Casino Bonus Terms Explained: A Plain-English Guide

Every casino bonus comes with terms and conditions, and those terms decide whether the bonus is worth anything. The problem is the language: “35x wagering”, “non-sticky”, “10% weighting” and “max cashout” mean little if you have never had them explained.

This guide explains the most important bonus terms in plain English, with examples. Keep it open next time you compare offers. For the bonuses themselves, browse our casino bonus types.

A “100% up to £200” bonus matches your deposit pound for pound, up to a maximum bonus of £200. Deposit £50 and you get £50; deposit £300 and you still get £200.

The percentage can be 50%, 200% or more. A higher percentage is only better if the wagering is similar. Read more on our deposit match bonus page.

Wagering (also called playthrough or rollover) is the amount you must bet before bonus money – and winnings from it – can be withdrawn.

• 35x bonus: a £100 bonus needs £3,500 of bets.
• 35x deposit + bonus: the same offer needs £7,000 of bets.
• No wagering: winnings are paid as cash straight away – the best kind.

Wagering is not the money you lose; it is the total value of bets. But because every bet has a house edge, higher wagering means a higher average cost. Our guide on clearing a deposit match bonus shows the maths.

Not every game counts fully towards wagering:

At 10% contribution, a £10 blackjack bet counts as only £1 of wagering.

While a bonus is active, you can usually bet no more than a fixed amount per spin or hand – often £5. Going over it, even once, can void the bonus and all winnings. It is the single most common reason bonus wins are removed.

Some bonuses limit how much you can withdraw from bonus play – for example £100 from a no deposit bonus, or 10 times the bonus amount. Anything above the cap is removed when you withdraw. Free spins often have their own win cap.

• Non-sticky (also called parachute): you play with your own money first. If you win before touching the bonus, you can withdraw and simply forfeit the bonus. Best for most players.
• Sticky: deposit and bonus are mixed. The bonus amount itself can never be withdrawn – it is removed when you cash out.

• Validity – how long you have to claim, use and wager the bonus. Seven to 30 days is typical.
• Minimum deposit – often £10 or £20 to qualify.
• Excluded payment methods – some casinos exclude certain e-wallets from bonuses.
• Bonus codes – must be entered before or during the deposit.
• One bonus per person – also per household, IP address and payment method.
• Withdrawing early – requesting a withdrawal before wagering is complete usually cancels the bonus.

1. Is the casino licensed and well reviewed? Check our casino reviews.
2. What is the wagering, and does it apply to the bonus or deposit plus bonus?
3. Do the games you like count towards wagering?
4. What is the maximum bet and maximum cashout?
5. Is it sticky or non-sticky?
6. Is the time limit realistic for how often you play?

If the answers are good, the bonus is worth considering. If any of them is a deal-breaker, you are better off playing without it.