Online Casino Bonus Terms and Conditions

Due to a number of request receive recently, I thought it may be a good idea to post another article on that always confusing issue - online casino bonus terms and conditions. Even though we believe that the online casino we promote offer fair terms as far as their bonuses are concerned, you still have to make sure that you understand their terms clearly. They are all different in the way they handle bonuses.

One email asked the question: "Why do casinos even offer bonuses if their use is so restricted?". The answer is twofold. Firstly, the casino is essentially decreasing its house edge when gicing you free money. This is why they retain the right to determine how you can use the bonus. Secondly, and the more obvious reason, you can't simply expect them to give you free money that you cash out immediately. We wouldn't have anywhere to gamble if this was the case!

Ok, so let's break down the online casino bonus terms and conditions that you will typically find.

1. Percentage bonus and maximum

Most online casinos offer a match bonus, up to a maximum limit. For example, a 100% match bonus up to $100 means that you will be matched dollar for dollar one your deposit, up to a maximum of $100. I see complaints too often where a players expected more than received. In this scenario, there are many people who think they'll get $100 even if they deposited one dollar! Read carefully and beyond the home page ads at the casino website.

2. Cash in restrictions

Many online casinos have a maximum amount you can cash in for a given period of time. For example, some online casinos will limit this on a weekly basis. Some casinos state that you can cash out any amount, but have restrictions if you claimed a bonus.

3. How do I get the bonus?

Most online casinos will credit you with their bonuses automatically. However, some require you to contact the casino once you have made a deposit. Important: if you DO NOT want the bonus, E-mail the casino BEFORE you make a deposit.

4. Are there restrictions on cashing in winnings if I took the bonus?

Yes, and this is called the "wagering requirement" or "wager through" requirement. ALL ONLINE CASINOS HAVE THEM. Don't get caught napping - make sure you find out the restrictions a casino has before you make a deposit. There are typically two types of wagering requirements. Bonus only and Bonus PLUS Deposit. A casino will state that you have to wager through X times the bonus or bonus PLUS deposit. This ranges anywhere from 7 to 20 times, depending on the type of bonus and the casino. we believe that anything up to 15 or so is fair but more than that becomes unfair.

5. Will I ever be able to cash in the bonus?

Sometimes. Some online casinos have "sticky" bonuses, meaning that the bonus amount you received can never be cashed in and will remain in your account (unless of course you lose it). Again, check the casino terms. Many online casinos allow you to cash in the bonus if you have satisfied the wagering requirements.

6. Game restrictions

Casinos may restrict the games that you are allowed to play to fulfill the wagering requirement. Games like slots are usually allowed, but games like craps and blackjack aren't (although there are some casinos that allow these games, albeit very few). Let's say blackjack is restricted. it means that all your blackjack wagers do NOT count towards the wagering requirements.

Many people get caught napping on this issue. The following is something which happens all too often:

• A players claims a bonus
• She plays a restricted game and wins
• She tries to cash in and is refused because she has not met the wagering requirement, which clearly stated that the amount that needs to be wagered applies to all games regardless of what you play
• She is upset, plays an unrestricted game to try and make the requirements, loses all her money and gets even more upset!

You need to make double sure you understand game restrictions.

7. The terms have changed!

It is up to you to check bonus terms and conditions every time you make a deposit. Casinos may change these from time to time and the onus is one you to check.

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