How to use a casino bonus (and when to skip it)

This is a guide to how bonuses work in general — the mechanics and the math. Under AGLC rules we don’t list operator offers; the live details always live on each casino’s own site. 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.

The quick worth-it test

1. Set a deposit limit first. Every AGLC site has the tool — use it while you’re calm.
2. Verify ID before you win. It’s the #1 cause of “slow” payouts.
3. Read the max-bet rule. Betting $6 on a $5-cap bonus can void winnings.

When to skip it

• 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).
• Cashback with no playthrough.
• Free spins on a high-RTP slot with a low wagering multiplier.

For a type-by-type breakdown with the “worth it” math, see the bonus education hub.