Casino bonus terms to check: the 9-point checklist
The casino bonus terms to check are always the same nine, and they’re always in the same document nobody reads. This checklist is that document, compressed. Run any offer down the list before opting in; a single “no” on items 1–4 is usually reason enough to skip the bonus and deposit clean.
The checklist
| # | Term | The trap | Pass condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max bet while wagering | One over-cap spin voids bonus + winnings | You know the cap and your autoplay stake respects it |
| 2 | Wagering base & multiplier | ”35×” on deposit+bonus is double the headline | You’ve run it through the calculator |
| 3 | Excluded / weighted games | Table play contributing 0–10% while you think you’re clearing | Your game is listed at a weighting you accept (how weighting works) |
| 4 | Max cashout cap | Winnings above the cap deleted | Cap ÷ turnover ratio is acceptable to you |
| 5 | Expiry window | 3–7 day windows force volume betting | You can clear it at your normal stakes without chasing |
| 6 | Payment-method exclusions | Skrill/Neteller (sometimes MiFinity/crypto) deposits void eligibility | Your deposit rail is eligible — check before funding |
| 7 | Sticky vs non-sticky | ”Sticky” bonus funds are never withdrawable — only winnings above them | You know which type you’re accepting |
| 8 | Max win per bet / jackpot exclusion | The dream outcome is contractually excluded | You’ve read the win-limit clause |
| 9 | Withdrawal lock during wagering | Withdrawing mid-bonus forfeits it — sometimes silently | You won’t need the deposit back inside the window |
The two-minute protocol
- Open the full bonus terms (not the banner summary).
- Ctrl-F: “maximum bet”, “contribut”, “excluded”, “cashout”, “expiry”, “sticky”.
- Fill the calculator with what you find.
- Decision rule: if the expected cost exceeds the bonus value and any of traps 1, 4 or 9 is present, deposit without the bonus — the games are identical either way, as the no-deposit page explains from the other direction.
At MGA licensees the significant terms must be presented with the offer; at other licences the discipline varies — which makes this checklist more important, not less — an ad that hides them is telling you something about the operator before you’ve deposited a cent. Our listings print items 1–5 next to every offer by policy .