Bonus terms and conditions, clause by clause
Every casino promotion is governed by bonus terms — usually a general set of bonus rules that apply to all offers, plus specific conditions for each promotion. These documents are long, but a handful of clauses decide almost everything. This page explains them so that you can read any operator's text with confidence. It does not summarise Playone's terms; read the operator's current version directly, because terms change.
General bonus rules versus offer terms
General bonus rules cover what applies to every promotion: one active bonus at a time, how balances are used, what happens on withdrawal, and the operator's right to cancel offers. The specific terms of an offer add its own numbers. When the two conflict, the specific terms usually say which takes precedence. Read both.
Max bet with bonus
The max bet rule caps your stake per spin or hand while a bonus is active. It exists to stop players from betting large amounts to clear wagering quickly. Breaking it — even once, even by accident — can lead to the bonus and all winnings being removed. Some casinos enforce it automatically; others check afterwards. When in doubt, keep stakes well below the stated cap.
Restricted games
Restricted games are titles you may not play with bonus funds or that do not count toward wagering. Typical examples are jackpot slots, some high-return slots, table games and live casino. Feature buys are frequently excluded as well. Playing a restricted game can void the bonus. The contribution side of this is explained on our wagering page.
Max cashout and wagering cap
A max cashout limits how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings; anything above it is removed. It is most common on no deposit offers and free spins. A wagering cap is a different and player-friendly clause: it limits the total amount you need to wager, for example "wagering capped at a fixed amount", which shortens heavy requirements. Do not confuse the two.
Sticky bonus
A sticky bonus can be used for play but never withdrawn itself. When you cash out after meeting wagering, the bonus amount is subtracted and only the winnings above it are paid. Non-sticky or "parachute" bonuses keep your real money separate and let you withdraw it before touching the bonus. Which model applies changes the value of an offer considerably.
Bonus abuse
Bonus abuse clauses let operators cancel bonuses for behaviour they consider exploitative: multiple accounts, coordinated play, low-risk betting patterns on both sides of a roulette table, or switching stakes in ways the terms prohibit. Definitions are often broad. Playing normally within the stated rules is the best protection.
Reading terms quickly
- Find the wagering multiple and its base.
- Note the max bet and the expiry.
- Check restricted games and payment exclusions.
- Look for a cashout cap and whether the bonus is sticky.
For specific offers, see the welcome bonus and no deposit bonus guides, or return to the bonus hub.