Last updated: 8 November 2025
Online casinos love to attract players with bonuses, free spins, and loyalty rewards. These offers can stretch your bankroll and make playing more enjoyable, but only if you know how to use them wisely. Hidden terms, unrealistic wagering requirements, or expiring credits can quickly turn a great deal into an utter disappointment.
Here’s a practical guide on how to get the best out of casino promotions, avoid the common pitfalls, and make your bonuses work harder for you.
1. Always Read the Terms and Conditions
Before claiming any offer, take a moment to read the fine print. The terms and conditions tell you exactly how to use your bonus and what might prevent you from being able to withdraw your winnings.
Look out for:
- Wagering requirements – How many times you must play through the bonus before cashing out.
- Game restrictions – Some games contribute less or nothing towards wagering requirements than others.
- Maximum bet limits – Betting above the limit can void your bonus.
- Expiry dates – Many bonuses expire within a few days if unused.
Understanding these details helps you avoid losing your winnings to technicalities.
2. Choose Bonuses with Realistic Wagering
Not all bonuses are created equal. A 500% matched deposit bonus may look exciting, but if it comes with 60x wagering requirements, you’re unlikely ever to withdraw a penny of it.
Instead, aim for offers with lower, more achievable wagering requirements, ideally between 1x and 30x. If you prefer simpler play, look for no-wagering bonuses. These allow you to keep whatever you win from your free spins or bonus cash without any strings attached.
3. Check Game Contribution Rates
Different casino games contribute differently toward meeting wagering targets. Typically, slot wagers usually count 100%, meaning a £1 spin subtracts £1 from your remaining requirements. However, wagers on table games, like blackjack, baccarat, and roulette, may only contribute 10% or not at all.
If your goal is to clear the wagering conditions for your bonuses quickly, stick to eligible slot games. Casinos usually list these in their promotional terms. Choosing the right games from the start saves you time and prevents frustration later.
4. Time Your Bonuses Smartly
Some casinos offer multiple promotions at once. It’s not common for a site to offer a welcome deposit bonus, regular reload bonuses, weekly cashback, and ad-hoc free spins all at the same time. Claiming them all might sound tempting, but doing so can make managing the terms tricky. With multiple active offers cluttering your account, it’s easier to make mistakes, potentially leading to lost opportunities.
Instead, plan your play around one offer at a time. Finish the first before activating the next. This helps you keep track of progress and ensures you don’t miss deadlines or accidentally break overlapping terms.
Also, try to claim bonuses when you have time to play. If a bonus expires in 72 hours and you’re busy, it’s better to wait until you can use it properly.
5. Make the Most of Loyalty and VIP Schemes
Many casinos reward regular play with loyalty points, cashback, and tiered perks. Even small bets can build value over time if you play consistently.
To maximise rewards:
- Check whether loyalty points can be converted to cash or bonus funds.
- Keep track of expiry dates. Unused points often disappear after a few months.
- Watch for “double points” promotions that boost your balance faster.
If you’re a frequent player, joining the casino’s VIP or loyalty club can offer long-term advantages like faster withdrawals, personal account managers, or exclusive tournaments.
6. Avoid Bonuses That Restrict Withdrawals Too Heavily
Some casinos impose low withdrawal caps on bonus winnings. For example, limiting you to £20 even after meeting wagering requirements.
Before accepting a bonus, check whether the casino lists maximum cash-out limits. If it does, decide whether the effort is worth it. Sometimes, playing without a bonus can be better, especially if you’re planning larger deposits or longer sessions.
7. Keep Records and Track Progress
It’s easy to lose track of your bonus progress, especially if you play across multiple sites. Keep a simple note of where you’ve claimed bonuses, the deposit amount, and the wagering left.
Some casinos show your progress bar in real time; use it. Tracking helps you plan your bets more efficiently and spot when you’re close to clearing a bonus.
8. Don’t Overlook Cashback and Free Spins
Cashback offers and free spins are often more valuable than they appear. Cashback reduces your losses over time, while free spins let you test new games without extra cost.
To get the best value:
- Use free spins on eligible slots with higher RTPs.
- Check if cashback applies automatically or requires manual activation.
- Try to take advantage of all weekly or daily promotions, as small recurring rewards can add up.