Written by Nadia DavidsonFacts checked by Mason Jones
How We Rank Bonuses

How We Rank Casino Bonuses using BonusRank

Not just any online casino makes the grade. We have a strict process for testing online casinos to determine whether we even list them.

Once we approve a casino, our team of experts starts the real work. And it's thorough. Our unique BonusRank algorithm considers all the important aspects of a bonus and calculates a score that allows meaningful and direct comparison between bonuses. You don't have to guess, our rating scale will clearly show you if a bonus is great, good enough, or should be avoided.

Read more about our BonusRank system and how we make bonus comparisons.

Why Do No Deposit Bonuses Have Terms And Conditions?

No deposit bonuses are a popular marketing strategy online casinos use to attract new players and retain existing ones. You get the opportunity to try out games without having to make a deposit, which is ideal if you’re on a budget or hesitant about spending money on gambling.

However, it's important to understand that these bonuses come with terms and conditions for a reason. While they may seem like a generous and risk-free opportunity, the reality is that casinos are running a business and need to protect their bottom line.

  1. One of the main reasons for the terms and conditions is to prevent you from simply taking advantage of the bonus without ever actually playing at the casino.
    By requiring you to meet certain wagering requirements or playthrough amounts, casinos can ensure that you are actually engaging with their games and potentially becoming long-term customers.
  2. Another reason for the terms and conditions is to mitigate the financial risk that comes with offering no deposit bonuses. As much as casinos want to attract new players, they also need to make sure they are not giving away too much free money.
    By setting limits on how much can be won or withdrawn from a no deposit bonus, casinos can minimise their losses and maintain a steady stream of revenue.
  3. Terms and conditions also help to protect you from fraudulent activities. By setting rules for claiming and using bonuses, casinos can prevent individuals from creating multiple accounts or abusing the system in any way. This ensures fair play for all and maintains the integrity of the casino's operations.

The Most Important Terms And Conditions Explained

It can be annoying having to go through all the long general terms and conditions of no deposit bonuses presented by most online casinos.

We’ve highlighted the most important ones you should always take note of:

Wagering Requirements

One of the most crucial terms and conditions that you need to be aware of when it comes to no deposit bonuses are the wagering requirements. This is the number of times you must bet the bonus amount before being able to withdraw any winnings.

For example, if a casino offers a 10 no deposit bonus with a 20x wagering requirement, you must bet 200 (10x20) before being able to withdraw any winnings from the bonus. This is to prevent you from simply cashing out the bonus without ever actually playing at the casino.

Win Limits

Another important term to pay attention to is the win limit. This refers to the maximum amount that you can win and withdraw from a no deposit bonus. It's common for casinos to set a limit on how much can be won from a bonus, usually in the range of 50-100.

This helps to protect the casino from excessive losses and encourages you to continue playing at the casino with your own funds.

Game Weighting Percentages

Different games contribute differently towards meeting wagering requirements, known as game weighting percentages. Some games may contribute 100%, meaning every bet counts towards the wagering requirement, while others may only contribute 10% or even 0%.

This is important to note when choosing which games to play with a no deposit bonus, as it can greatly impact how quickly you meet the wagering requirements.

Expiry Dates For Claiming And Wagering Bonuses

No deposit bonuses often come with strict time limitations, both for claiming the bonus and fulfilling the wagering requirements. Once your bonus is active, you generally need to use it within 24 or 48 hours.

However, when it comes to playing through your winnings, the time frame varies. Some casinos give you up to 30 days to meet the wagering requirements, but others may restrict you with as little as 7 days, which can be challenging if you don’t play very often.

It's worth taking note of these dates and making sure to use the bonus within the specified timeframe. Otherwise, the bonus may expire and any winnings may be forfeited.

Additionally, casinos may also have different expiry dates for different games or bonus funds, so we suggest reading the terms and conditions carefully before making any bets.

How To Fully Understand And Comply With The Terms And Conditions

While reading through the terms and conditions may not be the most exciting part of claiming a no deposit bonus, you must understand what you are agreeing to fully.

Here are some tips on how to interpret and comply with the T&Cs:

  • Read through all the fine print related to bonuses carefully.
  • Take note of any restrictions or limitations on games, wagering requirements, and win limits.
  • Make sure to use the bonus within the specified timeframe before it expires.
  • Keep track of how much you already wagered to meet the requirements, and how much more is needed.
  • Avoid creating multiple accounts or abusing the system in any way, as this could result in you being banned from the casino.

A Blueprint To Reasonable Bonus Terms

When it comes to no deposit bonuses and free spins, the terms and conditions can vary greatly between casinos. This can make it difficult for you to know what constitutes fair and reasonable bonus terms.

In order to provide a clear guide, we have conducted a thorough analysis of multiple no deposit bonus offers and established an average set of terms and conditions.


 No Deposit BonusesNo Deposit Free Spins
Average bonus value50NA
Average number of free spinsNA25
Average win cap100150
Average Wagering Requirements30x20x
Typical game weighting percentages at casinos offering this bonusSlots: 100%
Table Games: 10-50%
Other Games: 10%
Slots: 100%

Based on these figures, we can conclude that a reasonable set of bonus terms and conditions would be wagering requirements of 25x-35x, with a win limit of between 100-150.

When it comes to game weighting percentages, slots generally come out on top, contributing 100% to wagering requirements in both cases, while table games and other games contribute much less.

Why Terms And Conditions Affect Your Chances Of Winning Real Money

This is what it all comes down to, folks. T&Cs can affect your chances of winning real money when playing at online casinos. In fact, the terms and conditions are what ultimately dictate the true value of the bonus.

The fine print may seem like a boring legal document, but it can actually have a huge impact on your ability to turn your free bonus into real cash.

We suggest looking out for the following in particular when checking the T&Cs:

  • Win caps - to find out how much you can win from a bonus. You may only be able to withdraw a fraction of your winnings if there is a low win cap in place, no matter how much you actually won.
  • Time limits - to learn how long you have to convert it to real cash. if you do not meet the wagering requirements within a specified timeframe, your bonus and any winnings associated with it will be forfeited.
  • Game weighting percentages - to get details on which games you can play to contribute towards meeting the wagering requirements so you can investigate their potential

In a nutshell, by assessing the T&Cs, you'll find out for sure if the bonus is worth your time.

How To Factor In Terms And Conditions When Choosing Bonuses

When choosing which bonus to claim at an online casino, you should now know it is crucial to factor in the terms and conditions that come with it. As previously mentioned, these T&Cs can greatly impact your chances of winning real money from the bonus.

Since there’s no such thing as the perfect bonus, one way to approach this is by viewing it as a trade-off, based on what’s important to you.

You may come across a bonus with high wagering requirements but no win cap or a bonus with low wagering requirements but a low win cap. In this case, you need to decide if you want the opportunity to win more, or if you would be happy with a smaller sum but an easier road to cashing out.

In general, bonuses with lower wagering requirements and higher win caps will give you a better chance of converting your bonus into real money. However, it is also important to consider the time limit and game restrictions that may come with these bonuses.

Comparing and choosing bonuses can become a bit of a balancing act, as it is rare to find a bonus that excels in all aspects. The trick is prioritising what matters most to you and your playing style.

If you enjoy trying out various game genres, then a bonus with more lenient game restrictions may be the better option for you.

Ultimately, it is crucial to carefully review and understand the terms and conditions of any bonus before claiming it. This will ensure that you make an informed decision and have the best chance of turning your bonus into real money winnings.

Why You Should Consider RTP And Volatility

Aside from the terms and conditions set by online casinos, there are other important factors to consider when trying to convert a bonus into real money, such as RTP and volatility:

  • RTP (Return to Player) - refers to the percentage of all wagered money that is paid back to players over time. This means that if a game has an RTP of 95%, it is expected to pay back 95 for every 100 wagered.
    Choosing games with a higher RTP will give you better odds of winning.
  • Volatility - refers to the level of risk involved in playing a particular game. High volatility games have larger payouts but are less frequent, while low volatility games have smaller but more frequent payouts.
    Depending on your playing style and risk tolerance, you may want to choose games with certain levels of volatility to optimise your chances of winning.

In terms of converting a bonus, keep in mind that wagering requirements are usually calculated based on your bonus amount, not your deposit amount. This means that if you play a game with high volatility, you may have a smaller chance of meeting the wagering requirements compared to playing a low volatility game.

Remember that some casinos may restrict certain games from contributing towards meeting wagering requirements, so keep an eye out for these restrictions in the terms and conditions.

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