Casino Bonus Terms Explained for Affiliates: Wagering, Max Bet, Expiry and More
Casino bonus terms explained for affiliates: wagering requirements with a worked example, game weighting, max bet, expiry, max cashout and how to describe a bonus honestly.
A bonus is often the first thing a reader sees on a casino page, and the first thing they complain about later. Most complaints come from terms nobody explained: wagering, a maximum bet, a short expiry or a cap on what can be withdrawn.
As an affiliate, explaining these terms clearly is the best thing you can do for your readers and for your own numbers. This guide covers each common term, a worked example, and how to present a bonus without misleading anyone.
The terms that matter
| Term | What it means | What to tell readers |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering requirement | How many times the bonus (or bonus plus deposit) must be bet before winnings can be withdrawn | The multiplier and what it is applied to |
| Game weighting | How much each game type counts toward wagering | Which games count fully, partly or not at all |
| Max bet | The largest stake allowed while the bonus is active | The exact limit, and that breaking it can void the bonus |
| Expiry | How long the bonus and the wagering stay valid | The number of days |
| Max cashout | A cap on what can be withdrawn from bonus winnings | The cap, if there is one |
| Minimum deposit | The smallest deposit that triggers the bonus | The amount and accepted payment methods |
| Excluded payment methods | Deposits by some methods may not qualify | Which methods are excluded |
A worked wagering example
Numbers below are only an illustration, not any real offer. Say a reader deposits 100 and gets a 100 bonus, with a wagering requirement of 30 times the bonus.
- 1Wagering applies to the bonus only: 30 x 100 = 3,000 in total bets before bonus winnings can be withdrawn.
- 2If table games count 10%, then 3,000 of wagering on tables means 30,000 of actual table bets. Most readers do not realise this.
- 3If the max bet is 5, the reader needs at least 600 spins or bets on fully weighted games to finish.
- 4If the bonus expires in 7 days, that is roughly 86 bets a day.
If the same 30x applied to deposit plus bonus, the total would be 6,000. That one word ('deposit plus bonus') doubles the work. Always say which one it is.
Sticky, non-sticky and no-deposit bonuses
Non-sticky (sometimes called a parachute bonus): the player plays with their own deposit first. If they withdraw before using the bonus money, the bonus is simply removed. Sticky: the bonus is mixed with the deposit and often cannot be withdrawn itself, only winnings above it after wagering.
No-deposit bonuses and free spins usually come with tighter caps on what can be cashed out. Cashback returns part of losses as cash or bonus money; describe it accurately and never as a way to win back losses.
How to present a bonus honestly
- Put the key terms (wagering, max bet, expiry) next to the offer, not hidden behind a link.
- Avoid 'free money', 'risk-free' and 'guaranteed'. A bonus does not remove risk.
- Use the operator's exact wording for the amount and check it often; offers change.
- Show the age limit and a responsible gambling line next to the offer.
- Say clearly that terms apply and link to the operator's full terms.
Some regulators restrict how bonuses may be advertised, and some markets do not allow bonus promotion at all. Check local law and the operator's terms for every country you target. The basics are in iGaming compliance for affiliates.
Using bonus content on your site
A clear bonus breakdown page is one of the most useful casino content ideas you can publish, because it answers what readers search right before signing up. It also helps retention: players who knew the terms are less likely to feel cheated. See player retention.
Keep a change log per brand so your pages stay correct. If you promote with AMZA, your Wingman can confirm the current offer and terms for each country before a page goes live.
FAQ
What is a wagering requirement?+
The number of times a bonus (or bonus plus deposit) must be bet before winnings from it can be withdrawn. A 30x requirement on a 100 bonus means 3,000 in bets.
What is game weighting?+
How much each game counts toward wagering. Slots often count fully, while table games and live games may count partly or not at all.
Is a casino bonus free money?+
No. A bonus comes with conditions and does not remove the risk of losing. Affiliates should never describe it as free or risk-free.
What happens if a player breaks the max bet rule?+
Under many operators' terms the bonus and its winnings can be removed. That is why the max bet should be shown next to every offer.
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