A casino bonus looks simple on the banner: "100% up to €200 + 100 free spins". The real value, though, is hidden in the terms and conditions. Two bonuses with the same headline can be worth completely different amounts once you read the small print. This guide explains the five terms that matter most, so you can judge an offer in a couple of minutes before you deposit.
1. Wagering requirements
The wagering requirement (also called playthrough or rollover) tells you how many times you must bet the bonus, or the bonus plus deposit, before you can withdraw any winnings that came from it.
- Bonus only: a €100 bonus at 35x means €3,500 in total bets.
- Deposit + bonus: a €100 deposit plus a €100 bonus at 35x means €7,000 in total bets. Same "35x", double the work.
As a rule of thumb, anything at or below 30x on the bonus amount is player-friendly, 35x–40x is standard, and 50x or more is hard to clear. Always check what the multiplier applies to, not just the number. For a deeper explanation, read our beginner's guide to wagering requirements.
2. Maximum bet while the bonus is active
Most casinos limit how much you can stake per spin or per hand while you are playing with bonus money, often around €5 per bet. Going over that limit, even once, can give the casino the right to cancel the bonus and any winnings. Many players lose a winning balance this way without realising it.
Tip: before your first spin, set your stake below the limit and leave it there until the wagering is complete.
3. Maximum cashout
Some offers, especially no deposit bonuses and free spins, cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings, for example €100. If you win €400 from free spins with a €100 max cashout, the extra €300 is removed when you withdraw. Deposit bonuses at reputable casinos usually have no cap, so this term is a big part of what separates a good offer from an average one.
4. Game weighting (contribution)
Not every game counts the same towards wagering. A typical setup looks like this:
- Slots: usually 100% (every €1 bet counts as €1)
- Table games such as blackjack and roulette: often 5%–20%, sometimes 0%
- Live dealer games: often 0%–10%
If you mostly play blackjack, a bonus that only counts slots at 100% will take far longer to clear. Some slots with very high RTP can also be excluded. Our article on slot RTP explains why casinos do this.
5. Expiry dates
Bonuses expire. Free spins can expire within 24 hours of being credited, and wagering often has to be completed within 7 to 30 days. A large bonus with a short deadline can push you to play more, and faster, than you planned. If the time limit does not fit how you normally play, it is fine to skip the offer.
Other terms worth a quick look
- Excluded payment methods: deposits made with some e-wallets may not qualify for the welcome bonus. See our guide to e-wallet casinos.
- Minimum deposit: the bonus is only triggered above a set amount, often €10–€20.
- Bonus order: some casinos use your real money first, others the bonus first. This affects when you can withdraw.
- Country restrictions: offers often vary by country, and some countries are excluded entirely.
A 60-second checklist before you claim
- Wagering: how many times, and on bonus only or deposit + bonus?
- Max bet per spin while the bonus is active?
- Max cashout from bonus winnings?
- Do your favourite games count, and at what percentage?
- How many days do you have?
If you cannot find these five answers easily on the casino's bonus terms page, treat that as a warning sign. Our list of warning signs of rogue casinos covers more of them.
Play within your limits
A bonus is entertainment value, not a way to make money. Only deposit what you can afford to lose, set limits before you start, and stop if it stops being fun. Online gambling is for adults only (18+, or the legal age in your country). Read our responsible gambling page for tools and support.
