Bonus terms: the clauses that decide whether an offer is worth it
Every casino bonus comes with two texts: the promotion people see and the terms almost nobody opens. The second one is the contract. It decides how much you have to play, which games count, how long you have and what you can take out at the end. This page goes through the clauses in the order we suggest reading them, so you can judge any offer — at MyStake or elsewhere — in a few minutes instead of discovering the rules on the day you try to withdraw.
A reading order that saves time
| Clause | The question to ask |
|---|---|
| Wagering requirement | How many times, and on the bonus alone or on deposit plus bonus? |
| Deadline | How many days before unfinished wagering is cancelled? |
| Maximum stake | What is the largest bet allowed while the bonus is active? |
| Game contribution | Which games count fully, partly or not at all? |
| Cash-out cap | Is there a ceiling on what bonus winnings can become? |
| Sticky or cashable | Is the bonus itself ever withdrawable, or only the winnings? |
Wagering basis: the clause that doubles the work
Two offers can share the same multiple and still differ by a factor of two. A requirement of 20 times the bonus on a bonus of 50 means 1,000 in stakes. A requirement of 20 times deposit plus bonus, after a deposit of 50 and a bonus of 50, means 2,000. The wording is often a single phrase — “bonus amount” versus “deposit and bonus” — and it is the first thing worth finding. Our wagering guide shows more examples.
Deadlines and stake caps
A short deadline turns a manageable requirement into pressure: the only way to clear a large requirement quickly is to bet more per round or play longer sessions. The maximum stake rule works in the opposite direction, forbidding large bets while the bonus is active. Together they define how you are allowed to play. Breaking the stake cap, even once and by accident, is one of the most common reasons bonus winnings are removed, so check the limit before your first spin and keep your stake comfortably below it.
Game contributions
Terms often list games that contribute less than fully, or not at all, to wagering. Table games and live dealer games are frequently weighted down, and some slots may be excluded. If a game counts at a fraction, every stake on it moves you only that fraction of the way. Look for the list before you choose what to play, not after.
Sticky bonuses, cash-out caps and identity checks
A sticky bonus can be used for play but is removed at withdrawal; only what you won with it may be paid out. A cash-out cap limits what bonus winnings can turn into, which is common on no-deposit credit and free spins. Many terms also say that verification must be completed before any withdrawal, and that only one bonus per person, household or device is allowed. None of these clauses are unusual, but each of them can change the value of an offer completely. If a term is unclear, ask support in writing and keep the answer.
Keep your own record
Take a screenshot of the promotion page and its terms on the day you accept an offer, and note the date. If the terms are later changed or a dispute arises, that copy shows what you agreed to. It is a small habit that makes any complaint far easier to support — see our page on complaints and disputes.
Terms and your budget
Bonus terms describe how much more you are asked to play. Before accepting, compare that number with the budget you set for the month. If the wagering would take you past it, the bonus is not free money — it is a reason to spend more. Declining an offer is always an option. For tools to keep play in proportion, see responsible gambling.