When you decide to join a new online casino, you will immediately be bombarded with massive, flashing advertisements for welcome bonuses.

However, the biggest number in bold print is rarely the most important detail when evaluating these promotional offers.

Why You Can't Just Withdraw the Bonus

If a casino offers a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place $3,000 worth of bets before cashing out.

A massive $1,000 bonus is completely useless if it is tied to an impossibly high 60x rollover requirement.

• Table games like blackjack and roulette often only contribute 10% to the wagering requirement due to their low house edge
• Slot machines almost always contribute 100% towards clearing the rollover, making them the best option for bonus hunting
• Casinos will implement a 'Maximum Bet Rule' (usually $5) while a bonus is active to prevent you from clearing it too quickly

Deposit Matches vs. Free Spins

The most common type of offer is the 'Deposit Match', where the casino matches a percentage of your first deposit.

Free spins are fantastic for casual players who just want to try the casino out without risking a large initial deposit.

The golden rule of casino bonuses is simple: if an offer looks too good to be true, the terms and conditions are probably terrible.