Casino bonus rules explained

Bonus terms decide whether an offer is generous or worthless. Here’s every rule that matters, in plain English.

Wagering requirements

The single most important term. Wagering is the number of times you must bet bonus funds before you can withdraw. A 35× requirement on a £20 bonus means £700 must be wagered. Anything above 40× sharply reduces real value — a bonus you can never realistically clear is worth little, however big the headline.

Game weighting

Not every game contributes equally toward wagering. Slots usually count 100%, while table games and live casino may count 10% or less — or be excluded entirely. Always check the weighting table: playing the wrong games can mean your wagering barely moves even as you bet.

Maximum cashout

Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from winnings, especially no-deposit and free-spin offers. A low cap can quietly limit a big-looking bonus, so it’s one of the first terms we check on any promotion.

Bet caps and expiry

Most bonuses limit your maximum bet while wagering (often £5) and expire after a set window — commonly 7 to 30 days. Break the bet cap or miss the deadline and the bonus, plus any winnings from it, can be voided. These are the rules players trip over most often.

Putting it together

Read the headline, then read the terms. A small bonus with 20× wagering, 100% slot weighting and no cashout cap can easily beat a large one buried in restrictions. Our low wagering bonuses page lists the fairest examples, and every casino review flags the terms that matter.