Terms of Bonus and Conditions of Wager
Online gambling promotions are like a free buffet—irresistible with lots of options and so clearly such a deal. Who doesn’t enjoy free cash, right? Online casinos throw around tantalizing promotions—deposit matches, free spins, no-deposit offers—just for signing up. But then there’s the twist: the gambling requirement.
Most players jump at such offers only to find later that it is not as simple as clicking “cash out” to receive their winnings. Others are left with frustration, while some lose the winnings completely. Don’t worry, nonetheless—this piece shall demystify the terms of wagering requirements so that it makes complete sense without giving your head any pain.
Simply put, the bet requirement is the number of times you must play through the bonus in order to withdraw any winnings. It is like the casino is telling you, “Sure we will provide you with free chips, but you must play some before you can withdraw.”
You receive a 100% bonus on a $100 deposit with a 30x rollover. That’s $3,000 that you have to play through (($100 x 30) before you can withdraw winnings. And oh yes, it may take some time if you’re experiencing a losing run!
And not all conditions of wagers are the same. They are for some for free spins winnings only, some for bonus and deposit funds only, and some for all three. Read the terms of conditions carefully—do not take “free” as granted.
Not all bonuses are created equal. They are as nice and warm as Grandmas offering you cookies and as sour as that one friend of yours with “terms and conditions” whenever he lends you some dough.
Deposit Match Bonuses – You deposit some amount of money and the casino matches it. The bigger the bonus, the tighter the play-through requirement.
The No Deposit Bonuses – too good to be true! Because most likely it is. They have enormous wagering terms and minimal withdrawal terms.
Free Spins Bonus – You are given free spins but with winnings subject to a wagering requirement.
Cashback Bonuses – A few are playthrough-free (bless them casinos), but most have playthrough terms before withdrawal.
Few people like maths (presumably apart from accountants), but this chapter is vital.
Multiply the size of the bonus by the wagers requirement.
Multiply the deposit and the bonus if gambling is on them.
Games are contributing to varying percentages (Slots: 100%, Table Games: 10%, some even 0%).
You’re given a $100 bonus with a 35x play-through requirement. That’s $3,500 that has to be played before withdrawal. If it’s deposit + bonus, it’s even worse!
Ever heard of the expression “Read before you sign”? That also holds here. A huge majority of players lose due to overlooking such mistakes: Not skimming the terms – It may not be as good as it appears to be. Read terms and conditions before making claims.
Playing prohibited games – Certain games void your bonus. Stay away from those “prohibited games” if you hate disappointment.
Assuming the bet is only on the bonus – Oftentimes it is on your deposit + bonus.
Ignoring the max bet rule – Certain casinos have rules against placing bets exceeding the maximum amount. Making large bets may mean losing your bonus wins.
A technique for outsmarting the system (while following rules)
✔ Choose Low Wagering Bonuses – Go for casinos offering 10x–20x wagers instead of 40x+
✔ Play high contribution games – slot games usually contribute 100%, while table games contribute less.
Look for No-Wagering Bonuses – There are some casinos with no-wagering bonuses.
✔ Expiry of Bonus – Any bonus has a validity period. Don’t linger too long, and your winnings won’t last longer than your phone battery when it has 1% power left.
There are some no-wagering casinos where any winnings are yours to keep— no strings attached.
Benefits –
• Instant withdrawals
• No technical language
• Fairer to players
Drawbacks –
• Lower bonus values
Fewer of them provide Wagering requirements can be complex but are not your nemesis. Getting familiar with them prior to taking the bonus can spare you the pain. Browse the terms and conditions thoroughly, be wary of claiming any bonus offers, and bet sensibly! Your turn now—have you ever been irritated with a wagering requirement? Share your experience with us here!
