How Casino Bonuses Work: Types, Terms and What to Check First
Online casino bonuses are advertised by their headline numbers, but what they are really worth depends on how they work and the conditions attached. This guide explains the main types of bonus, how bonus money behaves in your account, the terms to check before claiming, and how to decide whether a bonus is right for you at all.
It applies to casino bonuses in general. For JustCasino's specific rules, see our promotions page.
Bonus money is conditionalIt cannot be withdrawn until its terms are met.
The terms decide the valueTwo bonuses of the same size can be worth very different amounts.
Restrictions apply while activeBet limits, game limits and deadlines all change how you play.
You can always declinePlaying without a bonus means no conditions at all.
How bonus money works in your account
When you claim a bonus, your account usually shows two kinds of money: your own real money and bonus money. They look similar in the balance, but they follow different rules.
Real money
The money you deposited and any winnings that have been cleared. Subject to normal casino rules and verification, it can be withdrawn.
Bonus money
Credited by the casino with conditions attached. It, and anything you win with it, stays locked until you meet the wagering requirement and other terms. If you do not meet them in time, it is removed.
While a bonus is active, its restrictions usually apply to your whole session, not just the bonus money. That can include a maximum bet size, a list of games you cannot play, and a deadline for finishing. It is why a bonus changes the way you play, not just how much you have to play with.
The main types of casino bonus
Most casino promotions fall into a handful of types. Each one works differently, and each has its own catch.
Match deposit bonus
Most commonThe casino adds a percentage of your deposit as bonus money. A 100% match on a A$50 deposit adds A$50 of bonus, up to a stated maximum. Welcome packages are usually a series of match bonuses across several deposits.
The catch: the bonus carries a wagering requirement, and the restrictions apply while it is active.
Free spins
Pokies onlyA set number of spins on a named pokie at a fixed bet size. They are often part of a welcome package, sometimes released in batches over several days.
The catch: winnings are usually credited as bonus money with their own wagering, and are often capped.
No deposit bonus
OccasionalA small bonus or a few free spins given without a deposit, usually to new players or as a loyalty gesture.
The catch: winnings are typically capped at a low amount, and a deposit may be needed before you can withdraw.
Reload bonus
Existing playersA match bonus for deposits after the welcome package, often tied to a particular day of the week.
The catch: the same wagering and restrictions as any match bonus.
Cashback
Loss-basedA percentage of your net losses over a period is returned to your account, typically weekly.
The catch: check whether it arrives as real money or bonus money with wagering. The difference is significant.
Loyalty and VIP rewards
OngoingPoints earned on real-money bets that can be exchanged for bonuses, with better rates at higher levels.
The catch: the rate is usually a small fraction of what you bet, and exchanged bonuses carry wagering.
Tournaments
CompetitiveLeaderboard competitions where bets on selected games earn points, with prizes for the top places.
The catch: climbing a leaderboard usually rewards betting more, which is worth being wary of.
Sticky and non-sticky bonuses
Casinos combine real money and bonus money in two main ways. The terms do not always use these names, but the difference matters.
Non-sticky bonus
Your real money is used first. If you win before touching the bonus, you can usually withdraw those winnings by giving up the bonus. The bonus only comes into play once your own money runs out. This gives you more flexibility.
Sticky bonus
Real money and bonus money are combined, and the conditions apply to the whole balance until wagering is complete. The bonus amount itself may be removed at withdrawal. This is more restrictive, because an early win is still locked by the bonus terms.
If the terms do not make it clear which applies, ask the casino's support team in writing before you claim the bonus.
The terms to check before claiming
Bonus terms can be long, but a small number of details decide almost everything. Check these before you opt in.
- Wagering multiple, and whether it applies to the bonus only or to the deposit plus bonus.
- Time limit for finishing the wagering before the bonus expires.
- Maximum bet allowed while the bonus is active, and whether bonus buys count.
- Game contribution rates, and which games do not count at all.
- Restricted games that cannot be played while the bonus is active.
- Maximum cashout or cap on winnings from the bonus.
- Minimum deposit needed to qualify for the bonus.
- Payment method exclusions, since some deposit methods do not qualify.
- Country restrictions that may exclude you from the offer.
- Promo code, if one is needed, and whether it must be entered before depositing.
- Free spin value per spin, and how long the spins last.
- Bonus abuse rules, which list the betting patterns that can void winnings.
Red flags in bonus terms
Some terms make a bonus far less valuable than it looks, or harder to actually cash out.
- Very high wagering multiples, which push the expected cost well above the bonus amount.
- Wagering on deposit plus bonus, which doubles the amount you need to bet.
- Very short deadlines that force long, fast sessions.
- Low winnings caps, especially on no deposit bonuses and free spins.
- Vague "irregular play" rules that give the casino wide discretion to cancel winnings.
- Pressure to deposit quickly, such as countdown timers or offers that expire within hours.
Most casinos also reserve the right to change their terms. It is good practice to save a copy of the terms at the time you claim a bonus.
Playing with a bonus or without one
The most useful way to judge a bonus is to compare it with simply playing without one. The example below uses a A$100 deposit with a 100% match bonus, under JustCasino's default terms.
| With the bonus | Without a bonus | |
|---|---|---|
| Starting balance | A$200 (A$100 real, A$100 bonus) | A$100 |
| Maximum bet | A$8 while the bonus is active | Table and game limits only |
| Games | Pokies count fully, other games count less or not at all, some excluded | Any game |
| Before withdrawing winnings | A$4,000 of wagering within 7 days | Nothing extra |
| Winnings cap | A$5,000 on bonus winnings | No bonus cap |
| Withdraw your deposit early | Possible, but the bonus and its winnings are removed | Possible at any time |
The bonus doubles your starting balance, which means more playing time. In exchange, you give up flexibility over how, what and how long you play, and when you can withdraw. Our wagering requirements guide shows what that trade-off costs in dollars.
How to decide whether a bonus is right for you
Asking yourself these questions before opting in makes the decision much clearer.
- Would I play these games anyway?
If you mainly play pokies, a bonus fits your play. If you prefer live or table games, it probably does not.
- Am I comfortable with the bet limit?
If you usually bet more than the maximum allowed, the bonus will change the way you play.
- Can I finish in time?
Work out how many bets the requirement needs and whether that fits the deadline without playing more than you want to.
- Do I want the freedom to withdraw?
If you might want to cash out a win quickly, a bonus can get in the way.
- Would I deposit this much without the bonus?
If a bonus is tempting you to deposit more than you planned, that is a reason to decline it.
Bonuses are designed to encourage deposits and longer sessions. If you notice yourself depositing to unlock the next bonus rather than because you want to play, it is a good moment to pause. Free, confidential support is available on 1800 858 858 through Gambling Help Online, and our responsible gambling page lists more options.
Frequently Asked Questions
A casino bonus is money, spins or other rewards credited by a casino, usually with conditions attached. Bonus money and anything won with it cannot be withdrawn until those conditions, such as a wagering requirement, are met.
The casino adds a percentage of your deposit as bonus money, up to a stated maximum. For example, a 100% match on a A$50 deposit adds A$50 of bonus. The bonus then carries a wagering requirement and other restrictions until it is cleared.
With a non-sticky bonus, your real money is used first and you can usually withdraw early winnings by giving up the bonus. With a sticky bonus, real and bonus money are combined, and the bonus conditions apply to the whole balance until wagering is complete.
The spins cost nothing, but winnings from them are usually credited as bonus money with a wagering requirement, and are often capped. Check the wagering, the winnings cap and how long the spins remain valid before relying on them.
The key terms are the wagering multiple and what it applies to, the time limit, the maximum bet, game contribution rates, restricted games, any cap on winnings, the minimum deposit, and the rules on bonus abuse.
It depends on how you play. A bonus adds playing time but restricts your bets, games and withdrawals. Players who prefer table games, larger bets or the freedom to cash out at any time often find playing without a bonus simpler.
Related guides
18+ only. This guide explains how casino bonuses work in general. Individual offers have their own terms, which always take priority. If gambling is causing harm to you or someone close to you, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858, any time, for free and confidential support.