A good bonus is not just “free money”—it’s a set of rules. This guide decodes wagering, contribution, max bet and sticky vs non-sticky so you can spot playable promos, size stakes correctly and finish rollover without nasty surprises.
Bonus types in plain English
| Type | What it means | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit Match | Bonus % on your deposit | Wagering base (bonus or dep+bonus) |
| Free Spins | X spins on selected slots | Spin value, game list, win cap/wagering |
| No/Wager-Free | Cash, no rollover | Usually smaller; still check max cashout |
| Sticky (Bonus Lock) | Bonus not withdrawable; removed at cashout | Good for playtime, not for cashing |
| Non-Sticky (Dual) | Real money first; if you win, withdraw without touching bonus | Best flexibility; turns sticky after real balance busts |
Wagering math you actually use
Rollover = Wagering Multiplier × Base. Base can be bonus or deposit + bonus.
Example A (fair): 100% to $100, 35× bonus ⇒ 35 × 100 = $3,500 total bets.
Example B (harder): 100% to $100, 35× dep+bonus on $200 ⇒ $7,000 bets.
Contribution changes how fast rollover moves:
- Slots: often 100% (best for clearing)
- Live/Table: 10–20% or 0% (slow/blocked)
- Some slots: 0% or reduced (read the list!)
Max bet & restricted patterns
- Max bet during rollover (e.g., $5) — exceeding it can void winnings.
- Bet patterns sometimes banned: big-stake bursts, single-number roulette, bonus buys.
- Keep a flat unit during rollover to stay compliant.
Unit sizing: 0.5–1% of session bankroll per spin/hand, but never above the promo’s max bet.
Non-sticky playbook (most flexible)
- Deposit, opt-in, confirm max bet & contribution table.
- Play real balance first with 0.5–1% units on 100% contribution slots.
- If you hit a profit peak before touching bonus: withdraw (bonus voids, but you keep profits).
- If real balance busts: switch to bonus mode and follow max-bet/compliance strictly.
Sticky playbook (for playtime, not cashout)
- Accept that the bonus is not withdrawable; goal = entertainment + learning new games.
- Keep stake small (0.5%) and avoid blocked titles/bonus-buy features.
- Use a timer: 25–30 minutes per block; log balance and mood 1–5.
30-second pre-bonus checklist
- Wagering base = bonus or dep+bonus? Contribution by game confirmed?
- Max bet noted? Any restricted slots/features?
- Bonus type: non-sticky vs sticky clear?
- Stake = 0.5–1% (≤ max bet), block timer on, exit at +25%/−50%.
Red flags (skip the promo)
- Wagering on deposit+bonus with low contribution and short deadline.
- Hidden or moving max bet; vague “irregular play” clauses.
- Large win cap on free spins (e.g., $20) with high wagering afterwards.
Bottom line
Bonuses are playable when you know the math: contribution = speed, max bet = ceiling, and non-sticky = flexibility. Size units small, pick 100% slots, and write your exits before spinning.
