Online casinos hand out bonus codes because they want your deposits. You should want their money back. The gap between a wasted promotion and a profitable one comes down to reading the fine print, picking the right games, and finishing wagering requirements before the clock runs out. Most players claim bonuses without checking contribution rates or expiration windows. They lose funds they could have kept.
This guide covers the math behind clearing bonuses efficiently, which games help and which hurt, and how to avoid the traps operators build into their terms.
Know the Wagering Requirement Before You Claim
A bonus code means nothing without context. The wagering requirement determines how much you must bet before withdrawing anything. A $1,000 deposit match with a 15x playthrough means you need to wager $15,000 total. At BetMGM, the deposit match carries that 15x requirement, while the casino bonus portion requires only 1x playthrough. FanDuel offers a $40 casino credit and 500 bonus spins with 1x wagering, which is unusually low for the industry.
DraftKings lands in the middle. According to Sportsbook Review, their bonus funds carry 10x playthrough requirements. Their $1,000 lossback promotion requires only 1x wagering, and the spins have no playthrough at all.
Caesars Palace Online Casino sits at the other end. Their deposit match requires 15x on slots, 30x on video poker, and 75x on all other games except craps. The no deposit bonus terms include 1x on video slots, 2x on video poker, and 5x on everything else. These numbers matter when you calculate your expected loss over thousands of bets.
Stacking Small Wins Before Wagering Deadlines
Most bonus codes expire within 7 to 14 days. This window forces a decision about how to pace your play. Spreading sessions across several days allows you to track your balance and avoid rushing through wagers on unfamiliar games. A $500 deposit match with a 15x playthrough requires $7,500 in total bets. Breaking that into daily targets makes the math manageable and reduces the temptation to chase losses.
Operators like BetMGM, FanDuel, and DraftKings each structure their online casino bonus offers differently. Comparing expiration windows and contribution rates before claiming anything helps you pick the right promotion for your schedule and preferred games.
Game Contribution Rates Determine Your Path
Not all bets count equally toward wagering requirements. At most operators, slots contribute 100% while table games contribute far less. According to PlayUSA, blackjack, roulette, and video poker often count for 10% to 20%, sometimes 0%.
DraftKings specifies that craps and baccarat contribute 0% toward bonus playthrough. Their select slots contribute only 20% instead of the standard 100%. Blackjack and eligible table games also sit at 20%.
Caesars makes table games almost useless for clearing bonuses. Blackjack requires 75x wagering, meaning a $1,000 bonus needs $75,000 in blackjack bets to clear. The same bonus on slots requires $15,000.
FanDuel breaks this pattern. According to Bonus.com, all casino games at FanDuel have a 100% contribution rate with no restrictions on the welcome bonus. This means you can play blackjack or roulette and still clear your wagering at the same pace as slots.
Bet Limits and Cashout Caps
Casinos set maximum bet limits when you play with bonus funds. The typical cap sits around $5 per spin or $0.50 per bet line. Exceeding this amount, even accidentally, can void your bonus and all winnings attached to it. Check the terms before placing any bet.
No deposit bonuses and free spins often come with maximum cashout limits. According to VIP Grinders, these caps typically range from $50 to $500. A $200 win from a no deposit bonus might only let you withdraw $100. The rest disappears.
Deposit match bonuses sometimes carry withdrawal restrictions, too. Read the terms for any mention of maximum withdrawal amounts tied to bonus winnings.
Pick Your Operator Based on Terms
West Virginia players get better deals at BetMGM. The maximum deposit match bonus there reaches $2,500 compared to $1,000 in other states. The operator runs this promotion through December 31, 2025.
BetMGM gives you 14 days to complete wagering on deposit matches. Eligible games include slots and jackpot slots only. Table games and live dealer contribute nothing. Early withdrawal before completing playthrough forfeits both the bonus and any winnings.
DraftKings bonus credits expire after 7 days from issue. FanDuel also requires completion of 1x wagering within 7 days, according to Casino.us.
The choice between operators depends on what games you prefer and how much time you have. A slots player with 2 weeks available might prefer BetMGM’s longer window. Someone who wants to play blackjack should look at FanDuel’s 100% contribution rate across all games.
State Restrictions Apply
Legal online casino play exists in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia. Each state has a regulatory body overseeing operations. The Michigan Gaming Control Board, New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement, and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board license and monitor operators in their territories.
You must be physically present in a licensed state to play. BetMGM requires players to be 21 years or older and located within state borders where their online casino operates legally.
According to the American Gaming Association, 17 jurisdictions restrict casinos from accepting credit card deposits, government checks, or stored value cards representing public benefits. Using a debit card or bank transfer is standard practice for deposits.
Calculate Expected Value Before Playing
A bonus with lower wagering requirements preserves more of your bankroll. According to Casino Beacon, 20x to 30x playthrough is considered fair in 2025. Anything higher eats into expected returns through house edge over repeated bets.
Consider a $500 bonus with 30x wagering. You must bet $15,000 total. At a 3% house edge on slots, your expected loss is $450. The bonus still nets you $50 in expected value. The same bonus with 50x wagering requires $25,000 in bets. Expected loss climbs to $750, putting you $250 behind.
FanDuel’s 1x wagering on their $40 credit means you bet $40 total. At 3% house edge, expected loss is $1.20. You keep most of the bonus value.
Conclusion
Bonus codes offer free money with strings attached. The strings matter more than the headline number. A $2,500 match bonus with 75x wagering on your preferred game costs you money in expected value. A $100 bonus with 1x playthrough hands you nearly the full amount.
Check wagering requirements, game contribution rates, bet limits, cashout caps, and expiration windows before claiming anything. Pick operators whose terms match your playing style and available time. The math determines outcomes more than luck does.
