Wagering requirements are a part of almost every welcome offer, and many other types of casino bonuses too. Understanding what they are and how they work is important because wagering requirements affect when you can withdraw your winnings.

Put simply, wagering requirements specify the number of times you must gamble the bonus value or your winnings again before you can make a withdrawal. For example, if the wagering requirements are x10, you must gamble the sum ten more times.

The lower the wagering requirements, the easier they are to fulfil. Therefore, looking for a welcome bonus with low wagering requirements is in the player's best interests. Watch out for a timeframe to complete the wagering requirements: it may actually be easier to complete 40x wagering requirements in a course of a month than 20x within a week.

Understanding the Terms and Conditions

Wagering requirements aren’t the only terms and conditions that apply to a welcome bonus. There isn’t a universal list; different terms may apply at each online casino. Things to look out for include: a prize cap, limited time, game restrictions, and acceptable payment methods.

Looking through the rules may not be thrilling, but it’s always important to make sure you’re fully aware of the terms and conditions before claiming a bonus.

How to Choose the Best Welcome Bonus

As you’ve probably gathered by now, not all welcome bonus promotions are created equal. Some bonuses are more generous, while others have fewer terms and conditions that you must fulfill.

But how do you choose which bonus to claim when you’re not comparing like with like? Here are a few factors that could help you make up your mind.

Type of Bonus

There’s no right or wrong answer here; not everyone likes the same kind of bonus. A cashback bonus is great for providing a safety net of sorts, while a no deposit bonus lets you try out games without any risk.

A deposit match bonus often credits the most bonus funds, but you must pay in money first. Free spins are a simple and easy way to use a bonus, but the terms can be restrictive on the games you play. They all offer great options, so think about what your priority is and pick the type of bonus that matches your style of play.

Bonus Value

This may sound obvious, but you should look carefully before just plumping for the bonus with the highest value. For example, a no deposit bonus of £50 may sound better than a bonus of £25, but you should check the terms and conditions first.

Some bonuses cap the potential payout at a much lower level or impose difficult time restrictions that are hard to fulfil. Look for bonuses with terms that seem realistic rather than automatically opting for the highest sum.

Wagering Requirements

As we described above, wagering requirements are a barrier to withdrawing your winnings. Look for a bonus that has the lowest possible wagering requirements and/or the longest period of time to fulfil them. Remember: if you don’t satisfy the wagering requirements, you’ll forfeit all of your bonus winnings, so this really is an important factor!

Eligible Games

Do you prefer playing blackjack to bingo? Or perhaps you’re a bit of a demon on the roulette wheel? Or maybe you just love slots and have your own favourite software provider?

Not all casinos excel in every area, so look at their library of available games before signing up. Check the software providers they have partnered with, whether they have live dealer games, and whether they have the titles that you want to play.

Licensed Casino

We’ve spoken at length about the various aspects of the bonus to consider, but don’t forget to check the casino’s credentials too. Playing at a casino that’s properly licensed will ensure you always get your winnings and that your personal data will be safe.

Conclusion

That concludes our round-up of the different types of welcome bonuses, with lots of information here to consider! A good welcome bonus can be a valuable addition to your session, allowing you to play longer within the same budget and more chances to win.

Although it’s a good idea to whittle down the offers to the best promotions, don’t forget that you can register with multiple casinos. Keep checking back to find the latest welcome bonus offers and new online casinos to get more of the bonus deals that we all love!