If you've ever registered at an online casino, you’ve probably seen those tempting bonus offers:
"Welcome Bonus! 100% match + 50 free spins!" — Who could resist?
But bonus money isn’t a free lunch. You need to be smart if you want to make the most of it. Here's how!
I know, I know — reading the Terms and Conditions feels like reading a medicine leaflet: boring, long, and usually bad news.
But if you don't want your bonus money to melt away like an ice cream in the sun, you must read it carefully.
Pay close attention to:
Wagering requirements (e.g., 35x the bonus amount)
Maximum bet limits during bonus play (e.g., €5 per spin)
Which games contribute (spoiler: roulette often doesn’t count)
Time limits (e.g., 7 or 30 days)
Pro tip: If something isn’t clear, ask customer support — better to clarify now than argue later.
When playing with bonus money, the goal isn’t to become a millionaire with one spin (though that would be nice...).
A smart player picks low volatility games — games that give small but frequent wins.
Why? Because it helps stretch your gameplay and meet wagering requirements more easily.
Examples: Starburst, Blood Suckers (classic bonus hunter favorites).
Most casinos cap the maximum allowed bet when you're playing with bonus money.
If you accidentally bet too much, they can (and will) say:
"Thanks, but your winnings are void."
(Not even joking.)
Always set a low bet amount during bonus play — better safe than sorry!
If the casino allows it, always use the bonus balance first and only then touch your real money.
This way, if you lose, you're not losing your own cash.
Note that some casinos use a system where you spend real money first, then the bonus — so always check how your balance is structured!
Bonus play isn’t a sprint; it’s a marathon.
Don't fall into the trap of trying to "grind through" wagering requirements with big bets.
Slow and steady wins the race: small bets and careful play give you a much better chance of turning bonus money into real cash.
This is the hardest but most important tip: if you complete the wagering and win a nice amount,
don't keep gambling it all away!
Set a goal: for example, if you turn €20 bonus into €200, withdraw at least €150 and only play with the rest.
Sometimes a smaller bonus with friendlier conditions (lower wagering, longer validity) is much better than a massive bonus with harsh rules.