Reading bonus terms

Welcome offers look attractive on a phone banner, but the small print decides whether a bonus is genuinely usable. This page explains the clauses you will see on UKGC-licensed sites — without promoting any specific deal.

Wagering requirements

Most deposit-match bonuses require you to bet the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit too) a set number of times before winnings become withdrawable. A 35x requirement on a £50 bonus means £1,750 in total stakes — not £1,750 in losses, but still a significant play-through. Check whether wagering applies to bonus only or bonus plus deposit.

Game weighting

Slots usually count 100% toward wagering; table games and live casino often contribute less or nothing. If you prefer blackjack on mobile, a slots-focused free-spin package may never clear. The weighting table is always in the promotion terms.

Free spins rules

Free spins are typically locked to named games with a fixed stake per spin. Winnings may be capped, credited as bonus funds with their own wagering, or paid as cash with a maximum withdrawal limit. Expiry windows of 24–72 hours are common.

Maximum bet while wagering

Operators often cap stake size (commonly £5 per spin) while a bonus is active. Exceeding the cap can void the bonus and any associated winnings. The limit appears in the promotion terms, not just the general rules.

Expiry dates

Bonuses and unused free spins expire. On mobile, calendar reminders help — it is easy to forget an offer accepted during a quick session. Unused bonuses simply disappear; they do not convert to cash.

Opting out

You can usually decline a welcome offer at registration and play with cash only. That removes wagering restrictions entirely. Some players prefer this on mobile where accidental bonus activation is harder to spot in a small screen flow.