Casino bonuses explained: types, wagering, and common traps (Ireland)
Bonuses can boost your bankroll—but they can also be the fastest way to turn a “good offer” into a blocked withdrawal. This guide explains the main bonus types and the terms that matter most.
1) Bonus types: what you’re actually getting
Not all bonuses are the same product. The label is marketing; the terms are reality.
Welcome bonus
Usually applies to the first deposit (or first few deposits). The key variables are the match percentage, the maximum bonus amount, and wagering.
Reload bonus
Promotions for existing players, often weekly or on specific days. They can be useful if terms are reasonable, but they often come with stricter caps.
Cashback
Cashback returns a percentage of your net losses over a period. It may be real cash or “bonus funds” with wagering.
Free spins
Free spins can be valuable, but they often come with:
- limited eligible slots,
- max win limits,
- winnings credited as bonus funds (with wagering).
2) Wagering (playthrough): the single most important term
Wagering is how much you must bet before you can withdraw bonus-related funds.
Common wagering formats
- Bonus-only wagering: wagering applies only to the bonus amount.
- Deposit + bonus wagering: wagering applies to bonus and your deposit (more restrictive).
- Free spins winnings wagering: winnings from spins become bonus funds and must be wagered.
A simple example
If you receive a €100 bonus with 40x bonus wagering, you may need to place €4,000 in bets before the bonus becomes withdrawable (subject to game contribution rules).
3) Terms that commonly block withdrawals
These are the “fine print” items that cause most disputes.
Max bet rule
Many bonuses limit how much you can wager per spin/hand while the bonus is active. Breaking it can void winnings.
Game contribution
Slots might contribute 100% to wagering, while table games contribute much less (or 0%). This can make wagering unrealistic if you play the “wrong” games.
Max cashout
Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from bonus-derived winnings, even if you meet wagering.
4) Crypto deposits: extra considerations
Crypto adds two extra layers: price movement and network fees.
Volatility impact
If you deposit BTC and the price moves, your real EUR risk changes even if the casino balance looks the same in crypto terms.
Fees and minimums
Some casinos set higher minimum withdrawals for certain coins. Always check the cashier before activating a bonus.
5) A safe approach for bonus usage (Ireland)
If fast, predictable withdrawals matter more than maximizing promotional value:
Consider “no bonus” play
It’s often simpler: fewer restrictions and fewer reasons for a dispute.
If you do take a bonus, do this first
- Read wagering + max bet + max cashout.
- Check game contribution for your preferred games.
- Screenshot the terms (they can change).
FAQ
Is cashback always better than a welcome bonus?
Not always. Cashback can be safer if it’s paid as real cash with no wagering, but many cashback offers still have wagering rules.
What is the biggest bonus “trap”?
Max bet rules combined with high wagering. They’re easy to violate accidentally and often lead to voided winnings.