Home iGaming How to Make Money From Online Casino Bonuses

How to Make Money From Online Casino Bonuses

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Online casino bonuses can be profitable if you understand how they work, what they offer, and how the terms affect you.

We’ll cover all the details in this guide, but keep in mind that the outcomes in casino games are still random. In other words, the tips you’ll see here may be helpful, but they won’t guarantee a profit every time.

Can you win real money with casino bonuses?

It’s entirely possible to win real money by playing casino games with bonuses. Although the outcomes of these games are unpredictable, you can improve your chances by utilizing bonuses efficiently. 

Casino incentives increase your bankroll or give you free spins on slot games. Naturally, there are other benefits based on the bonus type, like cashbacks, but the gist is the same — you get more funds/chances to win at casino games. 

To maximize these offers and increase your chances of winning at top online casinos, it is crucial to review the bonus and general site terms and conditions carefully.

Remember that casino bonus terms are essential for the platform and are designed to ensure not everyone will benefit from them.

That doesn’t mean that you as an individual can’t win — rather that, statistically speaking, the casino stands to profit over the long term.

Roulette wheel and casino chips on a table with a sparkling camera effect covering some of the foreground

Terms and conditions of casino bonuses 

Casino bonuses come with many terms designed to control gameplay and limit (to a certain extent) how much you can cash out from the bonus. Let’s review the most important clauses.

Wagering requirements

Wagering requirements – sometimes referred to as rollover, turnover, or playthrough requirements – are the most crucial bonus terms to understand.

They tell you how many times you need to play the bonus funds to unlock them for withdrawal. For example, a 25x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus requires you to wager a total of $2,500 before you can make a real money withdrawal. Simply put, the lower they are, the better. 

In general, wagering requirements around 30x and below are excellent, although 40x is around the industry standard. However, they also come with caveats, which we’ll explore later in this article.

Bonus withdrawal limits 

Although casinos cannot restrict the amount you can win with a bonus, they sometimes apply a bonus withdrawal limit. Although rarer with deposit bonuses, this caps the amount you can cash out after the bonus is converted to real money.

The good news is that this limit is typically high enough that the likelihood of breaking it is pretty low. However, it’s still essential to check the specific terms and conditions to avoid any surprises and prioritize bonuses with no withdrawal limit applied.

Eligible games and game weighting 

To make money from online casino bonuses, you must also consider the eligible games. Casinos often restrict certain games to make it harder to cash out a bonus, sometimes only allowing you to play luck-based games like slots or instant wins.

Therefore, seek out casinos with more flexible restrictions – for example, where you can bet on high return-to-player (RTP) games to complete the wagering requirements.

Also, note an aspect called ‘game weighting.’ This lowers the amount of your bet that contributes towards the turnover. So, whereas slots typically contribute 100%, live casino games may be weighted down at something like 20%. Now, only $0.20 out of every $1 wager is counted.

A great tip for choosing an online casino is to find ones that are reasonable with their game weighting, specifically by allowing wagering on table, live dealer, and other high-RTP games when using an active bonus. Otherwise, it’s usually best to stick with 100%-contributing games for maximum bet efficiency.

Maximum bets 

Casinos typically impose a maximum bet size you must adhere to while using bonus funds. Make a note of this because exceeding this figure is likely to see any potential winnings invalidated – even if you were to lose the respective bet.

The limit is usually $5 for a single bet, so it will rarely be too restrictive. However, when looking to win real money from your casino bonus, being able to wager higher amounts can help you clear the wagering requirements faster. Therefore, finding high limit or even no limit casinos is ideal.

Validity period 

Every bonus lasts for a specific period, and you need to meet the wagering requirements within this timeframe. Typically, this window lasts anywhere between a few days at the least and 30 days at the most.

In relation to welcome bonuses, there is also a timeframe during which you must claim the offer. The clock starts ticking when you register, typically lasting a week or two before the bonus expires.

In some cases, the timeframe for completing the rollover is included in this initial period. Therefore, it’s best to claim the bonus immediately so you have enough time to meet the playthrough requirements. If the timeframe is too restrictive, you may feel pressured to rush your bets, increasing the risk of quickly depleting your balance and taking the bonus with it.

Be careful of the T&Cs after claiming a bonus at an online casino

Which are the best casino bonuses to make money online?

The amount you can win from casino bonuses depends on the type of bonus available. With that in mind, let’s review the most popular bonuses and what they bring to the table.

Match bonuses 

Match bonuses are the primary bonus to focus on, especially as most casinos offer these incentives as part of their welcome lineup. Moreover, you’ll often find smaller match bonuses as reload offers you can claim once a week or even daily.

The main aspect to note is the wagering requirements. As stated, they should be as low as possible, preferably below 35x, and only apply to the bonus, not both the bonus and deposited funds together. With the latter, the required wagering can often be unreasonable.

Match bonuses vary greatly depending on what they focus on. Some offer high max bonus amounts, like a 100% bonus up to $10,000, while others boast high matched percentages, i.e., a 250% bonus up to $1,000. The first option is better if you have a high bankroll, while the latter is more suited for a lower bankroll.

It’s also important to check the remaining terms, notably minimum deposit requirements, game eligibility, and max bets. Likewise, focus on quality offers like the best casino bonuses we have already recommended. 

Free spins

Free spin promos award you with a specific number of free spins on the best online slot sites, typically between 10 and 100. These promotions can be included in a welcome package, offered as standalone reload bonuses, or awarded through loyalty programs. Any winnings are usually locked with additional wagering requirements, so consider this factor before claiming.

To make money from free spins, pay attention to the slot they are credited on. Invariably, the casino picks this for you, so it’s worth comparing offers from different brands to pick out games with the highest RTP and max win potential.

Additionally, since free spins come with a fixed bet value, prioritize promotions where the spin value is above the game’s minimum (typically $0.10) for better returns. Naturally, 50 free spins, each worth $0.20, are higher in value than 90 free spins at $0.10 each.

Another tip is to check how the spins are distributed — for example, 100 spins may be separated into batches of 20 per day over 5 days. Because each batch has its own wagering requirements, your potential winnings may be lower than if all the spins were granted in one go. 

Cashbacks

Cashbacks are bonuses that return a portion of your losses over a specified period, be it 24 hours or a week. The percentage is small, often up to 20%, and is capped to a maximum amount.

Technically speaking, you can’t ‘make’ money with a cashback bonus as it requires a net loss to be triggered. However, you can pick out cashbacks that are more favorable than others. For example, some cashback deals are credited as real money, while others are tied to additional wagering requirements.

Similarly, many casinos boost the cashback percentage as you progress through their VIP loyalty program. Higher-tier members often receive better cashback rates and even lower wagering requirements. If you’re looking to play at the casino long-term, consider platforms that offer this possibility.

Free bets

Free bets give you a free chance to wager on a sportsbook market, usually awarded after making a deposit or by placing a qualifying wager. In most cases, the free bet can be used on any sport and event within a certain time period, but other restrictions may apply.

Here is where the terms need to be evaluated. For example, if the free bet can only be used on single events with maximum odds of 2.0, it may not be worth the expense of claiming in the first place. Likewise, some sites stop you from betting on outright (futures) markets, which is an ideal way to use a free bet.

If a qualifying wager is required to unlock the free bet, it will come with a minimum stake and odds requirement. Place this initial bet as strategically as possible to both secure a potential win and activate the free bet.

No deposit bonuses

As their name suggests, no deposit bonuses are promos you receive for free without risking your own money. Casinos typically offer these as a reward for signing up, with amounts usually capped at $50 or a few dozen free spins.

No deposit bonuses are rare, but they are always rewarding as you can test out the casino in real-play mode for free. However, bear in mind that they always come with restrictive terms, like relatively high wagering requirements of 50x or more.

Another almost inevitable clause is the withdrawal limit. Understandably, casinos restrict how much players can win from a completely free bonus. If you ever find a no-deposit bonus with a cash-out limit above $100, it’s certainly worth giving it a shot!

Careful play and a dose of good fortune can see your casino bonus turn into real money

How to beat bonus wagering requirements and win real money

To meet wagering requirements, you need to approach them with consideration. Let’s review the most important points you need to know to meet the playthrough requirements and win real money.

Find the right bonuses with low wagering requirements

It’s always best to stick to offers with relatively low wagering requirements. They are at least worth considering as long as they are below 50x. If they are around 40x, they may be acceptable as long as other terms are reasonable. The best ones are around 30x and below.

However, you also need to check how the wagering requirements are calculated. Some apply to just the bonus amount, while others apply to both the bonus and your deposit.

For instance, if a 100% match bonus has a WR of 30x, this would require a total wagering of $3,000 on a deposit of $100. But if the deposit is also included, the total now increases to $6,000 ($100 + $100 x 30). Always seek out the former for a better chance of cashing out.

Find bonuses with reasonable game weighting

When wagering a bonus, slots invariably count the full 100% of your bet in relation to game weighting.

However, the situation varies greatly with other game types. Table and live casino games have higher RTPs than slots over short-term play, making them a preferred choice for experienced players. As a result, the casino lowers the percentage so they contribute less.

To maximize your chances of turning a bonus into real money, look for offers where live or table games contribute as close to 50% as possible. Avoid promotions where these games count only 5% or less, as they make completing the rollover far more difficult.

Video poker is another solid option due to its high RTP over extended play. As long as it has a reasonable contribution percentage, it can be an effective choice for meeting wagering requirements.

Focus on high RTP slots

If you’re going to play slots to complete the wagering requirements, it’s best to stick to high RTP slots, i.e., titles with return-to-player percentages higher than 97%. An RTP of around 96% is the industry average, so anything above it is ideal.

Some popular and high-quality slot games with RTPs of 97% and higher include:

Blood Suckers (NetEnt)

1429 Uncharted Seas (Thunderkick)

Marching Legions (Relax Gaming)

Mega Joker (NetEnt)

Big Bad Wolf (Quickspin)

Fortune Dogs (Habanero)

Check the remaining wagering requirements

If you want to learn how to make money gambling online with the help of bonuses, you must also make pauses in your gameplay to check what the remaining rollover is. Every legit casino will show this info to players, usually in the bonus section of your account.

It’s useful to check your progress and see whether, for instance, you’re spending too much and need to switch strategies by changing games or your bet size.

Outside of that, you should also follow the validity period, as you’re unlikely to meet the rollover in a single day. If the casino doesn’t have a timer, create a reminder on your phone. 

Look for gaps in the T&Cs

We’ve already explained that reading both the general and bonus terms is crucial if you want to make money from online casino bonuses. However, you also need to actively look for gaps in the T&Cs. 

Finding loopholes can be very helpful, but be careful not to exploit the promo. The general bonus terms always state what abuse is, so read this part carefully as well.

For instance, if you see that high-RTP table games like blackjack (preferably a live blackjack game from a quality provider) won’t void the bonus, consider playing it using the optimal blackjack strategy. This loophole will not affect your rollover, but it could help increase your balance, giving you more funds to use on games that do contribute to the wagering requirements.

Learn how casino games work

If you want to make money from online casino bonuses, you need to understand how casino games work. A good bonus won’t mean much if you use it in a bad game with low RTP.

First, it’s important to remember that most casino games are based on chance. Slots and virtual table games use random number generator algorithms, which keep results fair. They always create an outcome that’s fully randomized but within the parameters set by the game.

Naturally, other games, like blackjack, poker, and video poker, are also partly games of skill. For example, in blackjack and video poker, you can use strategies to increase your chances of winning. Meanwhile, poker requires a higher element of skill, which is more important to your success than luck. 

Besides learning how the games work, you must maintain a positive mindset and remain patient, especially when you’re losing. Stay consistent and disciplined with your bankroll to avoid unnecessary losses.

Most of all, play at trusted casinos with top-tier providers and a proper gaming license, which will ensure games are fair and that legitimate winnings will be paid out.

Take advantage of matched betting

If you’re a sports bettor, too, you can take advantage of a form of wagering called matched betting. It’s a strategy where you cover all possible outcomes, meaning you cannot lose. Matched betting is technically math, not betting, but you need to be careful with the odds and calculate winnings in advance to ensure success.

Matched betting also involves exploiting the welcome offer and other sports bonuses. Even so, you must ensure you are not breaking the online sportsbooks’ rules, which are finding ways to stop this practice.

Here’s how it works: Claim a free bet offer and place a bet on, for instance, Denver to win against Utah. Then, create an account on a separate betting exchange where you lay Denver to win (e.g., Utah to win or a draw) in real money. Once the game ends, you’ll win no matter the outcome, albeit a small amount. Repeat the process at multiple online sportsbooks to build up your funds.

Conclusion

As you can see, there are various aspects to consider if you want to make money from online casino bonuses. You need to be careful with the promos you choose and always take into account the terms and conditions of the offer. 

If you follow the advice outlined here, you’ll have a greater chance of fully utilizing and profiting from the bonuses you claim at online casinos.

FAQs

What can’t I do with casino bonuses?

How do I convert a casino bonus to cash?

What does a 30x wagering requirement mean?

References

Return To Player (RTP) in Online Gambling – Unveiling the Odds (eCOGRA)

What Is Wagering and How Does It Work? [2025 Guide] (SIGMA)

How to Play Online Slots | Complete UK Guide (Independent)

How to Play Slots Online for Real Money (wikiHow)

Comprehensive Guide to Casino Wagering Requirements (NoDepositKings)

Our Editorial Standards

At ValueWalk, we’re committed to providing accurate, research-backed information. Our editors go above and beyond to ensure our content is trustworthy and transparent.

Aman Jain
Finance & iGaming Writer

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