Online casinos aggressively market their deposit bonuses, making it seem like they are handing out free money.

However, seasoned players know that this 'free cash' is locked firmly behind a wall of terms and conditions.

How the Bonus Catch Actually Works

It is essentially a mathematical hurdle you must clear before the casino allows you to cash out your winnings.

If the terms state 20x on both the deposit ($100) and bonus ($100), you must wager $4,000 in total.

• Low wagering requirements (under 30x) are considered the gold standard in the industry
• Many players prefer to decline bonuses entirely to avoid dealing with these restrictions
• You must clear the playthrough before you can withdraw even your own initial deposit in most cases

Not All Casino Games Count Equally

Casinos are smart; they know which games have the lowest house edge, and they restrict them accordingly.

Typically, video slots contribute 100%, meaning every dollar spent removes a dollar from your target.

Always read the fine print carefully, and never accept a bonus if the playthrough multiplier exceeds 50x.