This is an educational guide. RTP, house edge and bonus figures are typical industry values and vary by game and operator. No game can be beaten in the long run — play for entertainment, not as a way to make money.
Casino Bonus Terms: A Plain-English Glossary
Casino bonus terms are full of jargon that can hide what an offer's really worth. Here's a plain-English glossary of the terms that matter most.
The key terms
- Wagering requirement: how many times you must stake bonus winnings before withdrawing (e.g. 35x).
- Win cap / max win: the most you can withdraw from a bonus, regardless of how much you win.
- Game weighting: how much each game type counts toward wagering — slots usually 100%, table games far less.
- Max bet: the largest stake allowed while a bonus is active.
- Sticky bonus: bonus funds you can play with but never withdraw — only the winnings are yours.
- No wagering: winnings are withdrawable with no playthrough.
- Expiry: the deadline to use the bonus or clear wagering.
How to use this
Before opting into any offer, check the wagering, win cap, eligible games and expiry — those four decide its real value. For the big ones in depth, see wagering requirements, how deposit bonuses work and no-wagering bonuses.
Frequently asked questions
What does 'wagering requirement' mean?
How many times you must stake bonus winnings before withdrawing.
What is a 'win cap'?
The maximum you can withdraw from a bonus, regardless of how much you win.
What does 'game weighting' mean?
How much each game type contributes toward wagering — slots usually 100%, table games less.
Related guides: wagering requirements, how deposit bonuses work and no-wagering bonuses.