Don Get Played! Know the Rules Before You Gamble Online
Online casino bonuses are a big draw, and for good reason. They promise longer playtime, less risk, and the thrill of winning more without spending extra. But before you jump at that tempting welcome offer or a batch of free spins, there's a catch you need to know about.
Every bonus comes with a set of terms and conditions, including wagering requirements, time limits, and restrictions on which games you can play. These rules can have a significant impact on how and even if you’re able to claim your winnings, assuming you’re lucky enough to get them in the first place.
By signing up, you're automatically agreeing to these rules. Overlooking them could mean losing your bonus, your winnings, or even accessing your account. That’s why it pays to read the fine print and understand exactly what you're signing up for before you claim any bonus. This is especially true when looking at new online casinos and bonuses, and while you can be browsing through sites such as BonusBunny.org, you should never skip reading the fine print.
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements are rules set by online casinos that determine how many times you need to bet your bonus before you can get your hands on any winnings. When you receive a bonus, such as free spins or extra money from a deposit match, you can't cash out immediately. You’ll have to bet that bonus amount a specific number of times first.
These requirements are usually shown as a multiplier, like x25 or x50. For example, if you get a $50 bonus with a 10x wagering requirement, you would need to bet $500 ($50 x 10) before you can withdraw any winnings. Sometimes, the wagering requirement applies just to the bonus, but other times, it includes both the deposit and bonus amount. This is why it’s important to check the terms and conditions carefully.
Game Contribution
Unfortunately, not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements when using a bonus, and if you’re not paying attention, you could unknowingly make it much harder to cash out your winnings.
Here’s how it works: Most slots, keno, and similar games typically contribute 100% toward your wagering requirement. So, if you bet $1 on a slot, the full $1 counts. But table games like blackjack or roulette often contribute only 10%, meaning a $1 bet counts as just $0.10. That means a bonus with a 10x playthrough could feel more like 100x if you're mostly playing games that barely move the needle.
If you focus on games that don’t pull their weight, you’ll end up spinning your wheels far longer than expected. Even worse, many casinos completely exclude certain games, like high-RTP slots or those easily exploited with bonuses, from contributing at all. Playing one of these could result in zero progress toward your wagering requirement, and in some cases, it could even void your bonus and any winnings tied to it.
Game Eligibility
Similarly, not all games are eligible when using an online casino bonus. Some promotions are tied to specific titles, and playing those games may be required to unlock or release the bonus. For instance, a “Game of the Week” offer might only award bonus cash or free spins if you play the featured game. Choose anything else, and you could miss out entirely or fail to meet the requirements.
That’s why it’s crucial to check which games qualify before you start playing, you might not even enjoy the eligible game, making the bonus less appealing or not worth your time in the end.
Minimum Deposits
Most bonuses have a minimum deposit amount that must be met to qualify, and if you deposit even a little less, you won’t get the bonus at all. For example, if the terms state a $50 minimum deposit is required, depositing $49.99 won’t trigger the offer.
Maximum Withdrawals
Maximum withdrawals refer to the limits some online casinos place on how much money you can cash out within a certain time period, usually daily, weekly, or monthly. These limits can vary widely between casinos. For example, one casino might cap withdrawals at €10,000 per month, while another might allow up to €30,000 or have no limit at all, like Casumo or Unibet.
It’s important to understand these limits so you’re not caught off guard when trying to withdraw your winnings. If you hit a big win but the casino only allows a small portion to be withdrawn each month, you could be waiting a long time to access your full balance. In some cases, withdrawal limits also depend on the payment method you used, so it’s a good idea to check the terms or FAQs before depositing.
One thing to note: there should never be a withdrawal limit on progressive jackpot winnings. These payouts come from the game provider, not the casino itself. If a casino limits those, it’s a major red flag.
Time Limits
Just like your favorite dairy products, casino bonuses come with expiration dates, so it’s essential to check how long your bonus is valid. You’ll need to use the bonus and meet all conditions, such as wagering requirements, before the deadline. If you don’t, both the bonus and any winnings tied to it will be forfeited.
For example, if a bonus expires in 10 days, that means you have 10 days to use the bonus funds and complete all required wagering. Fail to do so, and any remaining bonus money or related winnings will be removed from your account.
Some less reputable platforms may offer bonuses with unrealistically short time limits, making it nearly impossible to meet the requirements. Always be cautious and read the terms carefully.
Understanding expiration windows helps you plan your gameplay more effectively, avoid losing out, and get the most value from the promotion.