Although there are no comped rooms or free drinks and meals when you’re playing at online or mobile casinos, there are a plethora of different types of casino bonuses available. The list includes special offers such as match deposit bonuses, free spins, and no deposit bonuses.

Even though they provide an amazing opportunity to play your favourite games with money other than your own, casino bonuses come with certain restrictions. These deals always have wagering requirements, which state how much you must bet before you can withdraw the bonus or collect any winnings.

Making the Most of Your Casino Bonuses

Wagering requirements are standard with online casino bonuses and knowing how they work at popular sites like Black Lotus online casino helps you handle them more effectively.

Also, consider the bonus expiry dates and terms for restricted games. Some bonuses are valid only for a short time, and not all games are eligible for clearing wagering requirements. Taking advantage of promotions that offer extended timeframes, or fewer restrictions can give you a bigger advantage.

A smart approach to bankroll management is also key. Many casinos offer options to lower your bet size, and adjusting the amount according to your remaining wagering requirements can help stretch your bonus. Remember, some casinos may also run promotions or reload bonuses that allow you to extend your playtime, so staying informed about these offers is vital.

How Do Wagering Requirements Work?

While the underlying principle remains the same, wagering requirements are different for each type of bonus. Wagering requirements are the number of times you must wager the bonus amount (or the bonus and deposit amount) before you can withdraw any winnings.

Free Spins

Free spins bonuses frequently impose wagering requirements, which typically apply to the spins’ winnings instead of the spins themselves. If you get 50 free spins on a specific slot, any winnings from those spins will be subject to a wagering requirement.

For example, if the winnings from your free spins total AU$10 and the wagering requirement is 20x, you must wager AU$200 before you can withdraw the 10.

No Deposit Bonuses

No deposit bonuses are a special type of bonus where you don’t need to make any deposit to receive it. These bonuses are typically smaller and are a way for casinos to attract new players. The wagering requirements for no deposit bonuses tend to be higher because they come without the need for a deposit.

If you receive an AU$10 no deposit bonus and the wagering requirement is 50x, for instance, you would need to wager AU$500 before you can withdraw any winnings.

Calculating Your Wagering Requirements

Calculating wagering requirements is simple. Just multiply your bonus amount by the wagering requirement: (Bonus Amount) X (Wagering Requirement) = Total Bet. For example, if you receive a match deposit bonus and the wagering requirement is 30X, the formula would look like this: (Bonus Amount) X 30 = Total Bet. If the casino uses a sticky bonus (where your deposit is included), the formula changes: (Bonus Amount + Deposit) X (Wagering Requirement) = Total Bet.

Meeting and Beating Your Wagering Requirements

To meet your wagering requirements successfully, it’s important to understand how they work and learn to play strategically.

Choose the Right Casino

Wagering requirements vary between casinos. Some may require you to wager 50X the bonus, while others might be as low as 30X. Some casinos also cap the amount of money you can win from bonuses, so it’s important to research and pick a casino with fair bonus terms.

Make sure it’s well-reviewed, licensed, regulated, and offers good customer support in case you need assistance with your bonus.

Play Smart

While slots are the best option to meet your wagering requirements, not all slot games are the same. It’s essential to consider the slot mechanics, game variance, and the RTP (Return to Player) percentage.

Slots with lower RTP tend to have higher variance, meaning they don’t pay out as often, but when they do, the payouts are larger. Playing these games at first can help build up your bankroll to handle any potential losses.

Once you’ve built up your bankroll, switch to lower-variance games with a higher RTP. These games offer smaller but more consistent payouts, which can protect your bankroll and help you keep your winnings.

Reading the Fine Print

Whenever you’re offered a bonus or promotional deal, make sure to read the terms and conditions carefully. These details will explain the wagering requirements and how to meet them. You’ll usually need to make a minimum deposit to claim the bonus, and some casinos may have time limits or specific deposit methods for claiming the offer.

Each online casino has its own set of rules, so it’s important to be aware of the specific conditions attached to your bonus.

Select the Right Games

Different games contribute differently toward your wagering requirements. For example, online slots usually contribute 100% of your bet towards the requirement, while table games or card games might contribute only 50% or less.

To meet your requirements faster, focus on slot games, as they typically help you clear your wagering requirements more quickly.

Opt Out of the Bonus

If you prefer not to worry about meeting wagering requirements, some casinos allow you to opt out of the bonus. Check with the casino to see if this option is available or contact customer support to let them know you’d like to decline the bonus.

Match Deposit Bonuses

A match deposit bonus is the most common bonus type, where the casino matches your deposit up to a certain percentage. For example, if you deposit AU$100 and receive a 100% match bonus, you’ll get an additional AU$100 in bonus funds, giving you AU$200 to play with.

If the wagering requirement is 30x, this means you need to wager AU$6,000 (30 times the bonus amount) in your online bingo game before you can cash out any winnings from the bonus funds. In this case, the wagering requirement applies to the bonus amount only, not your deposit.