The lure of scoring a lucrative online casino bonus can cloud our better judgement when it comes to thoroughly reading the accompanying terms and conditions attached to these promotional offers. However failing to parse the fine print can result in declined withdrawals and forfeited winnings down the road.
#1 Wagering Requirements Control Bonus Funds
Also called playthrough requirements, wagering requirements dictate how much you need to bet before you can withdraw bonus funds as cash. This condition is in place to prevent bonus abuse.
For instance, a SpinBit bonus with a 5x wagering requirement means you must place bets totaling 5 times the bonus amount before making a withdrawal. So if you redeem a $100 bonus, you would need to wager a cumulative total of $500 before cashing out.
Here’s a comparison of typical wagering requirements at popular online betting sites:
| Site | Wagering Requirement |
| BetMGM | 15x |
| Caesars | 10x |
| DraftKings | 25x |
The higher the playthrough, the more difficult it is to clear the requirement. Also keep watch for games that contribute 100% versus less towards meeting wager targets.
#2 How Qualifying Games Affect Bonus Clearing
Speaking of game contributions, online casinos restrict which titles count fully towards bonus wagering. Generally, slots offer a 100% contribution rate while table games only contribute 10-20% or may not count at all.
For example, if blackjack bets only contribute 10%, then $100 wagered on blackjack would equate to $10 towards fulfilling bonus playthrough rules.
Here are contribution rates by game type:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution Rate |
| Slots | 100% |
| Roulette | 50% |
| Blackjack | 10-20% |
| Video Poker | 0-10% |
So while table game players can redeem bonuses, meeting the wagering requirement is an extremely steep task under typical contribution policies. Sticking mainly to slots gives you the best shot.
#3 Expiration Dates Limit Bonus Availability
The next major condition to note is the expiration timer attached to most casino bonuses. Promotional offers generally expire within 14 days up to a maximum of 30 days after activation.
For instance, DraftKings Casino sets a 10-day timer for its no deposit bonus while BetMGM allows new players 21 days to meet wagering and unlock bonus cash
Tracking expiration dates allows you to gauge if bonus clearing is feasible or if you’ll need to focus funds on other offers at risk of imminent forfeit.
#4 Max Cash Out Caps Bonus Earnings
Lastly, most online casino bonuses come with maximum cash out limits, usually defined as a multiple of the bonus received.
Common caps range from 5x to 10x the bonus amount. So on a $500 bonus, you may face a $2,500 to $5,000 limit on cashable winnings.
Here’s a rundown of maximum payouts restrictions:
| Site | Max Cash Out |
| BetRivers | 5x bonus |
| Borgata | 10x bonus |
| Caesars | No limit specified |
While rare, some sites like Caesars Casino place no defined cap on bonus earnings. But read the fine print carefully as undisclosed limits may still apply on certain offers.
In Summary
In closing, while bonuses seemingly offer free money, the attached terms and conditions require close examination if you want to exit an online casino with actual withdrawable cash versus bonus bucks.
Factor in requirements around:
- Wagering rates dictating playthrough rules
- Game contributions supporting bonus clearing
- Expiration dates on time-sensitive offers
- Maximum payout limits capping potential earnings
Scrutinize the fine print and use bonuses selectively and strategically rather than chasing every promotional offer in sight. A discerning approach can stretch your bankroll and unlock the best value from casino site bonuses in 2024.
