- Casino bonuses usually come with wagering requirements.
- Sportsbook bonus bets usually don't return the stake.
- Sweeps Coins need playthrough before redemption.
- Judge a bonus by its terms, not the headline number.
| Where | What you get | The key condition |
|---|---|---|
| Online casino | Deposit match, free spins | Wagering (e.g. 35× the bonus offshore; max 10× in Great Britain) |
| Sportsbook | Bonus bets, safety nets | Stake not returned, expiry |
| Sweepstakes | Free Sweeps Coins | Playthrough, redemption minimum |
| Prediction markets | Trading credit | Must be traded; not withdrawable directly |
Casinos
A 100% match up to $200 with 35× wagering on the bonus means $7,000 of bets before withdrawal. That multiplier is typical of international casinos; in Great Britain wagering has been capped at 10× since 19 January 2026,[1] and US state-regulated casinos often use 1×–20×. Our wagering calculator shows the average cost — read wagering requirements.
Sportsbooks
A $50 bonus bet at even money pays $50, not $100. See free bets and odds boosts.
Sweepstakes
Free Sweeps Coins usually need 1× playthrough — see playthrough.
Our golden rules
- Read the terms before claiming.
- Never deposit more than planned to unlock a bonus.
- Check expiry, caps and excluded games or markets.
- When in doubt, skip it.
More from Miss Quackles: reading the small print.
FAQ: how gambling bonuses work
Are gambling bonuses worth it?
Sometimes — when terms are fair and you'd play anyway. Big headline numbers with heavy conditions are often worth little.
Is there a legal limit on wagering requirements?
In some places. In Great Britain, licensed operators can't set wagering above 10× the bonus since 19 January 2026. Elsewhere, limits depend on local rules and the casino's licence.
What is the most important bonus term?
For casinos, the wagering requirement; for sportsbooks, whether the stake is returned; for sweepstakes, playthrough and the redemption minimum.
Sources
- Gambling promotions to be safer and simpler — UK Gambling Commission ↩