Casino bonuses look great on the surface — a 200% match, hundreds of free spins, money back on losses. But the fine print can turn a generous offer into a frustrating experience. In 2026, knowing how to evaluate a bonus before you claim it is the difference between a good session and a wasted deposit.

Here's what our editorial team looks at every time we test a new offer.

The wagering requirement (also called a playthrough) tells you how many times you need to bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw. A 100% match bonus of €100 with a 40x wagering requirement means you need to place €4,000 in bets before cashing out.

What's reasonable in 2026?

• 20x–30x: Excellent — look for these
• 30x–40x: Average — acceptable for a big match percentage
• 40x+: High — only worth it if the bonus amount is large and the games contribute fully

Always check whether the wagering applies to the bonus only, or the bonus plus your deposit. The latter doubles the amount you need to bet.

Most casinos don't let every game count equally toward wagering. Slots typically contribute 100%, but table games like blackjack or roulette often contribute just 10% — or nothing at all.

If you prefer table games, a slot-focused bonus with 100x wagering effectively becomes 1,000x for your preferred game. Always check the contribution table in the terms.

Bonuses don't last forever. Most expire within 7–30 days. If you can't realistically complete the wagering in that window, a smaller bonus with a longer expiry is often the smarter pick.

Many casinos cap your bet size while you're clearing a bonus — typically €5 per spin or hand. Exceeding this limit can void the bonus entirely. This is one of the most common reasons players lose their winnings, so read this clause carefully.

Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from bonus-derived winnings — for example, a maximum of 5x the bonus amount. A €100 bonus with a 5x cap means you can only withdraw €500 no matter how much you win.

Deposits made with certain e-wallets (PayPal, Skrill, Neteller) are often excluded from bonus eligibility. If you prefer these methods, check before depositing — you may need to use a card or bank transfer to qualify.

No bonus is worth claiming at an unlicensed or poorly regulated casino. Before anything else, confirm the casino holds a valid licence from a recognised authority that permits it to serve your location. Check the regulator’s public register, the operator’s company details, and the responsible gambling tools available before you deposit.

Our team claims and plays through every bonus we feature. We score each offer on:

• Wagering requirement (lower is better)
• Game contribution breadth
• Expiry window
• Withdrawal cap
• Overall terms clarity

Only offers that score well across all five criteria make our ranked list.

Ready to find a bonus that actually works in your favour? See our full ranked list of verified casino bonuses for 2026 — every offer tested by our editorial team.