A casino bonus can make signing up for an online casino an exciting experience. A casino bonus may seem like an easy way to get some extra funds. However, online casino bonuses come with specific terms and conditions that players should pay close attention to. Making mistakes with casino bonuses costs you money.

Not reading the bonus terms and conditions

This is probably the biggest mistake new casino players make. The temptation to skip the small print and start playing is real. However, the terms and conditions contain crucial details on how the bonus works. Failing to read this information leads to problems later on. All bonuses will have wagering requirements, which is the number of times you must wager through the bonus amount before withdrawing any winnings. The bonus funds are multiplied between 20x and 50x. The terms will specify which games count fully towards wagering or only partially. Slots usually count 100% while table games like blackjack only count 10% to 20%. The terms will also indicate the maximum bet allowed when playing with bonus funds. Betting above the max bet often forfeits any winnings from the bonus. Taking the time to understand the best online casino bonuses terms prevents any surprises down the road.

Not choosing the right bonus for your play style

A big bonus amount may look appealing, but it’s not worth much if you can’t cash it out. Consider which casino games you plan to play and pick a bonus that matches your play style.

  • If you mainly play slots, look for free spin and slot bonuses with reasonable wagering requirements. Slots count fully toward the playthrough.
  • For table games, choose a bonus with lower wagering and a higher max bet limit to make hitting the requirements easier.
  • Avoid big bonuses like 100% or 200% match deposits for table games due to high wagering and low max bets. You’ll likely never clear the playthrough.
  • Look for bonuses that don’t restrict which games count towards wagering if you play a mix of slots and tables.

Taking advantage of a bonus that works with your gaming habits makes clearing the wagering requirements much more attainable.

Making multiple small deposits

Some new players try to game the system by making several small minimum deposits with a casino bonus to withdraw as much money as possible. This technique will not work. Reputable online casinos have rules against bonus abuse. Terms will usually indicate the maximum amount you cash out from a bonus. Depositing $50 ten times and using a 100% match bonus will not net you $5000. Bonuses will cap cash-out wins regardless of how many times you deposit. Casinos also limit how many bonuses you claim as a new player over some time. You only be allowed 1 or 2 bonuses in your first 30 days for example. General casino rules require a certain amount deposited and wagered before cashing out. Avoid bonus abuse tactics if you want to keep gambling online. Instead, focus on clearing your bonus the honest way by playing games you enjoy.