Casino bonuses can be genuinely useful, but they’re also the number one reason players get disappointed, lose winnings, or feel “scammed” after a withdrawal request. In most cases, the casino isn’t inventing rules after the fact — the rules were there, just buried in terms most people never read.
This guide explains the three things that matter most:
- Wagering requirements (playthrough)
- Max bet rules (the easiest rule to break by accident)
- Free spins traps (why “free” often isn’t simple)
If you understand these, you’ll avoid 90% of bonus problems.
The bonus promise vs the bonus reality
The promise: “100% bonus up to 200 + free spins.”
The reality: “We’ll give you extra funds, but you must bet a certain amount under specific conditions before you can withdraw.”
A bonus is a deal. It can be good value — but only if the conditions match how you actually play.
Wagering (playthrough) explained in plain English
Wagering requirement means you must place bets totaling a certain amount before bonus-related funds become withdrawable. It is usually written like:
- 30x
- 35x
- 40x
The casino applies that multiplier to one of these:
- The bonus amount only
- The bonus + your deposit
- The bonus + winnings (less common, but can be very strict)
Example 1: Wagering on the bonus only
You deposit 100 and get a 100 bonus. Wagering is 40x bonus.
You must wager:
100 × 40 = 4,000
You don’t need to lose 4,000. You need to place bets totaling 4,000 (wins and losses count as wagering).
Example 2: Wagering on bonus + deposit
You deposit 100 and get a 100 bonus. Wagering is 40x bonus + deposit.
You must wager:
(100 + 100) × 40 = 8,000
This is much harder for casual players and is one reason two “identical” bonuses can feel totally different.
Example 3: Why wagering feels impossible sometimes
Wagering is not designed for “one lucky win and cash out.” It’s designed for volume. If you claim a bonus, you’re basically agreeing to play longer.
What counts toward wagering (and why it matters)
Many casinos don’t count all games equally. Typical patterns:
- Slots often count 100%
- Some table games count 10%–20% or 0%
- Live casino often counts low or 0%
- Some slots may be excluded
This means a bonus can be “easy” for slots players and nearly impossible for table players. If you claim a bonus and then play mostly roulette, you can end up making almost no progress.
Rule of thumb:
If you want to clear a bonus, plan on slots-heavy wagering unless the terms clearly say otherwise.
Time limits (the silent killer)
Most bonuses have a time limit, such as:
- 24 hours
- 3 days
- 7 days
- 30 days
Even a reasonable wagering requirement becomes brutal if the time window is short and you don’t play often.
If you’re a casual weekend player, a 5-day window can turn a bonus into pressure. In that case, a smaller or simpler promo is often better.
Max bet rules (how players lose bonuses by accident)
Max bet rules limit how much you can stake per spin/round while wagering. Common caps include:
- 5 per spin
- 10 per spin
Players break this rule constantly because:
- they forget the rule after a few minutes,
- the slot volatility spikes and they raise the stake,
- auto-play keeps running at the wrong bet,
- or a bonus feature increases stake without them noticing.
If you break the max bet rule, casinos often have the right to:
- cancel the bonus,
- remove bonus winnings,
- or void part of the withdrawal.
How to avoid max bet mistakes
- Pick a stake below the cap and stick to it the whole wagering period
- Turn off auto-play if you tend to adjust stakes mid-session
- Avoid “buy bonus” features during wagering unless explicitly allowed
- If the cap is 5, don’t play at 5. Play at 3–4 to avoid accidental jumps
Max bet rule is the number one reason “my bonus got cancelled” happens.
The free spins trap (why free spins are not always free)
Free spins are one of the most misunderstood promos. The trap is not the spins themselves — it’s what happens to winnings.
Free spins offers usually fall into these categories:
1) Free spins with bonus winnings
You spin for free, but any winnings become “bonus funds” and must be wagered (often with a separate wagering multiplier).
This is the most common structure.
2) Free spins with capped winnings
You can win, but the casino limits how much you can actually withdraw from the free spins promo. Anything above the cap may be removed or converted under strict rules.
3) Free spins tied to specific slots
Your free spins work only on one slot, often chosen by the casino. If you dislike that slot’s volatility or gameplay, the promo may be low value to you.
4) Free spins that expire quickly
Some offers require you to use the spins within 24 hours or a few days. Miss the window and the promo is gone.
What to check every time you see free spins
- Which slot is it for?
- Do winnings become cash or bonus funds?
- What is the wagering requirement on those winnings?
- How long do you have to use the spins?
- Is there a max cashout or max bet rule attached?
If the casino doesn’t explain this clearly, treat it as a red flag.
“No-risk free spins” and other marketing phrases
“No-risk” usually means you don’t pay for the spins. It does not automatically mean you can withdraw winnings freely.
It can still come with:
- wagering on winnings,
- withdrawal caps,
- strict time limits,
- max bet rules once winnings convert to bonus funds.
A simple test:
If the promo sounds too clean, it probably has at least one of these restrictions.
Bonus balance vs real balance (why withdrawals fail)
Many casinos separate your money into:
- Real balance (your cash)
- Bonus balance (promo funds)
- Locked winnings (winnings tied to bonus terms)
A player may see “I have 350,” but the withdrawable part might be much lower until wagering is completed. This is not always obvious in the interface, which is why people feel surprised.
Player tip:
Before you chase a withdrawal, check:
- wagering progress,
- which balance your funds are in,
- and whether the promo is still active.
The “bonus + withdrawal” checklist (use this every time)
Before claiming a bonus:
- Wagering multiplier and what it applies to
- Time limit
- Max bet rule
- Allowed games and excluded games
- Any withdrawal cap or special condition
- Whether bonus can be cancelled manually (useful if you change your mind)
Before withdrawing:
- Is wagering completed?
- Did you follow max bet?
- Did you play excluded games?
- Is verification required?
- Are you trying to withdraw to a different method than you deposited with?
Which bonuses are best for which players
Slots-focused players:
- Deposit match bonuses can be fine if time limit and max bet are reasonable
- Free spins are good if winnings terms are clear and not capped too low
Table-game players:
- Many bonuses are poor value because tables often contribute little to wagering
- Cashback deals are often more practical than strict wagering promos
Casual players:
- Avoid short deadlines and high wagering multipliers
- Consider starting without a bonus and learning the casino first
Regular players:
- Reload bonuses and cashback can be more valuable long-term than a one-time welcome pack
Red flags that often lead to frustration
- Very high wagering with very short time limits
- Bonus applies to bonus + deposit (harder than it looks)
- Vague max bet rule or unclear game contribution
- “Free spins” with low cashout caps and high wagering
- Promotions that require multiple steps and hidden constraints
If a bonus feels confusing, it’s usually not worth it.
FAQ
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What is a “good” wagering requirement?
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Can I withdraw immediately after I win with a bonus?
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What happens if I break the max bet rule?
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Are free spins always worth it?
Final thoughts
Bonuses can add value, but only if you treat them like a contract: you’re accepting conditions in exchange for extra funds. The safest player strategy is simple:
- Choose clear offers
- Keep bets below the max bet cap
- Stay within the time window
- Stick to games that actually count toward wagering
- Don’t be afraid to play without a bonus
Responsible gambling note: Bonuses can push longer sessions and bigger deposits. Set a budget and time limit before you claim any promo, and never chase losses.