When you decide to join a new online casino, you will immediately be bombarded with massive, flashing advertisements for welcome bonuses.
However, the biggest number in bold print is rarely the most important detail when evaluating these promotional offers.
Understanding Wagering Requirements
The single most important factor in any casino bonus is a metric known as the ‘wagering requirement’ or ‘rollover’.
A massive $1,000 bonus is completely useless if it is tied to an impossibly high 60x rollover requirement.
- Table games like blackjack and roulette often only contribute 10% to the wagering requirement due to their low house edge
- Slot machines almost always contribute 100% towards clearing the rollover, making them the best option for bonus hunting
- Casinos will implement a ‘Maximum Bet Rule’ (usually $5) while a bonus is active to prevent you from clearing it too quickly
Deposit Matches vs. Free Spins
The most common type of offer is the ‘Deposit Match’, where the casino matches a percentage of your first deposit.
Keep in mind that the winnings generated from these free spins will almost always be subject to their own wagering requirements.
| Wagering Term | Definition | Player Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus Only Rollover | Only the bonus money must be wagered | Highly favorable to the player |
| Deposit + Bonus Rollover | Both amounts are combined and multiplied | Effectively doubles the difficulty of cashing out |
Always spend five minutes reading the fine print before depositing your hard-earned money to claim a massive bonus.