A casino bonus can stretch your bankroll – or lock your money behind conditions you never meet. These ten tips help you pick the right offers and play them sensibly. Remember: a bonus is entertainment, never a way to make money.
1. Read the wagering requirement first
Wagering tells you how many times you must bet the bonus before you can withdraw winnings. 35x on a €100 bonus means €3,500 in bets. Lower is better – see our guide to how wagering requirements work.
2. Check whether wagering applies to the bonus or to deposit plus bonus
35x the bonus is far easier than 35x deposit plus bonus. The second version doubles the amount you need to bet.
3. Know which games count
Slots usually count 100%, table games 10% or less and live casino often 0%. If you prefer live blackjack, a bonus may slow you down rather than help.
4. Respect the maximum bet
Most offers cap your stake at around €5 while a bonus is active. One bigger bet can void the bonus and its winnings.
5. Mind the time limit
Seven, fourteen or thirty days make a big difference. Only claim a bonus when you have time to play it.
6. Compare the real value, not the headline
A 150% match with 40x wagering can be worth less than a 100% match with 30x. Our casino comparison shows the terms side by side.
7. Use free spins on the eligible game
Free spins usually work on one or a few slots only, often at a fixed stake. Winnings typically become bonus money with their own wagering.
8. Look beyond the welcome offer
Cashback and reload bonuses often have lower wagering than welcome offers. Drip Casino, for example, advertises weekly cashback and BetAndPlay weekly reload bonuses – check the wagering of each promotion in the casino’s terms.
9. Verify your account early
Upload your ID and proof of address before your first withdrawal request. It avoids delays when you want your winnings.
10. Set a budget before you start
Decide how much you are willing to spend – and stop when it is gone, bonus or not. Our responsible gambling guide lists tools that help.
18+ only. Bonus terms change often – always read the full terms on the casino website before you deposit.
