Online casino bonuses remain one of the most powerful marketing tools used in the iGaming industry. But while bonuses can increase prospects and boost engagement, it is the underlying conditions that often determine whether they deliver genuine value.
Industry data reveals that approximately 95% of online casinos offer welcome bonuses to attract new players. The data also states that these offerings often drive an estimated 70% increase in new sign-ups worldwide.
However, the headline numbers often don’t tell the whole story, and seasoned players are increasingly treating bonus activation with caution and strategically.
Casinos like jackpot city have a good reputation for offering generous welcome bonuses, but experienced players know that you need to look beyond the glamor.
This article will expand on some of those factors that smart players always look into before saying they have found a workable bonus.
Wagering requirements could break you
Normally, casino bonuses have conditions that dictate how many times a bonus (sometimes plus deposit) must be bet before winnings can be withdrawn.
These conditions are the wagering requirements. A 2025 report by Coincub reported that, on average, the effective rollover is normally 45x. Additionally, the report stated that at least 25% of bonuses exceeded the wagering requirements of 50x.
Take, for instance, you have been given a $100 bonus with a 50x requirement. Essentially, you would need to wager $5000 before you can withdraw your bonus. Most of the time, this hurdle favors the house and not the player.
However, this is shifting in regulated markets. For example, the UK Gambling Commission capped the wagering requirements at 10x for all promos and bonuses across the UK. According to the regulator, the aim is to provide fairness and safety.
This regulation was passed and was effective from January 19, 2026. Although different sides have differing opinions about the cap, this change will surely lead to a major shakeup in how operators approach their bonus offerings.
Reading through the wagering requirements gives the player a good idea of whether the bonus is worth working for or not. Well, if a casino like Jackpot City offers you a generous welcome bonus, before you jump in to claim it, it is crucial to go through the wagering requirements and see whether you can manage them.
You can’t ignore the expiry time
No one should ever lie to you that when you claim a bonus today, you can leave it and wager at whatever time you like. The truth is, bonuses often expire.
Even though some may take longer than others, eventually, they will expire. And if you had not completed the wagering requirements by then, it’s bye-bye bonus winnings.
You should also note that different bonus types often have different time limits. For example, where no deposit bonuses frequently expire within 24 to 48 hours, welcome bonuses and deposit match bonuses can take longer.
They can go anywhere between 7 and 30 days after being credited. Additionally, some VIP incentives can take even longer, expiring between 60 and 90 days. However, these are less common.
When you get to understand the time limits, you can easily calculate whether you are able to make it through the wagering requirements or not.
Here are some questions you should truthfully answer before claiming a bonus:
- How long until the bonus expires?
- How long can you realistically play in a single day?
- With the wagering requirements, can you finish in time, realistically speaking?
If you are able to answer the questions truthfully, then you will know if a bonus is worth your time or not. Unfortunately, many people have found themselves in positions where the bonus has expired before they got to withdraw the winnings.
Check out the game contribution and eligible games
Did you know that not all games on a casino platform add up to the wagering requirements? For example, if Jackpot City gives you a bonus, you might only be required to play slot games or just a few table games in order to satisfy the wagering requirements.
And for the games that contribute, not all of them have the same power. The game contribution rate describes what percentage of your wager counts towards completing the wagering requirement.
You see, different games have different contribution rates because their house edges are different. For example, slot games have a high house edge, and so their contribution is 100%. This means that if you wager $100, then $100 will count towards the requirements.
However, a game like blackjack, which has a low house edge, only contributes 10% to the wagering requirements. Meaning that if you wager $100, then only $10 will count towards the requirements.
Casinos offset lower house edges with lower contributions in order to prevent players from exploiting low-edge games. This ensures fairness.
Some examples of game contributions are:
- Slots: 100% contribution
- Video poker: 50% contribution
- Blackjack: 10% to 20% contribution
- Roulette: 10% to 25% contribution
- Baccarat: 0% contribution
- Live dealer: 0% to 10% contribution
- Progressive jackpots: 0% contribution
By understanding these, you are able to plan your time and wagers accordingly. However, you should also watch out for game eligibility.
For example, a bonus by Jackpot City might only use a specific theme of slots to count for game contribution. Even though slots normally have 100% contribution, not playing the particular slot games will not count for anything.
For casino bonuses, it all calls for being vigilant and reading through the T&Cs. Unfortunately, many players are always in a hurry to claim the glittering bonuses and get tired of reading the fine print. However, the game might gang up against you if you are not well prepared.
Sumit is a tech enthusiast, streaming aficionado, and movie buff. With a knack for dissecting the latest gadgets, exploring the world of online entertainment, and analyzing cinematic experiences, Sumit offers insightful and engaging perspectives that bridge the gap between technology and entertainment.
