5 Online Casino Bonus Terms You Should Always Read

Bonuses are a staple of the iGaming industry. Most casino sites offer at least one bonus to increase player engagement, whether this is a welcome package for newcomers or free spins on a hot slot. But no matter how exciting a particular bonus might be, you should always read the terms and conditions before you sign up.

Some players may overlook the small print and dive straight in, but if you do that, you’ll miss out on critical information. What are some of the most important terms to focus on?

Read on to learn:

• The 5 bonus terms you need to read before you sign up for a promotion
• Why reading each of these terms is so important to players
• 4 tips for choosing casino bonuses carefully 

5 Important Bonus Terms to Read

Wagering Requirements 

Always check the wagering requirements of any bonus before you opt in. Most online casino operators use these in promotions: they ensure that companies can still make a profit while giving away bonus funds or spins. 

Wagering requirements stipulate how many times you need to bet the bonus amount before the site allows you to withdraw any winnings you accumulate. 

For a bonus with a 40x wagering requirement, for instance, you would have to bet the bonus amount 40 times to claim your winnings. That means a £50 bonus would require a total wager of £2,000.

Requirements vary depending on the site and promotion. They may also apply to the bonus funds only, the bonus and the deposit amount, or just the winnings. 

Games that Contribute to Bonus Wagering

Only bets on certain games may contribute towards wagering requirements. Slots typically contribute substantially (up to 100%) to bonuses, while live casino games contribute less (e.g. 10%). 

Always check this term: it will help you avoid wasting bets on games that have little to no impact on wagering requirements. 

Maximum Bets Accepted

Operators place a maximum bet limit on bonuses: this stops players from wagering more than usual to meet their wagering requirements faster. 

The limits can differ depending on the bonus. A free spins offer for online slots may represent a maximum bet as a percentage (10%) of the winnings amount or a specific figure (e.g. £5). 

However, keep your own betting limit in mind and responsibly play games, regardless of the bonus terms.  

Bonus End Date

Bonuses generally have an expiration date. This specifies the amount of time you have after the bonus’s activation to meet the wagering requirements.  

What happens if you don’t meet them? The bonus will be forfeited, along with any winnings that you might have accumulated with it. 

Only opt in for a bonus if you know you’ll meet the wagering requirements within the timeframe allowed. 

Payment Method Limitations

As with any physical casino, online sites only accept certain payment methods — and some promotions place limitations on them, too.

Sites may exclude particular payment options from bonuses for a number of reasons, such as:

• Preventing fraud 
• Stopping bonus abuse
• Avoiding high fees 

To avoid disappointment, check that your preferred payment method is compatible with a bonus before you sign up. 

Tips for Choosing Online Casino Bonuses Carefully

Whether you prefer to visit casinos on a desktop or mobile device, bonuses are a key fixture at any reputable gaming site. But choosing the right bonus for you may be difficult, especially if you’re new to the iGaming world and feel overwhelmed by the variety of offers. 

Here are four tips to make it easier:

• Only play at licensed casinos: Always check that a casino is licensed by the Gambling Commission to provide gaming services in the UK. Avoid any that aren’t. Licensed sites must follow strict rules for a safe, reliable customer experience.

• Get to know a site first: Explore a casino before you opt in for any bonuses, just to get a feel for the games available and its bonus terms. Don’t rush in.

• Remember your betting budget: Set a limit for your wagering and keep that in mind when choosing bonuses. If meeting wagering requirements within the allocated time will push you past your budget, avoid it.

• Explore loyalty/VIP schemes: The best online casino sites offer loyalty/VIP features that award small bonuses when you hit certain milestones. Exclusive bonuses may be available to players who reach particular levels, too. 

Conclusion

Casino bonuses offer a chance to claim bonus funds and winnings, but each has its own terms and conditions. Read these carefully, especially the five terms explained in this guide, before you sign up. This is vital to avoid wasting money and time on promotions that don’t match your gaming preferences. 

At Genting Casino, we provide members with a variety of bonuses, including free spins and a 100% bonus of up to £50 on first deposits. We also host more than 6,000 games, including slots and live casino titles. Discover incredible games from major software brands like NetEnt and Play’n GO in our massive collection now!