Casino Bonus Terms Explained (USA) — Wagering, Contribution, Max Bet & Expiry
Understand every line of small print before you accept a casino bonus. Clear explanations, worked examples, calculators for wagering and game contribution, plus Do/Don’t checklists. Updated regularly.
Wagering CalculatorGame ContributionMax Bet & ExpiryMobile-Optimized
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Bonus Types (At a Glance)
| Type | What It Is | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Deposit Bonus | Small free credit or spins granted on signup. | Test UX with no risk; capped withdrawal keeps fairness. | Higher wagering, max cashout limits. |
| Deposit Match | Casino matches your deposit (e.g., 100% up to $1000). | Highest total value. Slots count 100%. | May require x20–x35 turnover. |
| Free Spins | Set number of spins (e.g., 100×$0.10). | Simple and clear total value. | Winnings often need wagering. |
| Cashback | Rebate on losses (e.g., 10% back). | Usually wager-free. | Applies only to net losses. |
| Wager-Free Bonus | Cash instantly or after trigger. | No wagering at all. | Lower nominal values. |
Bonus Terms — Plain English Glossary
| Term | Meaning | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering Requirement (WR) | How many times to bet before withdrawal (e.g., x20). | Lower is better. Track progress daily. |
| Game Contribution | % of bets counting toward WR (slots 100%, roulette 10%). | Play high-contribution games. |
| Max Bet Rule | Limit per hand/spin while clearing (e.g., $5). | Stay below limit to avoid void. |
| Expiry | Time to clear (e.g., 7–30 days). | Start on day one. |
| Max Cashout | Upper cap for no-deposit wins. | Stop near cap and switch to cash play. |
| Bonus Abuse | Patterns that break terms (spikes, hedging). | Keep consistent bets. |
| KYC | Legal ID verification. | Do early for smooth payouts. |
Bonus Calculators
Wagering Requirement
Required Turnover: $2000
Game Contribution
Effective Toward WR: $500
Worked Examples
Deposit Match: $100 + $100 bonus, x20 = $2000 WR.
No-Deposit $20: x30 WR → $600 WR, $100 cashout cap.
Free Spins: 100×$0.10 → $10 total spins, WR x20 = $200 turnover.
Do / Don’t
Do
- Read bonus terms first.
- Play high-contribution games.
- Stay under max bet.
Don’t
- Play excluded titles.
- Bet spike or hedge.
- Wait till expiry.
Bonus Terms — FAQ
What is a good wagering requirement?
x20 (bonus-only) or x10 (deposit+bonus) are friendly; below that is great.
Do table games contribute?
Usually reduced to 5–20% or excluded.
Why was my bonus voided?
Exceeding max bet, playing excluded games, or missing expiry.
Can I withdraw before clearing?
You can forfeit bonus to withdraw your deposit balance.
Are no-deposit bonuses worth it?
Yes, for testing UX, not for profits — high WR and cashout cap apply.