If you’ve been scouring the internet looking for a site to play casino games for real money, you’ll no doubt have come across a range of enticing online casino bonuses. But there must be a catch, right? Yes, there is, and it’s called an online casino wagering requirement. But this doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take advantage of lucrative bonuses when you enjoy online casino slots, live dealer casino games, and other gambling games at the best online casino — BetMGM Casino.
So, what is a wagering requirement at an online casino? How do online casino wagering requirements work, and how do they affect your gameplay? Discover answers to all these questions and more below.
What Is an Online Casino Wagering Requirement?
Whether you’re new to casino gambling or an experienced online gambler, you’ve probably encountered incredible online casino bonuses and promotions offering you hundreds of dollars in deposit matches or bonuses. Although these offers are designed to encourage you to sign up, casinos also add casino bonus wagering requirements — just to keep things fair. This helps casinos to make a profit because it ensures that players also invest some of their own money.
Simply put, if you receive a bonus, there will be conditions attached to your wager, meaning you’ll have to meet those requirements before you can claim your winnings. It’s vital to get clued-up on these requirements so you don’t make any of the common beginner mistakes when it comes to casino bonuses.
How Do Online Casino Wagering Requirements Work
Wagering requirements usually state that the player must meet a minimum betting threshold in order to reap the benefits of their sign-up or promotional offer or before they can claim any of their winnings. Just like it’s a good idea to understand the conditions and benefits of loyalty programs at online casinos before you sign up, it’s essential to understand wagering requirements before signing up.
This requirement isn’t a way to trick players. Casino bonus dollars are meant to be used for playing real casino games and aren’t just donations to players. If casinos allowed players to withdraw their balance after a few bets, they’d essentially be giving away money.
Offers like sign-up rewards, “sticky bonuses,” and other promotional offers exist to encourage new players to join a site or to offer rewards to existing customers. These incentives allow casinos to reward players with extra time or credit on their favorite games. Casino bonuses add an exciting dynamic to the gaming experience by providing you with extra opportunities to play — and who wouldn’t want bonus money when playing online slots or casino table games? It’s certainly a great way to check out a new game without risking your bankroll.
How Wagering Requirements Work for Different Online Casino Bonuses
Online casino wagering requirements change depending on the casino bonus on offer. Take a moment to consider some of the different types of casino bonuses you can enjoy and the wagering requirements they might have.
Free Spins
If you play online slots for real money, some casinos might offer free spins as a Welcome Bonus or promotion. In order to cash out the money you make from free spins, you’ll need to wager an amount several times your winnings — an amount calculated by multiplying your total winnings. For example, if you win $50 and the wagering requirement is “20 times,” you’ll need to wager $50 a total of 20 times ($1,000) before you can claim your winnings.
You should always be aware of a casino’s betting requirements before you claim a bonus. That way, you’ll avoid disappointment when you try to claim any money you won with free spins. If the wagering requirement is too high or you won’t be playing long term, it’s better to forfeit the bonus and use your own funds. With your own deposit, you can withdraw your winnings whenever you want to.
Deposit Match Bonuses
The wagering requirements around match bonuses work similarly to those for free spins. If you deposit $50, the casino will match it with $50 as part of a match bonus or deposit match. If the wagering requirement is “20 times,” you’d need to wager the matched deposit 20 times to meet the wagering requirement. In this example, the amount you’d need to wager comes to $1,000.
However, you should be aware that some online casinos may include your initial deposit as part of the match bonus. For instance, if you deposit $50 and the casino matches with $50, you may need to wager a total of $100 “20 times” to meet that wagering requirement. It’s clear why reading the fine print is so crucial when it comes to a casino bonus or a deposit match bonus. In the end, they may not be worth your time and money — which you may only discover once you try to withdraw your winnings.
No-Deposit Bonuses
A no-deposit bonus is a monetary prize you win without depositing any of your own funds. The wagering requirements for these also use the multiplier system based on the amount you receive.
If you receive a $50 no-deposit bonus and the wagering requirement is “10 times,” you need to bet a total of $500 before you can access any winnings. Depending on the wagering requirement set by the casino, no-deposit bonuses can be a great way to enjoy games without having to immediately hand over your own money.
Other Regulations Affecting Wagering Requirements
Unlike some unspoken rules of casino etiquette, the rules regarding wagering requirements are clear. Before you agree to claim a bonus, it’s important that you read the terms and conditions. In addition to bonus-specific rules, other regulations may also affect whether or not a player can withdraw their winnings. Here are a few to look out for to avoid disappointment and confusion. Remember, these rules apply only to some casinos, so ensure you check the terms and conditions of the one you’re playing at.
Your Bets Only Count After You’ve Cleared Your Deposit
If you claim a match bonus when you play at a casino online, your deposited money will first be used when placing bets. Only after this money has run out will any bonus credit or additional deposits begin to count toward the wagering requirement.
Certain Games Don’t Count Towards Wagering Requirements
Certain games may only contribute a percentage of your bet towards the wagering requirement. In some cases, they may not contribute to the wagering requirement at all. This is usually decided by the game’s return to player (RTP) value, which is a statistical calculation reflecting how much the game pays back on average to players over a certain period.
For example, slot games with a low RTP may contribute the full amount you bet toward the wagering requirement. In contrast, live dealer casino games with a high RTP will contribute much less.
Regardless of the game you decide to play, check that the bet you want to make counts toward the wagering requirement before you commit your money to it. You don’t have to do this, but if the requirement is high, it’ll make a big difference in the long term.
Your Bonus Is Only Valid for a Limited Time
Find out how long your bonus is valid for so that you can be sure to take advantage of it before it expires. There’s nothing worse than missing out on an incredible bonus simply because you forgot to check the expiry date. Some bonuses are only valid for a day, while others might be active for several months — it varies depending on the type of bonus.
Be Careful About Picking Up Additional Bonuses
While a bonus may seem too good to pass up, it’s essential to read the fine print before you accept any new or additional wagering requirements on top of any you already have. You may accidentally break the rules laid down by the casino. As a rule of thumb, to avoid any possible issues, you should always aim to clear your current wagering requirement before accepting the next online casino bonus.
Games, Types of Bets, and Strategies May Be Banned
Casinos will limit or ban any bets or strategies that could be used to exploit the system, like using winnings from low-risk bets to play high-risk games. Certain games may also be off-limits for you while you’re completing certain wagering requirements. Every individual casino game will also have its own betting limit or maximum bet.
Failure to understand these specific rules could result in you losing your bonus balance. You could also forfeit any winnings you may have accrued. Also bear in mind that most online casinos have additional disclaimers in place, warning players that any attempt to exploit the system (even in a way that’s not listed) will amount to a violation of the wagering requirements agreement. Violating this agreement may cost you your bonus and winnings. If you have a strategy you like to use in baccarat or any other casino game, it’s a good idea to wait until you’ve met the requirements and withdrawn your winnings before you try it out.
Find Out if Cashback Applies to Bets
If you’re a regular casino player and like to make the most of your gambling deposits, you’ll most likely have investigated the cashback offers available at your favorite site. Cashback offers are a great way for regular players to save cash when they’re on a losing streak, but you’ll need to confirm whether these offers apply to bets made while you’re completing wagering requirements.
Not All Bonuses Set Wagering Requirements
While it’s necessary to be aware of the rules regarding bonuses that come with wagering requirements, you should also note that some bonuses don’t have strict regulations. These are usually bonus features or free spins on slots that aren’t part of a larger promotion. When players win anything off these bonuses, many casinos will only require a small deposit before they’re allowed to claim their winnings. Again, be sure to take a look at the conditions for each bonus so you can relax and have a great time enjoying them.
Reading the fine print might sound boring, but it lets you enjoy your bonuses without any risks. Always take the time to read the terms, rules, and requirements if you want to play to win — and when you do win, don’t forget to report your winnings if you want to avoid legal complications.
The Best Bonuses and Promotions at BetMGM Casino
BetMGM Casino offers a wide variety of casino bonuses and offers — and all BetMGM bonus wagering requirements are reasonable and fair. Other than Deposit Match welcome offers, BetMGM Casino also has promotions for online sports betting, table games, and slots. Here are a few important points to keep in mind about bonuses and promos at BetMGM:
Check Updates Regularly
BetMGM bonuses and promos are updated regularly and accessible through your inbox or the Promotions page.
Ensure Wagering Requirements Are Met
Bonuses are rewards given under specific conditions, and if not received, it’s usually due to unmet terms. Verify that you’ve opted in, deposited the minimum amount within the promotion period, and played eligible games. If issues persist, contact customer service with the promotion details.
Track Your Wagering Requirement Progress
As detailed above, withdrawals are only possible after you’ve met the relevant wagering requirements, which can be in BetMGM Rewards Points, money wagered, or raked hands. Check the Promotions section for your progress, and remember that requirements that are unmet by the expiry date will result in you forfeiting the bonus and potential winnings.
Understand Bonus Types
There are two main bonus types at BetMGM: Withdrawal Restricted, and Play Restricted bonuses. In the former, the bonus is directly added to your account for specific games and restrictions may apply to the bonus, deposit, or winnings. With the latter, your deposit is usable in any game, but only specific games contribute to releasing the bonus.
View Current and Past Bonuses
You can see your current and past bonuses in the “My Current Bonuses” and “Bonus History” sections, respectively. Current bonuses can have statuses like new, waiting, active, or accepted, each with different meanings and actions. Past bonuses can be released, exhausted, expired, or deleted.
View Bonus Selection
Some BetMGM campaigns offer a choice of bonuses, while others give you a sequence of bonuses to unlock.
How To Choose the Best Bonuses and Promotions
Ultimately, the best way to choose bonuses is based on your interests and skills, as valid games vary. Most importantly, have fun. Bonuses are there to make your favorite games even more enjoyable — not stressful or complicated.
If you miss out on any of the seasonal promotions, you can rest assured knowing you can take advantage of MGM Rewards throughout the year. The MGM Rewards program gives you the red carpet experience at MGM resorts while giving you the opportunity to redeem and earn rewards when you play online. Redeem your MGM rewards points for free bets, bonus dollars, and much more.
And since there’s enough to go around, why keep all the fun to yourself? Share the goodness with a friend and unlock a $50 Refer A Friend bonus. Visit the Promotions page to see all the ongoing offers and wagering requirements at BetMGM Casino.
Discover the Best Online Casino Games With BetMGM
If it’s going to take you some time to meet the conditions for a wagering requirement, it’s wise to choose a casino that guarantees you a great time. BetMGM offers the latest casino games on a safe and mobile-friendly platform. If you prefer classic table games, BetMGM has an enticing range of online poker, blackjack, and roulette tables to join with real, professional dealers, as well as traditional digital gambling games like slots, variety games, and virtual sports.
Register to begin your online gambling adventure.
