How to read a casino bonus before you accept it
A bonus is a contract, and the headline number is the least important part of it. Four lines in the terms decide whether an offer is worth taking, and all four are usually below the fold.
The wagering requirement is the whole offer
A 100% match up to €200 at 40x wagering asks you to stake €8,000 before a withdrawal. The same match at 20x asks for €4,000. The multiplier does more to the value of an offer than the headline amount ever will, and it is the first thing to look for.
- Check whether wagering applies to the bonus or to deposit plus bonus
- Anything above 40x is steep for a match bonus
- Free spins usually carry their own, separate requirement
The headline percentage sells the bonus. The wagering requirement decides what it is actually worth.
Game weighting quietly changes the maths
Slots typically contribute 100% toward wagering. Blackjack and roulette often contribute 10%, sometimes nothing at all. If you intend to clear a bonus at the tables, a 10% weighting multiplies your real requirement by ten.
Max bet and expiry are where bonuses are lost
Most terms cap the stake per spin while a bonus is active, commonly at €5. Exceeding it once can void the balance. Expiry windows are just as unforgiving: a 7-day window on a €4,000 requirement is not a realistic ask for a casual session.
- Note the max stake before your first spin, not after
- Diarise the expiry date
- Some operators void winnings rather than just the bonus
Frequently asked questions
Is a no-deposit bonus better than a match bonus?
It risks nothing, but the amounts are small and the wagering is usually higher. A match bonus is worth more if you were going to deposit anyway.
Can I withdraw a bonus before wagering it?
Almost never. Most terms remove the bonus and any winnings from it if you withdraw early — the deposit itself usually remains.
What does "sticky" mean?
A sticky bonus can never be withdrawn itself. You can withdraw what you win with it, but the bonus amount is removed at cash-out.
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