Online casinos compete for new players in a crowded market. Bonuses — matched deposits, free spins, cashback, and loyalty rewards — are the main tool casinos use to attract sign-ups and keep players coming back. A bonus is genuinely valuable, but only if you understand the strings attached.
The most important string is the wagering requirement: the number of times you must bet the bonus (and sometimes the deposit too) before any winnings can be withdrawn.
Wagering requirements are expressed as a multiplier. Multiply the bonus amount by that multiplier to find the total you must wager.
Some casinos apply wagering to the bonus only; others apply it to deposit + bonus, which doubles the effective requirement. Always check which model applies.
Not every game contributes equally to wagering. Slots usually count 100% toward the requirement, but table games such as blackjack and roulette often count only 10% or even 0%. If you bet £10 on blackjack that counts at 10%, only £1 goes toward clearing your wagering requirement.
This is why bonuses are almost always best cleared on slots — and why some casinos exclude table games from bonus play entirely. Read the game-weighting table in the bonus terms before you start.
| Bonus type | What it is | Watch out for |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome / match bonus | Percentage match on first deposit(s) | Wagering, max-bet limits, expiry |
| Free spins | Set number of spins on chosen slots | Winnings often capped and wagered |
| No-deposit bonus | Small bonus with no deposit needed | High wagering, low withdrawal cap |
| Cashback | Percentage of losses returned | Whether it is wager-free or not |
| Reload bonus | Match on later deposits | Usually smaller match than welcome |
Use our free casino check tool to compare licensed casinos, or read individual reviews to understand each site's bonus terms before you deposit.
A welcome bonus is an offer for new players, usually a percentage match on your first deposit (for example 100% up to £100) plus free spins. Almost all welcome bonuses carry wagering requirements that must be met before winnings can be withdrawn.
Wagering (or playthrough) requirements are the number of times you must bet a bonus before withdrawing. A £100 bonus at 35x means you must wager £3,500 first. Lower wagering is better for the player.
Multiply the bonus by the wagering multiplier to get the total to wager, then apply the house edge. A £100 bonus at 35x means £3,500 wagered; on a 4% house-edge game you would expect to lose around £140 clearing it. Read the terms before claiming.
A small bonus or free spins given without a deposit, letting you try a casino for free. These usually carry high wagering and low withdrawal caps, so treat them as a trial, not a profit strategy. 18+ | Gamble responsibly.
Last updated 2026-09-16. This article is for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial or gambling advice. 18+ | Gamble responsibly | begambleaware.org