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Understanding Casino Bonuses, Their Terms, Wagering Requirements, and Their Impact on Players
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Introduction

Numerous online casinos provide a variety of enticing bonuses designed to enhance your gaming experience. While many of these bonuses primarily serve to extend the duration of your deposits, some offer you a tangible edge while playing, provided you know exactly what to seek out.
This website showcases countless online casino bonuses. A key element of any bonus offer is the wagering requirement, often called playthrough. What does the playthrough requirement mean? In essence, it signifies how many times a player needs to wager the bonus amount, the deposit, or both, before being allowed to withdraw funds. Most bonuses come with a playthrough stipulation.
The amount of time you might invest in browsing different casinos for the optimal bonus can differ widely, based on your level of commitment as a player; however, it remains critical for all participants to comprehend and follow the Terms & Conditions when claiming a bonus.
Whether your gameplay is advantageous or not, grasping the Terms & Conditions associated with online casino bonuses is vital to avoid any complications. A significant breach of these Terms can lead to repercussions, which may include the loss of your bonus and related winnings, or, in extreme cases, a complete ban from the casino.
The language pertaining to these bonuses can significantly differ from one online casino to another. While some Terms are clear-cut, others may be convoluted enough to require legal expertise for comprehension. Today, we will aim to clarify certain Bonus Terms for your understanding in a few categorized sections:
- Common Bonus Terms & Conditions
- Unique Bonus Terms & Conditions
- Terms to Watch Out for if Seeking an Advantage
- How Does the Math Work?
- Different Types of Bonuses
1.) COMMON BONUS TERMS
There exists a range of Terms & Conditions that, despite minor variations in wording, remain relatively consistent across any online casinos you might explore.
It is also crucial to recognize that there are General Terms & Conditions that may influence the Bonus yet are not specifically outlined in the Bonus Terms. Therefore, if the website contains separate sections for General and Bonus Terms, you should carefully review both to ascertain if any General T&C's pertain to your bonus. Being aware of the T&C's is generally a smart practice.
For our case study, we will examine the Bonus Terms and General Terms promotional offers from a previous favorite casino; Bovada Casino .
Fortunately, the specific Bonus Terms related to the $3,000 Welcome Promotion are conveniently displayed alongside the promotion itself. We would like to extend our appreciation to Bovada for making their Terms & Conditions so accessible, in contrast to some other casinos which tend to obscure them in separate pages on their sites.
The example promotion is straightforward: it entails a 3x Welcome Bonus of up to $3,000 through a 100% match on deposits . Essentially, players can deposit $1,000 three times, receiving an additional $1,000 to play with each time.
Let's break down some of the key Terms related to this bonus that you might encounter with any bonus:
A.) Playthrough Requirements
From that page, we see that the rules related to Playthrough Requirements are as follows:
- After the bonus code is activated, players must fulfill the playthrough stipulations before they can use the code again.
- Only activities completed after redeeming the bonus code will be counted towards meeting the rollover criteria.
- The combined amount of the deposit and bonus is subject to a 25X playthrough requirement, which must be met before the deposit, bonus, and any winnings can be withdrawn.
- Choosing to forfeit this bonus means losing both the bonus and any winnings that come with it.
- Bonus funds are restricted from use in Live Dealer games.
- Neither Craps nor Live Dealer play contributes towards fulfilling the wagering requirements needed for withdrawal.
- All games except Craps and Live Dealer count towards the playthrough requirements, although some games may contribute more significantly than others. Please consult our wagering contribution guide for further details.
- Bonus funds are prohibited from use in Live Dealer games.
And From Bovada's Terms And Conditions Page:
- When it comes to withdrawing winnings, you must undergo Bovada's verification process. This could include, but is not limited to, providing proof of residency and identification issued by the government. Once we confirm that you have complied with the Terms, Anti-Money Laundering regulations, fraud-screening requirements, and all rules concerning the Games and their related bonuses, your payout will be processed. The manner of withdrawal may be limited, depending on the method used for your initial deposit(s). We also reserve the right to fulfill your withdrawal request via an alternative method at our discretion. If, for any reason, a payout cannot be approved, a Customer Service Representative will get in touch with you.
- Bonus programs are meant solely for casual players. Professional players or those suspected, at our sole judgment, of exploiting the bonus system may have their bonuses revoked and could face additional penalties. Bonus abuse can include actions like cashing out solely to re-deposit, adding to an existing balance, manipulating betting patterns to avoid wagering requirements, or creating new accounts for personal use. Penalties may involve heightened rollover obligations, loss of bonus privileges, forfeiture of balances, and closure of offending accounts and any associated linked accounts. We reserve the right to restrict eligibility for special offers and bonuses as necessary. This encompasses potential geographic restrictions on match bonuses due to bonus abuse. Bonus funds cannot be utilized on games that do not contribute to fulfilling rollover obligations.
- Mixing No-Deposit bonuses (such as Free Spins, Free Chips, Cashback bonuses, etc.) with deposits is strictly prohibited. If a deposit occurs while a No Deposit Bonus is active, the wagering requirements and maximum allowed cash-out associated with that No Deposit bonus remain applicable. Your deposit will be added to your balance; however, this deposited amount won’t count as being in active play, and any future winnings will be subjected to the No Deposit bonus's wagering requirements and maximum payout limits until your balance equals or drops below the amount of the deposit plus any pre-existing balance at the time of the bonus redemption.
- Free bonuses cannot be redeemed continuously. After using one No Deposit bonus, you must make a real money deposit before you qualify to redeem another No Deposit bonus. Redeeming successive No Deposit bonuses can lead to the forfeiture of any subsequent winnings.
Bonus funds are prohibited from use in Live Dealer games.
While the terminology might vary slightly, all online casinos will enforce wagering requirements related to this kind of bonus. Let us break these down further, one by one:
1.) After redeeming the bonus code, players must complete the playthrough obligations before they can redeem the code a second time.
This particular term is somewhat unique and not universally implemented across all online casinos. It indicates that regardless of winning or losing, the player is required to meet full playthrough conditions before accessing this bonus again. For instance, if you deposit $1,000 and receive a matching $1,000, slot games you would need to meet a playthrough condition of $50,000. If after $30,000 in playthrough the player loses both the deposit and bonus funds, they would be required to wager an additional $20,000 on a future deposit to qualify for the same bonus again.
Other online casinos might have rules that allow you to take a new bonus while the current one is still being wagered, but if you lose your deposit and bonus funds, you can reset the playthrough to access another bonus. This policy does not apply at Bovada, making it crucial to understand that you must finish the entire playthrough before taking this bonus afresh.
2.) Only wagers after redeeming the bonus code are applicable for computing the rollover obligations.
This is a widely recognized rule and almost every online casino employs a variation of it. This simply implies that if you deposit without activating a bonus, any associated play won't count towards the wagering requirements of that bonus unless the bonus has been redeemed first.
In simple terms, if you plan to utilize a bonus, make sure to redeem the bonus funds before engaging in any gaming so that all your wagers will apply to the playthrough.
3.) The combined amount of the deposit and bonus is governed by a 25X playthrough requirement before any withdrawals can occur.
This is another clear and nearly universal term. This means that all Wagering Requirements (playthrough) must be fulfilled before any withdrawals can be processed. Most often, it also includes your deposit, meaning that your funds will remain 'locked' until you have completed all wagering requirements.
For example, with a $1,000 deposit matched by a $1,000 bonus, (25 * $2,000) equates to $50,000 to be wagered on slot games prior to being eligible for any withdrawals.
If you wish to play at an online casino If you desire the freedom to withdraw your funds and winnings whenever you choose, you might prefer not to opt for a bonus. The vast majority (if not all) online casinos link your deposit with any bonus currently in play.
*Some online casinos may implement a policy requiring players to wager the deposited amount at least once before they can cash out, which serves as a precaution against money laundering.", '4.) If you choose to give up this bonus, you will lose both the bonus and any winnings that came from it.
This particular stipulation regarding bonuses is nearly omnipresent across online gambling platforms; however, the specific application of it can vary from one casino to another.
In short, if you choose to forfeit any bonus funds, both the bonus amount and the earnings derived from it will be deducted from your balance. It’s important to note that since you are required to use the bonus funds before your own deposited money, opting out can lead to a situation where you end up losing money, potentially lowering your account balance below your initial deposit. If you have already lost part of the bonus funds, your balance may indeed fall under the initial deposited amount.
If you suspect you may not want to play with a bonus, it’s advisable to avoid accepting the bonus altogether. After making a deposit, verify your account balance to confirm that a bonus has not been applied if you do not wish to have one. If by chance a bonus has been erroneously added, reach out to customer support to have it removed before you start playing.
*While it’s not a common practice among online casinos, a few do automatically enroll players in available bonuses, necessitating an active decision to "Opt-Out" if they prefer not to receive it. Although we generally do not support this approach, some casinos still adopt it. Therefore, it’s essential to check your account immediately after making a deposit to ensure you haven’t unintentionally gained a bonus you didn’t want.
5.) Bonus funds are not eligible for play on Live Dealer games. Additionally, neither Craps nor Live Dealer games contribute to the rollover requirements needed for withdrawals. All games, with the exception of Craps and Live Dealer games, count towards the playthrough obligations; however, different games may contribute to varying extents. For further details, please refer to our wagering contribution guidelines. Bonus funds cannot be utilized for playing Live Dealer games.
"Bonus funds cannot be used for Live Dealer games," which emphasizes the point by reiterating it!
Some casinos may completely restrict bonuses on Live Dealer games, whereas others might offer separate bonuses specifically for those types of games. For instance, Bovada does not seem to provide a specific bonus for Live Dealer sessions at all, likely due to concerns related to the gameplay mechanics involved.
The majority of casinos with Live Dealer games While certain games might allow for bonus play, it seems that any winnings accrued from such games won’t be counted towards fulfilling the Wagering Requirements. A significant number of online casinos will limit specific games for bonus-related activities, so it’s critical to identify these, as the restrictions can vary widely—even extending to certain slots and keno games! Some casinos may not permit particular slots or keno games to earn bonuses! card counting on Blackjack .
Electronic Craps In reference to #5, Bovada mentions, "For a detailed overview, please consult our wagering contribution page," where they maintain additional information along with comprehensive Bonus Terms & Conditions.
The Wagering Contributions for Bovada, as recorded on October 3, 2018, are as follows: here .
Table Games (unless specifically mentioned otherwise)
Wagering Contributions |
Percentage Contribution |
Slots, Specialty Games (all types) |
100% |
Video Poker (all forms) & Blackjack (unless specified otherwise) |
20% |
Single Deck & Double Deck Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat |
10% |
To easily calculate your wagering requirement, determine what 100% of the playthrough is, and then divide that number by the percentage expressed in decimal form. For instance, if a player deposits $1,000 and receives a $1,000 bonus, their total funds become $2,000 with a required playthrough of 25x, necessitating $50,000 in slot wagers. |
5% |
Craps & Live Dealer (all types) |
0% |
Other Table Games would require a total of $50,000/.2 = $250,000 in wagers.
Video Poker + Blackjack would require a total of $50,000/.1 = $500,000 in wagers.
For additional games with a 5% contribution, total playthrough would equate to $50,000/.05 = $1,000,000.
To spot bonuses that are reasonable and achievable, it’s essential to comprehend the type of bonus you are dealing with, and if you wish to tackle it head-on, you should assess the anticipated losses corresponding to the playthrough conditions. Conversely, you could determine what percentage loss you could endure while still remaining break-even overall.
To do this, simply take the playthrough requirement, multiply it by x, and as long as the overall total doesn’t exceed the bonus amount, you should expect a profit from the bonus. (Refer to:
Essentially, for a slot game to maintain a break-even point with this bonus, the house edge needs to be around 2% (98% Return-to-Player). A lower house edge is beneficial, while a higher one becomes detrimental. The only scenario where this occurs is when a progressive jackpot influences the game positively. Flat Betting )
50000 * x = 1000
X = 1000/50000
X = .02 or 2%
For this instance, "Other Table Games," would require a House Edge or Element-of-Risk of only 0.4% (99.6% RTP of all stakes) for a player to break even. A lower House Edge is an advantage, while a higher House Edge is a disadvantage.
For Other Table Games:
250,000 * x = 1000
X = 1000/250000
X = .004 or 0.4%
You can apply this same process to other types of games now that you’re familiar with the method. Simply put, without "Structuring your betting," you’re likely to find no strategic advantage here, and possibly none even with structured betting. Moreover, understanding whether or not structured betting is allowed will be vital.
Input the amount of the bonus you intend to claim.
Calculate Casino Bonus House Edge
-
1st Step
Enter the wagering requirement as a multiplication factor of the Bonus or the combined total of Bonus + Deposit. For instance, if the requirement is 25 times, you would only need to enter "25" in the designated field. -
2nd Step
If you’re required to meet the wagering demands for both the bonus and the deposit, ensure both boxes are checked and include the deposit amount where applicable. -
3rd Step
Input the percentage contribution relevant to the game you plan to engage with. -
4th Step
Click on " Calculate ," and the estimator will provide you with the break-even house edge necessary for any fully cashable bonus. -
5th Step
Lists out additional Bonus Terms alongside more detailed versions of the summarized conditions stated earlier.
B.) OTHER BONUS-SPECIFIC TERMS
Unfortunately, for whatever reason, many online casinos (Bovada included) have a page that only summarizes the Bonus Terms & Conditions while a separate page lists them in full. The full page, which we will link again for your convenience.
1.) Withdrawals of winnings are contingent upon verification processes by Bovada. This may encompass various requirements, including but not limited to providing evidence of residency and identification issued by the government. Provided you meet the Terms, along with all Anti-Money Laundering protocols, fraud checks, and regulations concerning the Games and associated bonuses, your payout will be processed. The method of your withdrawal might be restricted, based on how the initial deposit(s) occurred in the relevant Account. Without limiting other options, we maintain the right to alter your withdrawal request method at our discretion. Should there be an issue approving your withdrawal for any reason, a Customer Service Representative will reach out to you.
This particular section essentially amalgamates several stipulations into one comprehensive term. Many online casinos would delineate these individually, but we will present them collectively for clarity.
Nearly all online casinos implement some form of verification process , and as Bovada indicates, "This may include…providing proof of address and government-issued identification…" it’s standard for most casinos to request both documents when a withdrawal is initiated. Some establishments might require this documentation for multiple withdrawals, but generally, it’s only mandated for the first withdrawal, provided that subsequent requests are made in a timely manner.
Reiterating, these verification measures are highly standard and function to ensure that the individual making the withdrawal is legitimately the person who funded the account. If a deposit was made through an account, this process protects the account holder against potential fraudulent activities involving their information.
Pay close attention to your details when registering with an online casino. You will want to ensure that all your information aligns with your identification documents, including having a utility bill or credit card statement as evidence of your address. Avoid complications by ensuring you enter accurate details!
Online platforms like Bovada also take the necessary actions to validate that none of the Bonus Terms & Conditions (like restricted games or wagering stipulations) have been breached. This is a common process, but on occasions, an account may be flagged for further manual review, potentially extending the verification time by a few days.
Finally, the remaining information clarifies that the method used for withdrawals might not mirror the method used for deposits. Be sure you can accept withdrawals via the channels that the casino uses to process payouts before starting to play. Information regarding this is usually available in the terms and conditions or in the "Cashier" section of the casino. If you have any queries or need further explanation, reach out to customer service prior to making a deposit.
*To comply with anti-money laundering regulations, some casinos require that you wager the total amount of any deposit at least once before you can request a withdrawal.", '4.) If you choose to forfeit this bonus, you will lose not only the bonus itself but also any potential winnings derived from it. deposit method This particular Bonus Term is widely recognized across online casinos, though its implementation may vary from one casino to another.
In simple terms, if you opt out of the bonus, any money you earned from bonus funds, as well as the bonus funds themselves, will be deducted from your account. Since you are expected to use the bonus funds before anything else, deciding to abandon the bonus means you can only either lose money or at best not gain anything if your balance is even. If you have incurred losses from the bonus funds, your remaining balance could end up being less than your initial deposit.
Should you believe that you might not want to pursue a bonus, it’s advisable to simply decline the bonus initially. After making a deposit, verify your balance to confirm that no bonus has been applied if you don’t want it. If a bonus was mistakenly added to your account, contact customer support promptly to request its removal before engaging in any gameplay.
*A few online casinos implement this policy, automatically crediting eligible bonuses to player accounts, which means players must actively choose to "Opt-Out" if they do not wish to accept the bonus. We typically recommend against this practice, yet some casinos continue to do it. So again, make sure that no unwanted bonuses have appeared in your account after deposits.
5.) Bonus funds are not permitted for use in Live Dealer games. Games like Craps and Live Dealer options do not contribute to the wagering requirements necessary for withdrawals. All other games still count towards these requirements, although the contribution levels can vary among different games. For detailed information, refer to our wagering contribution guidelines. Remember, bonus funds cannot be used in Live Dealer games.
"Bonus funds cannot be utilized for Live Dealer games," highlighted this point with emphasis!
In some cases, casinos may not allow bonuses to be used on Live Dealer games, or they might offer distinct bonuses specifically for that category. For example, Bovada seems to not provide a dedicated Live Dealer bonus. This could be due to various factors.
Certain games may be eligible for bonus play, but it's important to note that such play typically does not count toward fulfilling the Wagering Requirements. Many online casinos restrict specific games for bonus use, so it’s crucial to review what is prohibited, as the restrictions can vary by casino. In fact, some casinos might even limit specific slots or keno games!
In reference to #5, Bovada notes, "For detailed understanding, please check our wagering contribution," which is maintained on a different page alongside the comprehensive Bonus Terms & Conditions.
As of October 3, 2018, here are the Wagering Contributions for Bovada:
Table Games (unless specified otherwise)
Video Poker (all varieties) & Blackjack (unless specified otherwise) Single Deck & Double Deck Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat A straightforward method to calculate the total amount you need to wager involves determining what 100% of the playthrough requirements would be, then dividing that figure by the percentage expressed as a decimal. For instance, if a player makes a $1,000 deposit and receives a $1,000 bonus, the player would then have $2,000 total, with a 25x wagering requirement, thus necessitating a playthrough of $50,000 on slots.
Other Table Games would require a total playthrough of $50,000/.2 = $250,000
Video Poker + Blackjack would necessitate a playthrough of $50,000/.1 = $500,000
Other games at a 5% contribution would need a playthrough of $50,000/.05 = $1,000,000 No-Deposit Bonus The essential factor in identifying manageable bonuses lies in recognizing the type of bonus at hand, and if you intend to take a shot at beating a bonus outright, you must assess your expected loss versus the playthrough requirements. Surprisingly, we can reverse this process to find out what percentage of expected loss we can incur while still achieving overall break even.
To accomplish this, simply multiply the playthrough by x; as long as that total does not exceed the bonus amount, you can anticipate a profit from a straightforward bonus . (Note:
In other terms, for a slot game to allow a player to break even with this bonus, it would need to have a house edge of just 2% (98% Return-to-Player). A lower house edge is favorable, while a higher one works to the player's disadvantage. For this to occur, a Progressive must set the game such that it meets those odds.
Bonus funds are prohibited from use in Live Dealer games.
For the category of "Other Table Games," the house edge or risk factor would need to be around 0.4% (99.6% RTP on all bets) for the player to achieve break even. A reduced house edge benefits the player, whereas an increased house edge does not.
C.) REGULAR TERMS THAT AFFECT BONUSES
We have discussed all of Bovada's bonus-specific terms, but it is also important for players to note that many of the regular Terms & Conditions at casinos will also have an impact on any bonuses being played. Once again, we will use Bovada as an example and determine what sorts of terms might apply:
- You can replicate this analysis on your own for the other game categories, now that you understand the method. Simply put, without "Structuring your betting," you won’t find an edge here, and perhaps even with structured betting, an advantage might still be elusive. Moreover, understanding whether bet structuring is permissible is crucial.
- Enter the amount of bonus you intend to accept.
- Input the wagering figure as a multiple of the Bonus or Bonus + Deposit. If the wagering requirement is 25x, simply enter "25" in this section. If you need to satisfy the wagering requirements for both the bonus and the deposit, check both boxes and include the deposit amount. are as follows:
Specify the percentage contribution applicable to the game you plan to engage with.
Press " Calculate ", and the calculator will determine a breakeven house edge for any fully cashable bonus.
This section includes additional Bonus Terms as well as more comprehensive versions of the terms summarized above.
1.) Withdrawals of winnings are subject to verification protocols at Bovada. This process may involve providing proof of your address and a government-issued ID. If we find that you adhere to the Terms, all Anti-Money Laundering guidelines, and fraud detection measures, as well as the rules associated with the Games and related bonuses, your payout will be processed. The method of withdrawal might be limited based on how the initial deposit(s) were made to your relevant Account. Nonetheless, we reserve the right to fulfill your withdrawal request through a different method or process at our discretion. If for any reason your payout request cannot be approved, you will be contacted by a Customer Service Representative. own page .
This section essentially combines multiple terms into one. While many online casinos would choose to list these items separately, we will break this down as if they were outlined individually.
Most online casinos implement some sort of verification process . Bovada states, "This may involve...providing proof of address and government-issued identification…" which is a standard requirement by almost all casinos when processing a withdrawal. Some casinos might request this information for various withdrawals, but the majority will only ask for it the first time, as long as following withdrawals are recent.
2.) UNIQUE BONUS TERMS & CONDITIONS
Certain online casinos will have Bonus Terms & Conditions that are fairly unique to them and will also vary significantly from one casino to another. These are usually just more specific versions of the general conditions that we looked at above.
Again, these verification practices are commonplace and serve to ensure you are indeed the person requesting the withdrawal and that you are also the one who made the deposit. If an initial deposit came from an account, this protects the account holder from potential fraudulent use of their information.
BET LIMITS
It’s vital to ensure that all information you provide when registering at an online casino aligns with what is on your identification. You also need to have a utility bill or credit card statement that matches your address. Avoid creating unnecessary complications by submitting incorrect details!
Set by Amount
Bovada, in addition to other online casinos, will conduct a double-check to ensure that none of the Bonus Terms & Conditions (such as restricted games and wagering requirements) have been breached. This is a usual protocol, but in some cases, an account can be flagged for manual review, which may lead to delays in processing that can last several days.
The remaining information merely clarifies that the method for your payout might not be the same as your initial deposit method. Before you start playing, confirm that you can receive withdrawals using the payment method that the casino uses to process payouts. Such information is usually available in the casino’s terms and conditions or in the "Cashier" section. If you have any doubts or need further explanation, it's wise to reach out to customer service before making any deposits.
*Many online casinos have a policy that requires players to wager the total amount of their deposits at least once before they can withdraw any funds. This is a precautionary measure intended to prevent money laundering.", '4.) If you choose to give up this bonus, any winnings that you accumulated along with the bonus amount will be forfeited.
This is a widely observed condition in the realm of online gambling, though specific implementations can vary across different platforms.
In essence, this stipulation indicates that if you opt out of receiving a bonus, both the resultant winnings and the initial bonus amount will be deducted from your balance. Since bonus funds are prioritized when playing, if you decide to back out, you can end up either losing money or at best breaking even. In fact, if you have incurred losses on the bonus funds before opting out, your remaining account balance could drop below your initial deposit amount.
If you want to play Video Poker If you suspect that you might not want to engage with a bonus, it's best to avoid accepting it altogether. After a deposit, ensure to verify that no bonus has been inadvertently assigned to your account, especially if you are not interested. If you find that a bonus has been erroneously granted, reach out to customer support promptly to request its removal before you start playing.
Set by Multiplier
*While not common among online casinos, there are some that automatically attach a qualifying bonus to players’ accounts, necessitating an “Opt-Out” choice for those who prefer to forgo the bonus. This practice is generally viewed unfavorably, although some casinos implement it nonetheless. Therefore, after making a deposit, always confirm that unwanted bonuses have not been credited to your account.
5.) Bonus funds are not applicable for use in Live Dealer games. Additionally, neither Craps nor Live Dealer games contribute toward the wagering requirements necessary for withdrawal. All games aside from Craps and Live Dealer are counted toward fulfilling these requirements, though the contribution percentage can vary between different games. For detailed information, please refer to our wagering contribution section. Bonus funds cannot be utilized in Live Dealer games.
"Bonus funds are not applicable for use inLiveDealer games," and this message is so crucial that it was reiterated!
Time Restrictions
Some casinos will either disallow bonuses for these games entirely, or they might have specific bonuses tailored for Live Dealer offerings. In the case of Bovada, it appears they do not provide a bonus specifically for Live Dealer games. Perhaps this is due to concerns over...
While it seems you can use a bonus for certain games, it might not count towards fulfilling the Wagering Requirements. Most online casinos have restrictions on which games can be played with bonus funds, so it's essential to inspect these details as the restricted games can differ. Some casinos might even limit access to specific slot or keno games!
In point #5, Bovada references, "For more information, please view our wagering contribution," which they maintain on a separate page that also contains the complete Bonus Terms & Conditions.
Game Restrictions
As of 10/03/2018, here are the Wagering Contributions for Bovada:
Deposits and Bonuses
Table Games (unless otherwise specified)
Video Poker (all variations) & Blackjack (unless otherwise stated)
Single Deck & Double Deck Blackjack, Roulette, Baccarat
There are many Bonus Terms out there that are specifically designed to thwart advantage players, in fact, most of the terms out there are designed for this reason, if not to outright completely preclude the possibility of advantage play.
To easily determine how much you need to wager, calculate what 100% of the playthrough requirement would be, then divide that by the percentage expressed in decimal form. For instance, if a player deposits $1,000 and receives a $1,000 bonus, they will have a total of $2,000, which would require a 25x playthrough, thus necessitating $50,000 in wagers on slots.
Other Table Games would require a total wagering of $50,000/.2 = $250,000
Video Poker + Blackjack would require a total of $50,000/.1 = $500,000
Ambiguous Terms
Other games with a 5% contribution would necessitate $50,000/.05 = $1,000,000
The key to finding bonuses that you can profit from lies in understanding the type of bonus you are engaging with. If you're looking to succeed with a bonus, it’s crucial to estimate the expected losses based on the playthrough requirements. You can actually reverse this by figuring out how much loss can be sustained while still breaking even overall.
To accomplish this, take the total playthrough amount, multiply it by x, and as long as the result does not exceed the bonus amount, you will have an expected profit on a direct bonus . (Refer to:
In simpler terms, if a slot game has a house edge of 2% (98% Return-to-Player), that gives the player a breakeven point with this bonus. A lower house edge is beneficial, while a higher house edge becomes unfavorable. This situation typically arises if the game features a Progressive structure that pushes it into a more advantageous territory. Roulette For “Other Table Games,” the house edge or risk factor must be 0.4% (99.6% RTP of all wagers) for the player to break even. Again, a lower house edge works in your favor, whereas a higher one can divide into loss. Phantom Bonus You can replicate this process for other game types now that you grasp the mechanics behind it. Simply put, without "Structuring your betting," you may not find any advantage, and even with structured betting, it will be crucial to know whether or not such strategies are permitted.
Input the amount of the bonus you intend to accept.
Input the wagering requirement as a multiple of the Bonus or Bonus + Deposit. If the requirement is 25x, simply enter "25" into the designated field. online message board .
4.) HOW DOES THE MATH WORK?
We have addressed the math for specific types of advantage plays elsewhere If the wagering requirements encompass both the bonus and deposit, make sure to check both boxes and enter your deposit amount.
Enter the percentage contribution attributed to the game you plan to play.
Press " Calculate ", and the calculator will present you with the breakeven house edge for any fully redeemable bonus.
Lists additional Bonus Terms along with more comprehensive versions of the summarized conditions mentioned previously.
1.) Withdrawals of winnings must undergo Bovada’s verification processes. This may involve, but is not limited to, providing proof of address and valid government-issued ID. Once it is confirmed that you have satisfied all Terms, Anti Money Laundering regulations, fraud-checking requirements, and the rules related to Games and associated bonuses, your payout will be processed. However, the method used for withdrawal might vary depending on how the initial deposit(s) were made. Additionally, we reserve the right to process your withdrawal via an alternative method at our discretion. If, for any reason, your payout request cannot be approved, a Customer Service Representative will reach out to you.
This segment encapsulates several terms within a single statement. Many online casinos might list these elements separately, however, we shall dissect the entirety as if they were presented independently. Keno game that Bovada offers.
Virtually every online casino implements some form of verification procedures , and as Bovada mentions, "This can include...providing proof of address and government-issued ID...", these requirements are standard practices across most casinos when processing withdrawals. A few casinos may require you to submit this information during multiple withdrawal attempts, but the majority will only request it for your initial withdrawal as long as subsequent withdrawals are made reasonably close together. Rival Software :
Again, these verification steps are quite normal and are designed to ensure that the person making the withdrawal is truly the same individual who made the deposit. If a deposit came from an account, this protects the account holder’s information from being misused.
When signing up for an online casino, be vigilant about accuracy. Your details should correspond with those on your identification, and you will likely need a recent utility bill or credit card statement as proof of address. Avoid complications by providing incorrect information!
Bovada and other online casinos will also rigorously check to ensure that none of the Bonus Terms & Conditions (like restricted games and wagering requirements) have been breached. This is a standard practice, though sometimes accounts may be flagged for a manual review, which might delay the process for a few days.
5.) DIFFERENT TYPES OF BONUSES
The remaining information simply notes that your method of receiving payouts may not be identical to your initial deposit method. Prior to playing, ensure you can accept withdrawals through the casino's chosen payout method. This information is typically found in the terms and conditions or in the "Cashier" section of the casino. If you have any queries or need clarity, it's advisable to contact customer service before making a deposit.
2.) Bonus programs are designed exclusively for casual players. If we determine that a player is taking advantage of the bonus system, whether openly or in subtle ways, their bonuses might be taken away, and they could face additional penalties. Actions that can be categorized as bonus abuse include, but are not limited to, withdrawing funds only to re-deposit them, adding new deposits on top of an existing account balance, or strategically altering betting patterns (like changing bets or game types) to meet wagering requirements, as well as creating multiple accounts for personal use. Consequences for such actions can involve stricter rollover requirements, loss of bonus access, or even account suspension for the implicated account and any connected ones. We maintain the right to limit who can qualify for special offers or bonuses, including necessary geographic restrictions due to abuse. Additionally, bonus money may not be utilized on games that do not aid in meeting rollover conditions.
A.) No-Deposit Bonuses
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A1.) No Deposit-Free Spins
Engaging in any of the previously mentioned actions could lead to penalties, which include, \"..Sanctions may be in the form of increased rollover requirements, loss of bonus privileges, balance forfeiture and account closure for the offending Account as well as any linked Accounts. We reserve the right to restrict eligibility for special offers and bonuses when necessary."
In most scenarios, a player would need to exhibit very blatant violations to face the forfeiture of their balance. Understandably, this is not a favored outcome and often drives players to express their grievances to platforms like this one or our sister site, LCB.org, making it clear that casinos will only impose balance forfeitures with justifiable reasons. Investigations are typically conducted if a complaint arises in such cases.
Casinos often revoke bonus privileges or allow players to withdraw their funds and close their accounts if they suspect bonus abuse. Although such actions are rarely welcomed, it is within a casino's rights to limit its services as long as due payments are fulfilled to the player beforehand.
3.) Mixing No-Deposit bonuses (such as Free Chips, Free Spins, Cashback/Insurance Bonuses etc.) with deposits is prohibited. If a deposit is made while a No Deposit Bonus is active, the associated wagering requirements and cash-out limits for the No Deposit bonus remain in place. Even though your deposit will be added to your balance, it does not contribute to active play, and any earnings thereafter are subjected to the terms of the No Deposit bonus until your balance is back to the initial deposit amount plus any previous funds that were available before redeeming the bonuses.
This condition is standard across the majority of casinos. In fact, several online casinos won’t allow players to claim a \"Welcome Bonus" if they have previously utilized a bonus at all, making Bovada quite accommodating in this regard. Generally, most casinos do not permit multiple concurrent bonuses, and attempts to do so often result in account closure and/or forfeiture of bonuses.
A2.) No Deposit-Bonus Funds
It's crucial to comprehend that if you deposit while a No Deposit Bonus is still active, the maximum cashout limit applicable to that No Deposit Bonus will be enforced, so avoid this! Your deposit may exceed this maximum cashout, as limits are typically quite low.
4.) Players cannot redeem free bonuses consecutively. If you’ve already activated one No Deposit bonus, you must have made a real money deposit in between to qualify for a second No Deposit bonus. Attempting to redeem multiple No Deposit bonuses in succession may lead to the nullification of any winnings earned afterward.
Our last condition from this section is prevalent among several (though not all) online casinos. Broadly, these casinos discourage players from claiming No Deposit Bonuses repeatedly, hoping to gain wins through \"Free-Rolling," them. No Deposit Bonuses are primarily intended for players to explore various games and perhaps win some money. While claiming a No Deposit Bonus (and opting not to return if you lose) can be regarded as playing at an advantage, the average value received from such a bonus is incredibly low, especially in light of the maximum allowed withdrawal.
A3.) No Deposit-Tournaments
It’s important to remember that all terms related to identity verifications, deposits, withdrawals, and other relevant areas apply to bonuses as well. Essentially, the very first task before engaging with any online casino is to read their general terms and conditions, ensuring that you find them fair and understandable. A2 ) or free spins (see A1 Terms related to maintaining only one account per household apply to bonuses as well. In fact, the primary reason casinos enforce this rule is due to bonuses, otherwise it wouldn’t matter as much.
At times, terms for No Deposit Bonuses may be found in the general Terms & Conditions instead of specifically under Bonus Terms, which is the case with Bovada. The
B.) Deposit Bonuses
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B1.) Deposit Bonuses-Cashable Bonuses
Some casinos, unlike Bovada, explicitly state the maximum bet allowed (or a betting range) when operating with a bonus. If such a limitation must exist, we believe it's much better to openly inform players of the constraints from the start. Alternatively, the games could be programmed to enforce these betting limits during the bonus period.
B2.) Deposit Bonuses-Phantom Bonuses
At times, players might score a major win on slots, then wish to 'Grind out,' on a game with a lower edge or volatility, like Blackjack, to meet the Wagering Requirements. In general, casinos are not likely to penalize you for switching games occasionally , but if your account undergoes scrutiny (which it likely will), they can easily determine if you are switching in a systematic fashion.
The repercussions for participating in any of these activities could include, '...Sanctions may take the form of increased rollover requirements, loss of bonus privileges, balance forfeiture and account closure for the offending Account as well as any linked Accounts. We reserve the right to restrict eligibility for special offers and bonuses when necessary.'
Typically, an online casino will only enforce a balance forfeiture if you clearly violate the terms in a serious manner. This is obviously not a favored outcome and often leads to complaints being directed to sites like this and our partner site, LCB.org, meaning casinos will only impose such drastic measures for just cause. If a forfeiture occurs, it will usually be thoroughly investigated if the player voices their dissatisfaction.
B3.) Deposit Bonuses-Sticky Bonuses
Casinos frequently revoke bonus rights or permit a player to withdraw all their funds and terminate their account if they suspect bonus exploitation. While such actions are understandably unpopular, it is within a casino's rights to restrict services as they see fit, ensuring the player is compensated before doing so.
3.) No mixing of No-Deposit bonuses (like Free Chips, Free Spins, Cashback/Insurance Bonuses, etc.) with deposits is permitted. If a deposit is made while a No Deposit Bonus is active, the wagering conditions and maximum withdrawal limits for the No Deposit bonus will still apply. While the deposit will be added to your balance, it won't be a factor in the active play balance, and any wins thereafter will be subject to the wagering criteria and cash-out limits of the No Deposit bonus until your total balance is equal to or below the deposit amount plus any pre-existing funds.
Conclusion
This rule is quite standard across many casinos. In fact, a significant number of online casinos will not permit someone to claim a 'Welcome Bonus,' if they have ever utilized a
previous No Deposit Bonus. Hence, Bovada is relatively lenient in this aspect. More often than not, casinos prohibit the simultaneous claim of multiple bonuses, and any effort to do so could lead to account termination or forfeiting bonuses. advertising policy :
It's crucial to remember that the limits on cash-out from the No Deposit Bonus come into play if you make a deposit while that bonus is active, so it's best to avoid that! Your deposit could exceed the limit on what you can actually withdraw from the No Deposit Bonus, as the max cash-out is often minimal.
4.) Consecutive redemption of free bonuses is not allowed. If you redeem one No Deposit bonus, you must make a real money deposit before being eligible for another No Deposit bonus. Redeeming multiple No Deposit bonuses back-to-back could lead to the forfeiture of any future winnings.
The last Condition in this section is one that is commonly shared by most (but not all) online casinos. Generally speaking, online casinos discourage players from repeatedly taking No Deposit Bonuses in hopes of winning while 'Free-Rolling,' them. No Deposit Bonuses are really intended for you to sample games and potentially win a bit. While it might seem advantageous to claim a No Deposit Bonus and never play again if you lose, the actual return from such a bonus is typically very low, especially when taking into account the maximum cash-out permitted.
Internal Related Reading
- Any regulations regarding identity verification, deposits, withdrawals, and related aspects also apply to bonuses. In essence, the first thing to do before engaging with any online casino is to thoroughly read the standard terms and conditions and ensure you understand and find them reasonable.
- Real Casinos, Real Money
- Guide to No-Deposit Bonuses
- Top Online Casino Bonuses
- Terms that pertain to limiting one account per household obviously extend to bonuses as well. In fact, the primary reason casinos care about maintaining single accounts per household is mainly due to bonuses.
- Legitimate Online Casinos
- Occasionally, you may find No Deposit Bonus terms integrated into the general Terms & Conditions instead of the Bonus Terms section, which is true for Bovada. The
- maximum withdrawal parameters for their No-Deposit bonuses, 4.9 Withdrawal of Bonus funds. Unless stated otherwise in the specific rules applicable to individual Activities, Games, or Bonus promotions, any bonus funds credited to your Account (whether from a prize, promotion, redemption, or any other source) are subject to rollover stipulations before withdrawal can occur. Unless specified in the bonus conditions, no deposit bonuses under $100 will have a maximum cashout of $125, and bonuses exceeding $100 will allow a cashout up to 1X the bonus amount.
- Casinos by Minimum Deposit
- Casinos by Min Withdrawal
- Fast Withdrawal Casinos
External Related Reading
- Nearly every casino, if not all, establishes a maximum withdrawal limit for no-deposit bonuses. This is primarily because they want to avoid having to pay out on large jackpots won by players who haven't invested any of their own money.
- Negative Bonuses
- Thrilling Bonus
- D.) FINANCIAL TERMS RELEVANT TO BONUSES
- Learn the Rules!
- Scamming the Casinos
- Lastly, there are some common Financial (also known as Cashier) terms that are relevant to bonuses. Conveniently, Bovada includes a Financial Q&A on its site.
- The crucial aspect here is the general withdrawal limits. It’s essential to understand that a player typically cannot withdraw their entire balance upon completing a bonus if it exceeds the allowed amount for individual withdrawals. This is a crucial aspect to be aware of, particularly if you intend to make a significant deposit.
- 2.) Bonus programs are specifically designed for players who engage in gaming for leisure. If we determine, at our discretion, that a player is exploiting the bonus system—regardless of the method—such individuals may lose their bonuses and possibly face additional penalties. Bonus exploitation may include (but is not limited to) players withdrawing funds with the intention to redeposit, adding funds to an existing balance, or altering their betting patterns (such as the types of bets or games chosen) to bypass wagering conditions. The consequences for such actions may involve higher rollover requirements, loss of bonus eligibility, forfeiture of account balances, or even account closure, including any related accounts. We maintain the right to limit access to special promotions and bonuses as necessary, including imposing geographical limitations on certain bonuses due to abuse concerns. Additionally, bonus funds cannot be utilized in games that do not contribute to the required rollover.
- We apologize for the dense information contained in the section marked as 'Term.' This format is consistent with how information is presented on the Bovada website. We will do our best to simplify this into smaller, more digestible sections.
- Numerous casinos impose conditions stipulating that bonuses are strictly for recreational players. This broad definition allows casinos considerable leeway in labeling players who may be at an advantage as engaging in 'bonus system abuse.'
- ADVANTAGE PLAYERS CARE MORE
- WHEN TO AVOID PROMOTIONS
- HOW NOT TO PLAY PROMOTIONS
- HOW NOT TO PLAY PROMOTIONS PART 2
- HOW NOT TO PLAY PROMOTIONS PART 3
- BETTER BONUS BEATING
- TWO BONUSES TO LOOK AT
- ADVANTAGE PLAYERS ANONYMOUS
- PROMOTION TO AVOID