A bonus is defined by its terms, not its headline. Read six things: the match percentage and cap, the wagering requirement and what it applies to, game contribution, the maximum bet, the time limit and the maximum win. Together they decide what the offer requires from you and whether it is of any use at all.
A bonus headline gives one number. The terms give the rest, and the rest decides whether the offer fits the way you play. This guide lists the lines to read, with an invented offer to show how they combine.
An invented offer to read
Hypothetical offer: “100% match up to 200. Wagering 35× (deposit + bonus). Valid 7 days. Maximum bet 5 while the bonus is active. Slots count 100%, table games 10%. Maximum win 500.”
The six lines that matter
| Line | What it means | In the invented offer |
|---|---|---|
| Match and cap | How much bonus a deposit earns, and the most you can get | 100% up to 200: a deposit of 200 gives 200 of bonus |
| Wagering requirement | How many times a base amount must be wagered before withdrawal | 35× on deposit plus bonus |
| Base of the wagering | Whether it applies to the bonus only or to deposit plus bonus | Deposit plus bonus: 400 |
| Game contribution | How much of each stake counts, by game type | Slots 100%, table games 10% |
| Maximum bet | The most you may stake on one round while the bonus is active | 5 |
| Time limit and maximum win | The deadline, and the cap on what can be withdrawn | 7 days, 500 |
How the lines interact
- The wagering base changes the total a lot: 35× on the bonus alone would be 35 × 200 = 7,000, while 35× on deposit plus bonus is 35 × 400 = 14,000.
- Game contribution scales it again. If only 10% of a stake counts, 14,000 of wagering needs 140,000 in stakes.
- The maximum bet and the time limit decide how fast the wagering can be completed. See max bet and time limits on bonuses.
Other things to look for
- Excluded games, or games with a reduced contribution.
- Whether the deposit can be withdrawn before the wagering is complete.
- Whether a bonus can be canceled, and what happens to the balance if it is.
- Whether the terms change for a free spins offer; see free spins and bonus buy explained.
Checks before deciding on an offer
- Work out the total wagering as a number.
- Divide it by the days available and by your usual stake.
- Check that the stake you plan to use is below the maximum bet.
- Decide in advance what you are prepared to lose, and whether not taking the bonus is the better option.
See also: Wagering requirement calculator; Gambling glossary.
Frequently asked questions
Is a bigger bonus a better offer?
Not necessarily. A larger bonus with a higher wagering multiplier or a tighter time limit can be harder to clear than a smaller one.
Where do I find the terms?
In the promotion terms of the operator, usually linked from the offer. Read them before deciding on any offer. Declining is always possible.
