The Not-So-Fine Print

Online Casino Bonus Terms & Conditions

Online casinos typically offer prospective gamblers various sign-up bonuses in order to entice them into playing (and wagering on) their real-money games. But just like the real world, few things in the virtual world are truly free. Thus, it is vitally important that, prior to accepting any "free bonuses," players review the Terms & Conditions published on a casino Web site thoroughly.

When online casinos offer gamblers free cash bonuses, in essence they are lowering their house edge. In order to regain that lost advantage, gamblers are typically required to wager minimum amounts of money or perhaps play a minimum number of hands or games, that is, of course, depending on the game at hand. After all, one can't expect online casinos to simply give out free money which gamblers can cash out immediately.

Naturally, we'd all like to think that online casinos play by fair-gaming rules; not only regarding the actual games, but bonuses and other promotional schemes as well. Sorry, no dice here. Gambling, whether in land-based or online casinos - is about risk - and freebies are far from immune.

Having said all this, let's take a closer look at some of the more typical terms and conditions concerning bonuses at online casinos.

Sign-Up Bonuses

Most online casinos offer sign-up bonuses to new players making their initial deposit. These "sign-up" bonuses generally match a percentage of the player's deposit, but up to a maximum. For instance, an online casino may offer new depositors a 100 percent match bonus, up to say 100 dollars.

Also, before letting new depositors cash out, gamblers are generally obligated to place a minimum number of bets. An online casino's Terms & Conditions may read as follows:

"Prior to withdrawing money, gamblers must wager 20 times the total amount of their deposit, plus the bonus."

In this case, for instance, online casinos will match a player's $100 deposit by 100%, giving the player a total account balance of $200. This player is obligated to place $4000 ($200 × 20) in bets before being permitted to make a withdrawal.

Additionally, particular online casino games may be excluded entirely from the minimum betting requirements. These exclusions will read something like:

"Bets on Craps, Roulette and Blackjack shall not count towards meeting your minimum wagering requirements."

Cash Out Limits

Lots of online casinos set maximum amounts gamblers may cash out over certain periods of time. For instance, some online casinos will restrict players on a weekly basis. Several online casinos let gamblers cash out any amount, and restrictions are only applied when a bonus is claimed.

Collecting Your Bonus

Most online casinos credit gamblers with their bonuses automatically, while others require players to contact the casino after they've made their initial deposit. If a player DOES NOT wish to collect the bonus, it is important that he or she email the casino prior to making a deposit.

Some Things in Life Always Change

Bonus Terms & Conditions may change from time to time, so make sure you know what you're committing to before depositing any money with online casinos. It is entirely up to the player to be aware of any changes in a casino's Terms & Conditions.