One of the best things about signing up to an online casino is that – generally – players can claim some kind of new player welcome bonus, most of which are a guaranteed bonus.
Here is a closer look at how you can get the most out of your bonus with important information about wagering requirements (some online casinos refer to as playthrough or rollover requirements).
What is an online casino bonus?
An online casino bonus is a promotional offer that’s designed to entice new players to the casino, and it can be claimed from any device. For example, it doesn’t matter whether you sign up to the casino from a smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer.
The three main types of bonuses you are likely to come across in 2023 are the following:
● Matching deposit bonuses
● Free spins bonuses
● No deposit bonuses
However, the no deposit bonuses are much harder to find these days, which is why you will find far more free spins bonuses and matching deposit bonuses.
How to get the most out of my online casino bonus
Whether you are claiming a high roller casino bonus or a low roller (aka standard) casino bonus, there are several things you should be aware of. For example, don’t forget that you don’t have to claim your welcome bonus.
Instead, when it’s initially offered, you can just decline it. You have nothing to lose, so there’s no point in turning it down. You never know; you could get lucky and win big from your sign-up bonus.
Also, if you were to decline it but change your mind a few hours later, you couldn’t claim it because the offer would have expired. In other words, remember to make the right choice when you are initially offered your welcome bonus.
You should always take a few minutes to read the bonus terms and conditions to get the most out of your online casino bonus. The Ts and Cs will explain everything you need to know.
What are wagering requirements?
One of the most annoying things about online casino bonuses are the wagering requirements. Wagering requirements (playthrough or rollover requirements) are attached to almost every online casino bonus today.
In short, it’s the amount of cash you have to wager before you can withdraw any winnings you happen to make from your bonus. The reason why wagering requirements are attached to bonuses is straightforward.
Most online casino players who receive free money would end up withdrawing that money to spend elsewhere instead of at the casino. Wagering requirements stop this from happening.
Once you have completed the wagering requirements, any winnings you have made your welcome bonus will be yours to withdraw.
Examples of how online casino bonus wagering requirements work
Let’s take a look at a quick example of how the wagering requirements generally work, using a 100 per cent matching deposit bonus worth up to $/€/£500 as an example.
If this welcome bonus comes with a 50 times wagering requirement attached, you need to wager your total bonus amount at least 50 times before you can withdraw. You also generally have to wager the initial deposit amount on top of the bonus amount. In other words, if you deposit $/€/£30 (using the same example mentioned above) using your Visa card, the 100 per cent match bonus you just took advantage of means the casino will match your deposit, which gives you $/€/£30 free bonus cash. To complete the wagering requirements, you would need to wager a total of $/€/£1,530 before you could start the withdrawal process.
This includes your $/€/£30 deposit multiplied by 50x wagering requirement (which equals $/€/£1,500) + the initial $/€/£30 deposit. Until you have completed your wagering requirements, withdrawal restrictions will be placed on your account.
However, don’t forget that you can forfeit your bonus at any time. If you get fed up with trying to complete the wagering requirements, then you could easily forfeit the bonus.
Just remember, the lower the bonus wagering requirements are, the quicker you will be able to complete them. Wagering requirements are considered low from 1x to 30x times the bonus amount. They are considered medium from 35x to 55x the bonus amount, and from 60x to 70x or more, they are considered relatively high.
Final note
The only other thing you must be aware of is that only a certain number of games will contribute 100 per cent towards completing wagering requirements. It’s usually the slots that will contribute 100 per cent per $/€/£1.00 wagered.
Table and card games, live dealer games and video poker games may only contribute as little as 0 per cent up to a maximum of 20 per cent toward completing them per $/€/£1.00 wagered.
As mentioned, this information can be found in the bonus Ts and Cs. Always read this section to ensure you get the most out of your bonus.
