Key takeaways
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Bonus money has rules
You usually have to wager it a number of times before it can be withdrawn.
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Terms matter more than size
A small bonus with low wagering is often worth more than a big one with high wagering.
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You can say no
Playing without a bonus means no wagering rules and faster withdrawals.
What a casino bonus is
A casino bonus is extra money or free spins that a casino adds to your account, usually when you sign up or make a deposit. It is a marketing tool: the casino gives you more to play with, and in return you agree to rules about how the bonus must be used before any winnings from it can be withdrawn.
Bonuses are not free money. They are designed so that, on average, the casino recovers their cost through the house edge on the bets you place while meeting the rules. That does not make them bad; it means you should treat a bonus as extra playing time with conditions attached, not as a way to profit.
How a bonus works from start to finish
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1
You opt in
You choose the offer at sign-up or in the cashier, sometimes with a promo code.
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2
You deposit
Your deposit goes into your cash balance and the bonus is added to a separate bonus balance.
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3
You play
Every eligible bet counts towards the wagering requirement, at the contribution rate of the game.
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4
You complete or lose it
If you meet the wagering in time, bonus funds become withdrawable cash. If not, the bonus and its winnings expire.
The main types of bonuses
Deposit match
The casino matches a percentage of your deposit, for example 100% up to $500. Deposit $100 and you get $100 in bonus money. Welcome packages often spread the match over the first three or four deposits.
Free spins
A set number of spins on chosen slots at a fixed bet size. Winnings from the spins often become bonus money with its own wagering, although some offers are wager-free.
No deposit bonus
A small amount of bonus money or spins just for signing up. Expect higher wagering and a strict cap on how much you can cash out.
Cashback
A percentage of your net losses over a period is returned, often weekly. Cashback usually has low or no wagering, which makes it one of the simplest offers.
Reload bonus
A smaller deposit match for existing players, often tied to a day of the week or a promotion.
Loyalty and VIP
Points for every bet that can be exchanged for bonuses, plus perks such as higher limits for frequent players.
Free spins in more detail
Free spins are tied to specific slots and a fixed bet per spin, often $0.10 to $0.20. Twenty spins at $0.20 are worth $4 in bets, which is useful to know when an offer advertises “100 free spins”. Winnings are usually credited as bonus money and must be wagered, and many offers also cap how much you can win from the spins. Wager-free spins, where winnings are paid as cash, are rarer and usually worth more per spin.
Bonuses at provincial and Ontario-regulated sites
Provincial casino sites tend to offer fewer and smaller promotions than private operators. In Ontario, registered operators may offer bonuses, but rules limit how they are advertised publicly, so offers are often shown only after you sign up. Offshore sites usually advertise the biggest bonuses, which is exactly why it is worth reading their terms carefully.
The terms that decide what a bonus is worth
Wagering requirement
The wagering requirement says how much you must bet before bonus money becomes withdrawable. A $100 bonus with 30x wagering means $3,000 in total bets. If the requirement applies to the deposit plus the bonus, the same offer needs $6,000. Read our detailed guide to wagering requirements.
Game weighting
Not every game counts fully towards wagering. Slots usually count 100%, while table games and live casino often count 10–20% or nothing at all. If you mainly play blackjack, a bonus can take many times longer to clear.
Maximum bet
While a bonus is active, most casinos limit the size of each bet, often to a few dollars per spin or round. Betting more, even once, can void the bonus and any winnings from it.
Time limit
Bonuses expire, often after 7 to 30 days, and free spins can expire within a day or two of being credited. A high requirement with a short time limit forces you to bet more per day than you might want to.
Maximum cashout
Some bonuses, especially no deposit offers and free spins, cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings, for example $100. Anything above the cap is removed when you withdraw.
Sticky and non-sticky bonuses
With a non-sticky bonus, you play with your own money first; if you win before touching the bonus, you can usually withdraw and cancel the bonus. With a sticky bonus, the bonus amount itself is removed when you withdraw, and you keep only the winnings. Non-sticky bonuses are generally better for players.
Example: comparing two offers
| Offer A | Offer B | |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus | $500 (100% match) | $200 (100% match) |
| Wagering | 40x bonus | 15x bonus |
| Total bets needed | $20,000 | $3,000 |
| Time limit | 7 days | 30 days |
| Easier to complete | No | Yes |
Offer A looks bigger, but you need almost seven times more betting, in less time, to clear it. With a slot that has a 4% house edge, $20,000 in bets has an expected cost of about $800, which is more than the $500 bonus itself. For most players Offer B is the better deal.
Wagering calculatorCAD
Enter a deposit and the wagering requirement to see how much you would need to bet.
Total wagering required
Based on a 100% deposit match.
Game weighting
- Online slots100%
- Roulette & baccarat20%
- Live dealer & blackjack10%
Check whether wagering applies to the bonus only or to the deposit plus the bonus: the second doubles the total.
How to read bonus terms in five minutes
- Find the wagering requirement and what it applies to: bonus only, or deposit plus bonus.
- Check which games count and at what percentage.
- Note the maximum bet while the bonus is active.
- Check the time limit and any maximum cashout.
- Look for excluded payment methods: some casinos exclude certain e-wallets from bonuses.
Red flags in bonus terms
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Wagering on deposit + bonus
Doubles the total amount you need to bet compared with wagering on the bonus only.
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Very short time limits
Three to seven days is rarely enough to complete high wagering at sensible bet sizes.
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Vague "irregular play" rules
Terms that let the casino cancel winnings without clear reasons are a reason to skip the offer.
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Bonus forced on deposit
A good casino lets you decline a bonus. If it is added automatically and cannot be removed, read the terms very carefully.
Bonuses and safer play
Bonuses are designed to keep you playing longer, and that is exactly why they deserve a second thought. If you notice that you deposit more to unlock the next offer, or keep playing only to finish a requirement, take a break. Licensed casinos let you opt out of bonus emails and promotions in your account settings.
Bonus rules you must not break
Casinos allow one bonus per person, household or device, and they check. Opening several accounts, using someone else’s details or using VPNs to claim offers from another region breaks the terms and usually ends with the account closed and winnings withheld.
Should you take a bonus at all?
A bonus can extend your playing time, but it also locks your money behind rules. If you want to be able to withdraw at any time, play without a bonus. Whatever you choose, set a budget first and treat bonus money as part of it, not as a reason to deposit more; see setting deposit limits.
Frequently asked questions
Can I withdraw a casino bonus straight away?
No. Bonus money must be wagered according to the terms first. Your own deposit can usually be withdrawn, but doing so often cancels the bonus.
What is a good wagering requirement?
Lower is better. Requirements around 20x or less on the bonus only are generally considered player-friendly; 40x or more is high.
Are no deposit bonuses free money?
They are free to claim, but usually come with high wagering and a low cap on how much you can cash out.
Can I decline a bonus?
At most licensed casinos, yes. Look for an option in the cashier or contact support before you deposit.
Are bonuses taxable?
For recreational players, winnings, including those from bonuses, are generally not taxable in Canada. See taxes on winnings.