Key points
- A casino bonus is promotional money or spins with conditions. The conditions decide its value, not the headline amount.
- The terms that matter most are wagering, game contribution, maximum bet, maximum cash-out, expiry and payment exclusions.
- Regulators limit bonuses differently. Great Britain, for example, has capped wagering at 10 times since 19 January 2026.
- You can usually decline a bonus. Do so if its terms do not fit how you play.
Bonus types at a glance
| Type | What you get | Key condition | Guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deposit match | A percentage of your deposit as bonus money | Wagering on deposit plus bonus, or on the bonus only | this page |
| Free spins | Slot rounds at a fixed value | Wagering on winnings, cash-out cap | Free spins |
| No-deposit bonus | A small bonus without paying in | Low cash-out cap, identity checks | No deposit |
| No-wagering bonus | Winnings paid as cash | Smaller offers, other restrictions | No wagering |
| Non-sticky bonus | Real money is played first | Bonus forfeited if you withdraw early | Non-sticky |
| Cashback | A share of net losses returned | Cash or bonus credit, caps | Cashback |
| Reload | Offers on later deposits | Schedule, eligibility | Reload |
| High-roller and VIP | Larger offers or perks | High wagering in absolute terms, discretionary perks | High roller, VIP |
| "Exclusive" offers | Deals advertised by one affiliate | Same terms check; exclusivity must be proven | Exclusive |
Worked example: a 100% match
You deposit €100 and receive a €100 bonus with 35× wagering on deposit plus bonus. You must wager 35 × €200 = €7,000. On slots with 96% RTP, the expected loss on €7,000 of bets is about €280, which is more than the €100 bonus. If the same offer had 35× on the bonus only, the requirement would be €3,500, with an expected loss of about €140. Individual results vary widely. Only the long-run average is predictable.
The terms to read every time
- Wagering: the multiple, and whether it applies to the bonus, to deposit plus bonus, or to winnings.
- Game contribution: slots often count 100%, while table and live games count less or nothing.
- Maximum bet: exceeding it while wagering can void the bonus.
- Maximum cash-out: a cap on what you can withdraw from the bonus.
- Expiry: deadlines for using the bonus and finishing wagering.
- Payment exclusions: some methods do not qualify.
- Country eligibility: offers differ by country and licence.
Regulation of bonuses
National regulators set the limits. The UK Gambling Commission capped wagering at 10 times and banned offers mixing products, such as betting and casino, from 19 January 2026. Denmark's regulator publishes guidance on bonuses and wagering for players. Check what your own regulator allows in our country guides.
Sources
- UK Gambling Commission, Socially responsible incentives: consultation response. 10× wagering cap and ban on mixed-product offers from 19 January 2026. Checked 3 November 2026.
- Spillemyndigheden, Borgere og spillere: offers, bonuses and wagering requirements Checked 3 November 2026.
Limitations: figures in the examples are illustrative, not a specific operator's offer.