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.
Bonus Types (At a Glance)
| Type | What it is | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| No-Deposit Bonus | Small free credit or free spins granted on signup. | Test UX with no risk; cashout cap helps manage exposure. | Higher wagering, max cashout limits, stricter KYC. |
| Deposit Match | Site matches a % of your deposit (e.g., 100% up to $1,000). | Largest value, often slots count 100%. | Wagering can be x15–x35; some games contribute less. |
| Free Spins | Fixed number of spins at set value (e.g., 100×$0.10). | Simple; easy to understand total value. | Winnings may be bonus funds with wagering & caps. |
| Cashback / Insurance | Loss rebate (e.g., 10% back). | Lower strings; sometimes wager-free. | Usually only on net losses; capped amounts. |
| Wager-Free Bonus | Credited as cash once unlocked (or instantly). | No wagering—cleanest terms. | Lower headline amounts; tighter eligibility. |
Tip: If you prefer clean terms, look for wager-free bonuses or low WR offers.
Bonus Terms — Plain English Glossary
| Term | Meaning | Pro Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering Requirement (WR) | How many times you must bet eligible funds before cashout (e.g., x20). | Lower is better. Track progress daily. |
| Game Contribution | Percent of a game’s stakes that count toward WR (e.g., slots 100%, roulette 10%). | Play titles with higher contribution to clear faster. |
| Deposit+Bonus vs Bonus-Only | WR may apply to (deposit + bonus) or only bonus. | Bonus-only requires less turnover than D+B. |
| Max Bet Rule | Maximum stake per spin/hand while clearing (e.g., $5). | Stay under the cap or winnings can be voided. |
| Bonus Abuse / Irregular Play | Patterns that violate terms (e.g., high bet spikes, hedging). | Keep consistent bet sizing; avoid prohibited strategies. |
| Expiry | Time limit to complete WR (e.g., 7–30 days). | Start clearing on day one; set reminders. |
| Max Cashout (NDB) | Upper limit you can withdraw from a no-deposit bonus (e.g., $100). | Stop when near cap; consider switching to cash play. |
| KYC | Identity & address verification required by law. | Complete immediately to avoid payout delays. |
Bonus Calculators (Wagering & Contribution)
Wagering Requirement Calculator
This is the total eligible stakes you must bet before withdrawing bonus funds.
Game Contribution Calculator
Example: Roulette at 10% contribution → only $50 of a $500 session counts toward WR.
Worked Examples (Reality Check)
Deposit $100 → Bonus $100, WR x20 bonus-only → Turnover $2,000. Slots at 100%: $2,000 actual play. Roulette at 10%: you’d need $20,000 action to clear — inefficient.
WR x30, max cashout $100. If you win $180, the most you can withdraw is $100 (after clearing); rest is forfeited.
If winnings = $24 with WR x20 on wins → $480 turnover. Max bet $5 applies while clearing.
Do / Don’t (Fast Rules)
Do
- Read the **bonus terms** before opting in.
- Play **high-contribution** games when clearing.
- Stay **under max bet** while WR is active.
- Complete **KYC** and keep deposit/withdrawal method consistent (PayPal↔PayPal).
Don’t
- Don’t switch to **excluded games** mid-clear.
- Don’t spike to **very high bets** (irregular play flags).
- Don’t **wait until day 29** to start clearing a 30-day bonus.
- Don’t ignore **geo & device checks** on mobile apps.
Bonus Terms — FAQ
What is a good wagering requirement?
Anything at or below x20 bonus-only (or x10 deposit+bonus) is considered friendly. Higher WRs are still fine if the bonus value is big and your games contribute 100%.
Do table games contribute to wagering?
Often reduced (5–20%) or excluded. Check the contribution chart in the terms or inside the game information panel.
Why was my bonus voided?
Common reasons: exceeding the max bet, playing excluded games, not meeting WR before expiry, or mismatched payment names that fail KYC.
Can I withdraw before clearing the bonus?
Many sites lock bonus funds until WR is complete. You can usually forfeit the bonus to withdraw your cash balance (check the cashier).
Are no-deposit bonuses worth it?
Yes for testing UX, but expect higher WR and a max cashout. Treat them as trials, not profit machines.