How to read casino bonus terms
Short answer
The value of any casino bonus lives in its terms, not its headline. What to check — wagering, max bets, game weighting, cash-out caps — before you opt in to anything.
This is a guide to how bonus terms work in general — the mechanics and the math. Alberta’s rules keep live offer details on each casino’s own site, for opted-in players. What we can do is teach you to read one.
The one number that matters
Ignore the headline. The value of almost any bonus comes down to the wagering requirement — how many times you must bet the bonus before you can withdraw.
Wagering requirement: how many times you must bet a bonus before withdrawing. 35× on $100 = $3,500 in bets. Full explainer with the math →
Before you opt in to anything
- Set a deposit limit first. Every AGLC-registered site has the tool — use it while you’re calm.
- Verify ID before you win. It’s the #1 cause of “slow” payouts.
- Read the max-bet rule. Betting $6 on a $5-cap bonus can void winnings.
When to skip a bonus
- The wagering applies to deposit + bonus, not just the bonus.
- The games you like are excluded or weighted low.
- There’s a low max cash-out that caps your upside.
When a bonus is genuinely good
- No wagering at all (rare, but real — still check the cash-out cap).
- Cashback with no playthrough.
- Free spins on a high-RTP slot with a low wagering multiplier.
Red flags in the fine print
- Terms that let the casino change the offer after you’ve opted in.
- Winnings paid as more bonus funds instead of cash.
- Very short expiry windows that force rushed play.