What to Look for Before You Consider Any Online Casino Bonus
The Reference Guide Behind Every “STOP Before You Claim” Post
Online casino bonuses are often marketed as simple incentives, but in reality they are conditional offers that temporarily replace normal play and withdrawal rules. Once a bonus is accepted, those conditions apply automatically, whether they were reviewed or not. This page exists as the master checklist and explanation behind every “STOP Before You Claim” casino bonus article.
If you’re looking for a real-world example of how these rules apply in practice, start here:
👉 STOP Before You Claim These Casino Bonuses: Slots LV, Super Slots
Every casino-specific warning post links back to this page because the underlying rules are the same — only the numbers change.
Why This Page Exists
Casino bonus terms are rarely explained in one place, and important restrictions are often buried in fine print. This pillar page explains what to look for every time, regardless of which casino or bonus you’re considering. Think of it as the baseline checklist that makes individual casino bonus reviews easier to understand.
Wagering (Playthrough) Requirements
The wagering requirement tells you how much total betting must be completed before any withdrawal is allowed. A bonus can look generous but still require thousands of dollars in wagers before cashing out is possible. This number represents the true cost of the bonus.
- Exact wagering multiple (for example, 20×, 30×, 35×, or higher)
- Whether wagering applies to the bonus only or to the deposit plus bonus
- Whether wagering must be completed before any withdrawal
What Balance Is Being Wagered
Not all bonuses restrict the same funds, and this detail dramatically affects difficulty. Many players assume only the bonus is wagered, but some offers lock both the deposit and the bonus together. This single rule often determines whether a bonus is realistic or impractical.
- Bonus only
- Deposit + bonus
- Bonus winnings only
Games That Count Toward Wagering
Casinos decide which games contribute toward clearing wagering requirements. Playing excluded games may feel productive while doing nothing to unlock withdrawals. This should always be checked before choosing what to play.
- Slots usually contribute 100%
- Table games often contribute partially or not at all
- Some games may be excluded entirely
Maximum Bet While the Bonus Is Active
Most bonuses include a maximum bet rule that applies only while bonus funds are active. Exceeding this limit — even unintentionally — can void winnings automatically. This is one of the most common reasons bonus withdrawals are denied.
- Maximum bet per spin or hand
- Whether the rule applies per round or per session
- Consequences for exceeding the limit
Bonus Expiration Time
Bonuses are time-limited by design. If wagering is not completed within the allowed timeframe, both the bonus and associated winnings are usually forfeited. Short time limits increase pressure and risk.
- Exact expiration timeframe (in days)
- What happens if wagering is incomplete
- Whether extensions are allowed (usually not)
Maximum Withdrawal (Cashout) Limits
Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw, regardless of how much you win. This limits upside and changes the real value of the promotion. A large win does not always translate into a large payout.
- Fixed withdrawal caps tied to the bonus
- Whether excess winnings are forfeited
- Differences between bonus winnings and real cash
Bonus Type
Different bonus types come with different expectations and restrictions. Treating all bonuses the same leads to misunderstandings. Identifying the bonus type upfront helps set realistic expectations.
- Deposit match bonuses
- Free spins with wagering requirements
- No-deposit bonuses
- Reload or cashback bonuses
Sticky vs. Non-Sticky Rules
This determines whether the bonus itself can ever be withdrawn. It also affects how your balance behaves during play and how losses are applied. This rule has a larger impact on flexibility than most players realize.
- Sticky: bonus funds are never withdrawable
- Non-sticky: bonus converts after wagering
- Balance priority rules (cash vs bonus)
Restricted Games & Features
Some bonuses restrict access to certain games or features. Ignoring these restrictions can prevent progress or invalidate eligibility. This is especially relevant for jackpot or progressive players.
- Progressive jackpot exclusions
- Provider or game restrictions
- Feature limitations during bonus play
Verification & Withdrawal Conditions
Completing wagering does not remove normal withdrawal requirements. Identity verification and payment rules still apply, and processing times vary. A bonus only matters if the withdrawal is completed successfully.
- ID verification requirements
- Withdrawal method limitations
- Processing time expectations
How to Use This Page With Casino-Specific Bonus Warnings
Every “STOP Before You Claim” article follows this structure and applies it to a specific casino’s published bonus terms. The casino posts show real numbers, real caps, and real forfeiture rules, while this page explains why those details matter.
Example:
- Slots.lv → exact wagering, free spin value, cashout caps
- This page → how to interpret and evaluate those rules
Final Takeaway
If a casino bonus cannot be understood clearly and quickly, it should not be claimed casually. Bonuses are conditional agreements, not rewards, and they trade flexibility for promotional value. This page is your baseline — and every casino-specific “STOP Before You Claim” post builds on it.