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Reading bonus terms

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A bonus is like a legal agreement. While the big numbers in the ads look great, the small print determines if the offer is actually worth your time. This guide explains the six main rules that matter and shows how the math can often turn a "generous" bonus into a loss for the player.

The six clauses that actually matter

Terms and conditions are usually very long, but these six rules do most of the work. You should check these first because everything else is just standard procedure.

  1. Wagering requirement (WR). This is how many times you must bet the bonus money before you can take it out as cash. It is usually shown as "35x bonus". Lower numbers are better. Around 30x to 40x is normal, while anything over 45x is quite high.
  2. Game weighting. This is the percentage of each bet that counts toward the wagering target. Most slots count as 100%, but table games might only count as 10%. If you play a 10% game, you will have to bet ten times more money to finish the same requirement.
  3. Maximum bet. This is the most you can bet in a single go while using a bonus. It is often set at $5. If you bet more than this, the casino might cancel all your winnings.
  4. Maximum cashout. This is a limit on how much of your winnings you can actually keep. It is common with free spins or "no deposit" offers. If you win more than the limit, the extra money is removed when you try to withdraw.
  5. Expiration window. This is the amount of time you have to finish the wagering before the bonus expires. It usually lasts between 7 and 30 days. If you don't finish in time, the bonus and any winnings will disappear.
  6. Sticky vs non-sticky. This describes whether your own cash and the bonus money are mixed together. "Non-sticky" is better because it keeps them separate, allowing you to withdraw your own winnings at any time. "Sticky" locks your cash until the wagering is done.

Worked example: the math behind a "100% up to $500" offer

Let's look at a typical offer: a 100% match up to $500 with 35x wagering on both the deposit and the bonus. We will assume you are playing slots and betting $5 at a time. If you deposit $500, here is how the math works out:

  • Deposit: $500
  • Bonus credited: $500
  • Combined balance: $1,000
  • Wagering requirement: 35x × $1,000 = $35,000 in total wagers
  • Slot RTP (assume): 96.5%
  • Expected loss to house at 96.5% RTP: 3.5% × $35,000 = $1,225

In this example, your $500 bonus will likely cost you $1,225 in expected losses before you finish the wagering. This means that, on average, you will lose your deposit and the bonus before you are allowed to withdraw. You would need to be very lucky to come out ahead.

This is how most bonuses work. Most offers are designed to favor the casino, not the player. They are mainly useful if you were going to deposit anyway and just want to play for longer. You can use our wagering calculator to check the numbers for any offer you find.

Traps to scan for before you claim

  • Maximum cashout below the bonus amount. If you get a $200 bonus but can only withdraw $100, you can never get the full value of the offer. This is a clear sign of a poor deal.
  • Game weighting under 50% on slots. It is standard for slots to count 100%. If a casino only counts 25%, they are making it much harder and more expensive for you to clear the bonus.
  • "Irregular play" clauses. Watch out for rules that mention vague "playing patterns". Good casinos have clear rules. Vague ones are often used as an excuse to avoid paying out winners.
  • Max bet enforced via "any wager" language. Most bonuses limit individual spins. However, some rules include things like "feature buys" or side bets in the limit. It is very easy to break these rules by accident.
  • Bonus auto-activates on deposit. It is better if you have to choose to claim a bonus. If it starts automatically, you are forced into the wagering rules immediately, even if you didn't want the bonus.

When a bonus IS worth claiming

  • Non-sticky structure. This is when you can withdraw winnings from your own cash straight away. The bonus rules only start if you lose your original deposit.
  • Wagering on bonus alone, not bonus + deposit. It is much cheaper and faster to clear a requirement that only applies to the bonus money itself.
  • Low WR (under 30x) with full game weighting. These are the best offers available. They are quite rare, so they are worth looking out for.
  • Free-spins offers with no deposit risk. Even if there is a limit on what you can win, you aren't risking any of your own money to try them.
  • You'd be depositing the same amount anyway. If you were going to play regardless, the bonus just gives you extra time. Just make sure you don't play for longer than usual just to try and finish the wagering.

Frequently asked

What's a "good" wagering requirement?
A requirement under 30x on the bonus is considered very fair. 30x to 40x is standard, while anything over 60x is designed to make sure you don't keep any winnings. Some casinos include your deposit in the calculation, which makes the target harder to reach. Always check if the rule applies to just the bonus or both.
What does "game weighting" actually mean for my session?
This is how much of your bet counts toward your goal. If a game has 100% weighting, every $1 you bet counts as $1 toward the requirement. If it is only 10%, a $1 bet only counts as 10 cents. This makes it almost impossible to finish the wagering by playing table games or live casino.
What's a "sticky" bonus vs "non-sticky"?
With a "sticky" bonus, your cash and bonus are mixed, and you can't withdraw anything until you finish the wagering. With "non-sticky", you use your own cash first and can withdraw any winnings from it at any time. Non-sticky is much better for the player. Most modern, fair casinos now offer non-sticky bonuses.
What's the "maximum cashout" on a bonus and when does it apply?
This is a cap on your total winnings. It is common with free offers or small bonuses. For example, a $10 free bonus might have a $50 limit. Even if you win $500, you can only take out $50. This usually doesn't apply to winnings from your own cash in non-sticky bonuses.
Why do bonuses have a "maximum bet" limit?
Casinos use this to stop people from betting large amounts of bonus money to finish the wagering quickly. The limit is often $5 per spin. If you go over this, you risk losing all your bonus winnings. Make sure you adjust your bet size before you start playing.
How does the expiration window work?
Most bonuses expire after 7 to 30 days. If you haven't finished the wagering by then, the bonus and winnings are taken away. The timer usually starts the moment you activate the bonus. It is a good idea to make a note of the date so you don't lose out.

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