Frequently asked questions and answers
How does the bonus wagering in the online casino work?
When you accept a deposit bonus, you usually play with your own money first and then with the bonus. The bonus wagering only starts when you play with the bonus - the real money balance usually has to be less than 20 cents.
The prerequisite is that the bonus and deposit amount are separated. Otherwise the bonus turnover starts immediately. For example, if you accept a 100% welcome bonus with 35 times the wagering requirement for the bonus money, the wagering looks like this:
- Deposit € 50 and receive € 50 as a bonus
- Play with the real money deposited.
- Play with the bonus when the real money balance is below 20 cents - start of bonus wagering.
- Wager the bonus 35 times - so you have to wager € 1,750 on the casino games.
- After completing the wagering you can pay out the bonus.
Exceptions: There are a few casinos where you can wager the bonus with real money in stages. For example, there are such systems at Videoslots and Casumo. Here the chance is greater that you can withdraw at least part of the bonus, but it is not a guarantee.
Can I play any game while playing with a bonus?
As a rule, only certain games are included in the bonus wagering. Stakes on video slot machines and scratch cards are usually valued at 100% of the bonus wagering.
With the table games blackjack, baccarat and roulette it is usually a maximum of 10%. Sometimes the games as well as progressive slots are completely excluded from playing with a bonus. Some slot machines where the payout percentages can be improved by receiving bonus rounds have similar rules (popular examples are Immortal Romance, Castle Builder or Scrooge).
The online casinos use bonuses as promotional measures and are concerned about their winnings. Games with too high a payout rate or a low house edge are excluded, so that the chances for the casino are increased.
What is prohibited when playing with a bonus?
In most cases, certain games such as progressive jackpot slots or live games are not allowed to be played. In addition, certain playing styles are excluded. This includes what is known as bonus hunting.
Here the player hunts for bonuses and tries to increase the chances of wagering the bonus through special game strategies. Popular methods include playing table games. You wait until you have collected a good win and then switch to the slots for bonus wagering. This behavior is often excluded.
You can't delay the bonus rounds either. With some slot machines you can cancel free spins or other bonus games by closing the slot after receiving them. Some bonus hunters have waited in the past to play the bonus games until the bonus was forfeited and the winnings from it had to be viewed as real money. Postponing bonus rounds is therefore prohibited.
There is usually a maximum bet on the games. It can be as low as € 5 per spin and 50 cents per payline. The maximum bet also mostly applies to risk functions, where you can double winnings.
In roulette, bets with a low probability of loss are generally prohibited. For example, you can't just bet on odd and even numbers just to get the bonus wagering. More detailed information on bonus hunting and bonus abuse can be found here.
Are there game strategies when using a bonus?
Relevant websites suggest certain game strategies for wagering the bonus. In the end, however, it is always a game of chance - you cannot improve the odds, especially if you wager the bonus on slots.
So it doesn't matter whether you play games with high variance or games with low variance. Either you are lucky and generate a bonus, or you don't. Meanwhile, the calculations of the casinos with the bonus offers are so good that only a few players generate the turnover.
Especially since you should be careful. If gambling strategies can be proven, the casinos sometimes accuse the player of bonus fraud. The bonus and winnings will then be withdrawn. In the best case, you will still get the deposit back.
Should you accept a casino bonus?
We always recommend playing without a bonus as it is very difficult to meet the wagering requirements. Most of the time you lose your deposit and the bonus, so you leave the casino without winning. With a bonus you can usually play longer.
The question here is why you play in the casino. If you want to win money, you should play without a bonus so that you can always cash out. If it's all about entertainment, a bonus can add extra playtime.
How do you recognize a fair and good bonus?
The bonus rules should be formulated very simply and include the following content-related aspects:
- maximum wagering of 35x the bonus and deposit or 50x the bonus amount
- No bet limit
- No profit limit
If these three conditions are met, the bonus is fair in itself. Nevertheless, one should not expect that one can implement the bonus. It's always difficult and in the end the casino wants to win.
What are the chances of wagering a bonus?
That depends on the respective bonus, the different wagering requirements and the games used. It's always a matter of luck. But even well-known websites that advertise bonus hunting and show game strategies speak of a maximum chance of 15%. At least if it is a conventional casino game with a 96% payout ratio and a turnover of 45 times the bonus.
Overall, such calculations are very difficult. You should always keep in mind that no casino will give a player money just like that - the gaming providers must also be able to finance the gaming operation with bonuses.
Can I cancel a bonus?
That depends on the online casino and the respective bonus. It is usually possible to cancel a bonus if you have not yet played with the bonus. Sometimes online casinos advertise that they are automatically canceled if you bring the real money that you previously played with to pay out. (e.g. Mr Green).
If the bonus and deposit amount have to be converted together, it is usually not possible to cancel. It always depends on the casino in question.
Do I always have to enter bonus codes?
No, you only have to enter a bonus code if the casino requires it. Then there is also a field for the code when making a deposit, similar to the voucher codes in online shops. The bonus codes can be found on separate subpages of the gambling provider. In some cases, however, you also receive promotional codes via SMS or email.
I wanted a bonus but didn't get it - what can I do?
The best thing to do is to ask support immediately. Most online casinos have a live chat so you can get an answer quickly. Bonuses can usually be removed or added to the casino account in a few minutes. You just have to contact customer service.
Should you ask customer support about bonuses?
Some players like to ask the support about deposit or no deposit bonuses. It is certainly an option and you will get some freebies, but some employees are allergic to such questions. It seems a little weird when you ask for a bonus - almost like begging. You should think carefully about whether you really want to take this step.
Should I open multiple casino accounts to receive more bonuses?
Several accounts from one person and sometimes one IP address are not allowed in almost all online casinos. One should refrain from such a thing. At the latest during an identity check, it could come out that it is a double account. Winnings may then not be paid out or you may be banned from promotions at the casino for life.
Is there a Neteller or Skrill casino bonus?
Yes, but online casinos with Neteller or Skrill Bonus are rather rare.
Most online casinos exclude Neteller and Skrill as a deposit method when receiving bonuses. Sometimes there can also be problems with paysafecard. In the terms and conditions and bonus conditions you can read whether the respective deposit method is supported when receiving the bonus. So you should be careful when using the two deposit options.