is locked and cannot be withdrawn immediately (in most cases).
Cash Balance: Your real money that you deposited. This can usually be withdrawn anytime, even before meeting bonus requirements.
Example:
The wagering requirement (also called playthrough requirement or rollover) specifies how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings generated from it.
Formula: Wagering Requirement = Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier
Example 1 – Simple Calculation:
Example 2 – Deposit + Bonus:
Bonus-Only Wagering:
Bonus + Deposit Wagering:
Game contribution rate (also called contribution percentage) describes what percentage of your wager counts toward completing the wagering requirement.
Different games have different contribution rates because they offer different house edges:
Casinos offset lower house advantage with lower contributions to prevent players from exploiting low-edge games to ensure fairness.
| Game Type | Typical Contribution | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 100% | $100 wagered = $100 counts toward requirement |
| Video Poker | 50% | $100 wagered = $50 counts toward requirement |
| Blackjack | 10-20% | $100 wagered = $10-$20 counts toward requirement |
| Roulette | 10-25% | $100 wagered = $10-$25 counts toward requirement |
| Baccarat | 0% | $100 wagered = $0 counts (excluded) |
| Live Dealer | 0-10% | Often completely restricted or minimal contribution |
| Progressive Jackpots | 0% | Usually excluded entirely |
Scenario Comparison:
Player A: Plays Slots (100% contribution)
Player B: Plays Blackjack (20% contribution)
Some casinos exclude certain games entirely from bonus play:
Fully Restricted Games:
Partially Restricted Games:
Every casino bonus has an expiry date or validity period by which you must either claim or complete wagering requirements.
Typical Timeframes by Bonus Type:
| Bonus Type | Typical Validity |
|---|---|
| No Deposit Bonus | 24-48 hours |
| Welcome Bonus | 7-30 days from first deposit |
| Reload Bonus | 7-14 days from deposit |
| Free Spins | Varies (1-30 days) |
| VIP Bonus | Often 30+ days (if wagering incomplete) |
What Happens When Bonus Expires:
A maximum cashout (also called maximum win or cashout limit) is the highest amount you can withdraw from your bonus winnings.
Real-World Example: Casino offers: $100 bonus with 20x wagering and $500 maximum cashout
Scenario A:
Scenario B:
Impact Chart:
| Bonus Size | Max Cashout | Best Case | Worst Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| $20 bonus | $50 max | Win $50, withdraw $50 | Win $100, withdraw only $50 |
| $100 bonus | $200 max | Win $200, withdraw $200 | Win $500, withdraw only $200 |
| $250 bonus | Uncapped | Win $2,000, withdraw $2,000 | N/A |
A maximum bet (or stake limit) is the highest single bet you can place while using bonus funds.
Why Casinos Impose Maximum Bets:
Casinos want to prevent players from exploiting bonuses through high-risk strategies:
Real Example:
If you try: $20 bet, the wager won’t count
Impact: Must complete the requirement with a minimum $4,000 in total spins ($5 × 800 spins)
The most important bonus classification is sticky vs. non-sticky, which determines whether the bonus itself is withdrawable after you meet wagering requirements.
A sticky bonus is locked in your account and cannot be withdrawn, even after completing wagering requirements. Only winnings generated from the bonus are withdrawable.
How Sticky Bonuses Work:
Sticky Bonus Characteristics:
Sticky Example Calculation:
A non-sticky bonus (also called a cashable bonus) can be withdrawn after completing wagering requirements. The bonus amount itself becomes part of your withdrawable funds.
How Non-Sticky Bonuses Work:
Non-Sticky Bonus Characteristics:
Non-Sticky Example Calculation:
| Feature | Sticky | Non-Sticky |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus Withdrawable | ✗ No | ✓ Yes |
| Typical Wagering | 20x-35x | 35x-50x |
| Wagering Applies To | Deposit + Bonus (often) | Bonus Only (usually) |
| Total Wagers Needed | Often Higher | Often Lower |
| Total to Withdraw | Winnings Only | Bonus + Deposit + Winnings |
| Better For | Casual players | Profit seekers |
| Expected Value | Lower | Higher |
A match bonus means the casino matches a percentage of your deposit with bonus funds.
How Match Bonuses Work: The casino offers: “100% match bonus up to $500”
Calculation:
Common Match Percentages:
The Cap (Maximum Bonus):
Most match bonuses have a cap: “100% match up to $500”
What this means:
Real Examples:
| Offer | Your Deposit | Bonus Received | Total to Play |
|---|---|---|---|
| 100% up to $200 | $100 | $100 | $200 |
| 100% up to $200 | $250 | $200 (capped) | $450 |
| 200% up to $500 | $150 | $300 | $450 |
| 200% up to $500 | $300 | $500 (capped) | $800 |
A no-deposit bonus is free money or free spins credited to your account without requiring you to deposit any money first.
Characteristics:
Why Such Harsh Terms?
Casinos give free money to low-barrier entry, but they protect themselves with strict conditions because they’re giving away cash with zero investment from you.
Realistic Expectations:
A free spins bonus gives you complimentary spins on specific slot machines. Each spin has a monetary value (e.g., $0.10 per spin).
How Free Spins Work:
Free Spins Key Terms:
Spin Value: The amount each spin is worth. Higher values = better free spins.
Eligible Slots: Only specific games can be played. You can’t choose any slot.
Winnings Wagering: Usually, only your winnings need to be wagered, not the spin value itself.
Example:
Compared to Cash Bonuses:
Free spins are often less valuable than cash bonuses of equal amount because:
A bonus code (or promo code) is a combination of letters/numbers you enter to activate a specific bonus offer.
How Bonus Codes Work:
Variations:
These three terms are often used interchangeably, but they all mean the same thing: the number of times you must bet to complete bonus requirements.
They’re identical: A 30x rollover = 30x wagering requirement = 30x playthrough
Why multiple terms? Different casinos use different languages, but the concept is the same.
Casinos implement strict measures to prevent players from exploiting bonuses. Understanding these helps you avoid account suspension.
Prohibited Bonus Abuse Activities:
Multi-Accounting: Creating multiple accounts to claim the same bonus twice
Chip Dumping: Transferring chips/funds between accounts to exploit bonuses
Bonus Hunting: Taking bonuses from multiple casinos using similar strategies
Extreme Favorites Betting: Placing bets designed only to exploit bonuses (betting on massive favorites)
KYC Violations: Using fake identity information to claim bonuses
How Casinos Detect Abuse:
Forfeit means you lose the bonus, usually through:
When You Forfeit:
Basic Formula:
Total Wagers Needed = (Bonus + Deposit) × Wagering Multiplier
Step-by-Step Example:
Real Scenario – Compare Two Bonuses:
Bonus A:
Bonus B:
Analysis:
Real Example:
You claim: $100 bonus, 20x wagering requirement = $2,000 wagers needed
Scenario A – Slots (100% contribution):
Scenario B – Blackjack (20% contribution):
Scenario C – Baccarat (0% contribution – restricted):
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus Balance | Account showing bonus funds only | $100 bonus appears as $100 in bonus balance |
| Bonus Code | Promo code to activate bonus | Enter "WELCOME100" to claim bonus |
| Bonus Expiry | Deadline to use bonus | Bonus expires in 30 days |
| Bonus Only | Wager applies to bonus amount only | $100 bonus, 20x = $2,000 wagers (not including deposit) |
| Bonus + Deposit | Wager applies to both amounts | $100 bonus + $100 deposit, 20x = $4,000 wagers |
| Cashable Bonus | Bonus can be withdrawn (non-sticky) | After wagering, withdraw the bonus itself |
| Cashback | Percentage of losses returned | Lose $100, get $10 back (10% cashback) |
| Contribution Rate | % of wager counting toward wagering | $100 on slots (100%) counts fully; $100 on blackjack (20%) counts as $20 |
| Free Spins | Complimentary slot spins | 50 free spins on specific slot game |
| Game Eligibility | Which games count for wagering | Slots eligible at 100%, blackjack at 20% |
| Loyalty Points | Rewards for repeated play | Every $1 wagered = 1 point; points = comps/bonuses |
| Match Bonus | Casino matches your deposit | 100% match = you deposit $100, get $100 bonus |
| Maximum Bet | Highest single bet on bonus | Can't bet more than $5 per spin |
| Maximum Cashout | Highest withdrawal from bonus | Win $500 but cashout capped at $200 |
| No Deposit Bonus | Free money without depositing | $20 free, no deposit required |
| Non-Sticky Bonus | Bonus itself is withdrawable | Keep the bonus after completing wagering |
| Playthrough | Times you must bet to complete bonus | 30x playthrough = bet 30 times the bonus amount |
| Promo Code | Same as bonus code | Enter promotional code to activate offer |
| Reload Bonus | Bonus for subsequent deposits | Second deposit gets 50% match bonus |
| Rollover | Old term for wagering requirement | Same as playthrough/wagering |
| Sticky Bonus | Bonus cannot be withdrawn | After wagering, lose the bonus amount itself |
| Time Limit | Duration bonus remains active | 30-day time limit to complete wagering |
| VIP Bonus | Exclusive rewards for high-value players | VIP tier members get daily bonuses |
| Wagering Requirement | Times to bet bonus before withdrawal | 30x wagering = bet 30 times the bonus amount |
Don’t claim bonuses blindly. Use this 6-step evaluation framework:
Use the formula: (Bonus + Deposit) × Multiplier = Total Wagers
Example:
Key question: “What’s the maximum I can realistically withdraw?”
Examples:
Red flag: Maximum cashout lower than bonus amount (very limiting)
Check for:
Green Flags (Bonus-Friendly Conditions):
Red Flags (Bonus Traps):
The Error: Playing games you like without checking contribution rates, which often have 0% or 10% contribution.
Real Scenario: You love blackjack (10% contribution) but claim a bonus. To complete $2,000 wagering requirement:
The Fix: Before claiming, check if your preferred games are available at 100% contribution. If not, consider skipping the bonus.
The Error: Winning big and assuming you can withdraw everything.
Real Story: You claim a $50 no-deposit bonus with $150 max cashout. You win $600 total. You can only withdraw $150, losing $450 in winnings.
The Fix: Always note maximum cashout before playing. Adjust expectations accordingly.
The Error: Claiming a bonus and playing casually, only to have it expire before completing wagering.
Real Scenario: The 30-day bonus expires. You’ve wagered only $3,000 of $6,000 required. Bonus disappears, taking any winnings with it.
The Fix: Calculate completion timeline upfront. If you can’t finish in the available time, skip the bonus.
The Error: Claiming a sticky bonus without realizing you can’t withdraw the bonus itself, only winnings.
Real Impact: Sticky bonus requires deposit + bonus wagering, while non-sticky requires only bonus wagering.
The Fix: Always verify if the bonus is sticky or non-sticky before comparing different offers.
Best bonus features:
Strategy: Only claim bonuses that likely generate profit after wagering.
Best bonus features:
Expectation: These are low-reward bonuses—focus on casino evaluation, not profit.
A reload bonus is offered to existing players on subsequent deposits (second, third deposit, etc.). It works similarly to welcome bonuses but is often more generous.
How Reload Bonuses Work:
Key Difference from Welcome Bonus:
Example:
Strategy: Check reload bonus terms—they’re sometimes better value than welcome bonuses.
Before claiming any bonus, use this checklist:
Understanding casino bonus terms transforms you from a passive player who accepts whatever the casino offers into an informed player who strategically selects bonuses.
Key Takeaways:
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