Casino Bonus 101: Formats, Limits, and Hidden Clauses Explained 

Nothing surprises an iGaming expert like how this industry manages to evolve so rapidly. Casino bonuses are constantly on the move, with thousands of operators launching several of them every single week. At this pace, it is basically impossible for this particular niche not to change faster than we can process it. Today, we tackle the supreme casino bonus by looking at the rules, types, limitations, and sometimes sneaky when it comes to the fine print. In this guide, we will break down the main types of bonuses, so continue your lecture! 

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Main Types of Casino Bonuses 

Just so you can picture it well, the whole industry hosts thousands of operators and casinos around the world. Hundreds of them launch every month, and I want you to make the exercise of imagining how many bonuses, promotions and rewards are going towards users every day. I estimate that every month, millions of users claim different types of bonuses from different casinos across the world. 

To prove that everything we state here is thoroughly documented, according to the last IBISWorld study, in 2023 there were 4,922 online casino business active across the world. These 5000 individual online casino businesses managed to generate up to USD 78.66 Billion in 2024, with a projected market size of USD 153.75 Billion in 2023, according to grandviewresearch stats

How could you possibly know every type, every rule, or every bullet point a T&C page may contain? So, let me first clarify the main types of casino bonuses just to set a strong base for this guide. 

The Almighty Welcome Bonus 

This is a classic incentive and the most common you will probably encounter in your endeavors. Several bonus casino offers can take the shape of a welcome reward, and casinos can actually package anything as a welcome bonus if they want to. So, not the reward sets the standard for a welcome incentive, but the mechanics behind obtaining it. This bonus is typically triggered by a first deposit. 

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Welcome bonuses are exclusive offers that only freshly registered can claim, so this is the explanation for the “first deposit” criterion. New users usually register their first account with the purpose of placing bets, which they can only do if they perform an initial deposit to add some funds to their personal balances. How can you recognize a welcome bonus? 

  • It usually comes as a match bonus (e.g., 100% up to $100) 
  • It may also contain free spins on selected slots as a secondary prize 
  • Sometimes, welcome bonuses can give you the benefit of “no deposit,” which means that it is not compulsory to deposit to unlock the offer. 

No Deposit Bonus 

The no deposit bonus is not as broad as the welcome bonus. It is more like a branched version that can also be seen as a welcome incentive if the operator promotes it as such. However, the “no deposit” part is just an advantage or a secondary characteristic. At the same time, it is the most wanted characteristic a bonus can have.  

All the benefits such a bonus comes with are given without requiring a financial deposit. It is a huge advantage, considering that most of them would eventually allow you to withdraw your winnings. What defines a no deposit bonus? 

  • It usually comes with free spins being the main advantage.  
  • The operator does not require you to take money out of your pocket, but you will surely need to confirm your identity through KYC verification. 
  • Occasionally, operators can also give away money for free (e.g., $5) 

Reload Bonus 

Reload bonuses are occasional/situational prizes that any player can unlock by depositing a minimum required sum of money. Reload bonuses appear weekly; they reward you with a variety of benefits, from free spins to cash, chips, etc. 

What I would advise anyone to pay attention to in regards to reload bonuses is to always read what the terms and conditions section says. All the limitations, maximum cashout and details about wagering should be listed there. 

Cashback Bonuses 

A cashback functions as a refund on your losses over a period of time. For example, for all the money you lost in the span of a week, you might receive an 8% cashback. So, if you have lost $100 in bets this week, the platform will give you back $8. It may not seem like a lot, but it is definitely something you didn’t have until the transaction got approved. 

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A cashback promotion does not sound too complicated, but this does not mean that you should ignore its T&Cs. The same rule applies here as well. Always read the bonus rules before claiming it. 

Common Limits Attached To Bonuses 

  • Wagering Requirements: It refers to how many times you must bet the bonus before you can request a withdrawal. For instance, a 40x wagering on a $50 bonus means you must wager $2000. 
  • Max bet: If your bonus comes with maximum bet limitations, it basically means that you cannot place bets over that limit. For instance, a $1 maximum bet compels you to place bets of up to $1. Any bet you place that has a higher value will be deducted from your real-money balance. 
  • Max cashout: The maximum amount you can withdraw after meeting all the requirements and conditions. 
  • Game restrictions: Bonuses are usually valid only on selected games. In most cases, slots are omnipresent. Some games may not be part of the eligible list, which is why you should read the T&Cs. 

Hidden Clauses? 

  • Wagering on deposit+bonus: Pay attention to the type of wagering requirement you must fulfill. Often, casinos ask for a 20x wagering that applies to the sum between bonus money and earned money. Imagine a 20x wagering on a $10 bonus that helped you earn $100. It adds up to a total of $2200, which is definitely not the same as wagering $200. 
  • Time limits: Bonuses will eventually expire. The only question is when. Check the T&Cs to see if your bonus is still available and for how long. 
  • Sticky or non-sticky bonus: If a bonus comes with a “sticky bonus” condition, it means that after using the money to play, you will only be able to withdraw the winnings. So, if you use $10 to play and earn $50, you will have $60 in your bonus balance. You can only withdraw $50. 

Protect Yourself 

For the tenth time in this article, make sure to always read the T&Cs, use only trusted platforms to place bets, and never bet more than you can afford to lose. Also, the support team should always be ready to help, so give them a call if you have any questions.