Most offers look kind of cool until you read the conditions. It can influence your winnings or even take it away from you if you’re not careful enough. You need to always check the wagering requirements, and if you don’t know how to spot a bad offer — I’ll help you with it.
The Core of Requirements
Numbers like 30x or 40x show how many times gamblers need to play through that boost. You won’t be able to cash out your winnings until you finish with that, so it’s quite important. If you see the 35x and are planning to deposit $100, you’ll have to bet $3,000 to get your winning cash.
Most casino sites are hoping you are too focused on the dollar signs to notice the fine print. 35-40x requirements are manageable, but if you see 45-50x — run, it will destroy your bankroll. Those are too high, especially if the bonus is only for one deposit. But if you are at a crypto casino, it is quite all right — their wagering requirements are always higher (and their bonuses are always more generous).
My personal recommendation is SpinsUp — their wagering requirement for all bonuses is just 30x (which is less than on most casino platforms). And they allow you to claim the same bonus 5-6 times a week, which is also a rare thing to find.
What Counts Towards Wagering Requirements?
You can wager your bonus, but not in every game. For example, slots usually count 100%, but you can’t choose any title. Some, especially the big jackpot ones, might not count at all. Table games contribute about 10-20% of your bet, which is not a lot. But sometimes there can be a special table games bonus where some of the table games will count 100%, but all slot titles won’t count at all. If you’re a fan, you better look for something like this. Double-check the fine print and make sure you’re not wasting time on games that won’t help you.
And remember that if you want to simply focus on the gameplay, not the wins, it’s best to stick to the free-play mode. For example, you can try these free EGT slots without any deposits or requirements.
Bonus Validity Period
You usually have 7-30 days to clear the wagering requirements. Trust me, you don’t need an offer with a 7-day validity period. They work more like a trap, as most players who claim the bonus won’t be able to wager it on time. It’s okay for an offer with a 10x wagering requirement, and you’ll hardly find something like that. The best option is 30 days, and this is exactly what you should look for.
You can set a reminder on your phone to not forget about your time limits and not scramble at the last minute. Don’t wait until the last couple of days to start working on the bonus — it’ll hurt your wallet.
Bet Limits and Restrictions
The maximum bet you can make is usually around $5 per spin/hand. That is all because a casino doesn’t want you to meet the wagering requirements by making a couple of big bets. If you go over that limit, they can cancel your bonus and all your winnings.
The best way to clear those requirements is to stick to smaller bets. Yeah, it’ll take more time, but it’ll lower the risks of disqualifying your boost. Play at a steady pace, and don’t try to rush. If the validity period is good, you won’t get into any trouble.
Excluded Games and Bonus Restrictions
Every bonus has an excluded games section where you’ll see what you can’t play. It can be table games, jackpot slots, and high RTP slots. There are always instant games and live dealer games, so you can’t play them either. None of that progress will count if you try one of them while clearing your bonus.
Always go through the bonus terms and double-check which games are excluded before you start playing to avoid losing your money. Casinos mostly have a link to the list in the bonus terms, so make sure you take a look. If you’re not sure, steer clear of anything that isn’t specifically listed as counting toward the bonus. The best way to make it fast is slot titles, but you can only pick low or medium-volatility ones.
Understanding Sticky vs. Non-Sticky Bonuses
A sticky offer is the kind you can’t actually cash out. You get the bonus amount to wager with, but you can’t withdraw it. You can use it to meet the playthrough requirements, but after that, all you’re left with is the winnings you managed to accumulate. The bonus itself stays with the casino.
You need to find a non-sticky one, obviously. Once you hit the wagering requirements, both the bonus and any winnings from it are yours to withdraw.
Conclusion
Always check the wagering requirements, and don’t let online casinos fool you. Your bonus needs to be with 35x wagering requirements and 30-day time limits. Also, pick the offer that lets you play your favorite games — you don’t need something that won’t bring you joy.
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