Casino & betting bonuses explained
A bonus is only as good as its terms. The headline number — “100% up to £100” or “50 free spins” — tells you almost nothing until you know the wagering requirement, the maximum convertible cashout, the eligible games and the expiry. This guide explains each part so you can compare offers fairly.
Verdict Desk does not invent bonus figures. Where an offer is listed, we record the offer, minimum deposit, wagering, cashout cap, eligible games, expiry, restrictions, the checked date and the source, and we mark whether each value is verified or still needs verification.
The common bonus types
Deposit match: the operator adds a percentage of your deposit as bonus funds (for example, 100% up to £100). You typically must wager the bonus before withdrawing.
Free spins: a fixed number of spins on specified slot games, often part of a welcome package. Wins from free spins are usually paid as bonus funds with their own wagering.
No-deposit bonus: a small credit given without a deposit. These usually carry the highest wagering and the strictest cashout caps.
Cashback: a percentage of net losses returned, usually as bonus funds with wagering or a cap.
What wagering actually means
Wagering (or playthrough) is the multiple of the bonus (and sometimes the deposit) you must stake before bonus funds become withdrawable. A “35x wagering” on a £50 bonus means £1,750 of qualifying stakes.
Not all stakes count equally. Slots commonly contribute 100%, while table games may contribute less or nothing. Always check the game weightings, because they change the real cost of the offer.
Cashout caps and expiry
The maximum convertible cashout is the ceiling on what a bonus can become in withdrawable cash. A low cap can make a large headline bonus much less valuable than it looks.
Bonuses and their wagering also expire. If you do not complete wagering within the stated window, the bonus and any related winnings are typically removed. Record the expiry before you opt in.
Reading the material terms
The material terms are the conditions that materially affect the offer: minimum deposit, wagering, cashout cap, eligible games, expiry, stake contribution and any excluded payment methods. These should sit next to the offer, not buried in a 40-page document.
In our reviews, we place the material terms beside any offer or CTA and mark each value Verified or Needs verification, with the checked date and source.
A five-point checklist before you opt in
1. What is the minimum deposit and does it qualify?
2. What is the wagering multiple, and what counts towards it?
3. What is the maximum cashout, and is it worth the playthrough?
4. Which games contribute, and which are excluded?
5. When does the bonus and wagering expire?