Guide
Crypto casino bonuses: wagering rules explained
A bonus is not cash that you can withdraw immediately. It is credit that comes with conditions, and the conditions determine whether it is worth taking. This guide explains the terms you will meet and how to work out what a bonus really asks of you.
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Wagering requirements
A wagering (or playthrough) requirement is the amount you must bet before bonus-related funds can be withdrawn. It is written as a multiplier, such as 30x, and what the multiplier applies to matters a great deal.
If it applies to the bonus only: 100 × 35 = 3,500 to wager.
If it applies to deposit plus bonus: (100 + 100) × 35 = 7,000 to wager.
Always check which of these the terms use. Remember too that every bet carries an expected loss over time, so a larger requirement means more expected loss before you can withdraw.
The terms to check
| Term | What it means | What to check |
|---|---|---|
| Game contribution | Different games count differently towards wagering | Slots may count in full while table games count little or not at all |
| Maximum bet | A cap on the size of each bet while a bonus is active | Exceeding it can void the bonus and winnings |
| Expiry | The time you have to meet the requirement | Short windows can make large requirements unrealistic |
| Maximum cashout | A limit on what can be withdrawn from bonus winnings | Winnings above the cap may be forfeited |
| Eligible deposits | Which deposits qualify | Minimum deposit, specific coins or payment methods |
| Restricted games | Games excluded from the offer | Often includes some high-payout titles |
Sticky and non-sticky bonuses
With a sticky bonus, the bonus amount itself cannot be withdrawn, only what you win from it. With a non-sticky (or “cash first”) bonus, your deposit is played first and the bonus is only used if you lose it, so you can usually withdraw winnings from your own funds before the bonus is touched. Terms explain which type applies, and the difference can change whether an offer is worth taking.
Other kinds of promotion
- Free spins: spins on selected slots, often with winnings converted to bonus funds and subject to wagering.
- Cashback and rakeback: a percentage of losses or wagering returned. Check whether it is paid as withdrawable cash or as bonus funds.
- VIP and loyalty programmes: rewards that scale with wagering volume. Be aware that they reward higher spending.
- Token rewards: rewards paid in a platform token, whose value can change.
Bonuses in crypto
If a bonus is paid in crypto, the amount you must wager and the amount you can withdraw may be calculated in a currency whose price changes. Read how the operator converts values, and what happens to the bonus if you withdraw in a different asset.
Before you accept any bonus
- Read the full terms, not the banner.
- Work out the total amount you would need to wager.
- Check maximum bet, expiry, eligible games and maximum cashout.
- Find out how to decline the bonus, and whether withdrawing early cancels it.
- Decide whether it fits how you actually play.
Remember that offers change, and that we do not list bonus amounts on this site for that reason.
Frequently asked questions
Are casino bonuses free money?
No. Bonuses usually carry wagering requirements and other conditions. Until those conditions are met, bonus-related funds may not be withdrawable.
Can I withdraw before meeting the wagering requirement?
Often this cancels the bonus and any winnings from it. Check the terms before withdrawing while a bonus is active.
Why does a bonus have a maximum bet?
To limit how quickly the requirement can be cleared with large, high-variance bets. Breaking the limit can void the bonus.
Related guides
Compare crypto casinos
See how ten operators compare on licence statements, verification rules and payments on our top 10 crypto casinos page, or read an individual review: Stake, Duel, BC.GAME, Shuffle, BetPanda, Thrill, Rakebit, Winna, MetaWin, Roobet.
18+ only. Gambling involves financial risk. This guide is educational, is not legal, tax or financial advice, and information can change. Check current terms and your local laws.