A 200% bonus sounds bigger than a 100% bonus. It usually is not. Bonus value lives in the terms, not the headline. Here are the five clauses that matter.
1. Wagering requirement
Stated as a multiple — for example, 35x. This is how many times you must bet the bonus (or sometimes bonus + deposit) before you can withdraw. Lower is better:
- 20x–35x: competitive.
- 40x–50x: average.
- 60x+: avoid.
2. Maximum bet during wagering
Almost every UK bonus caps your stake while wagering, typically at £5. Exceed it on one spin and the entire bonus and any winnings can be voided.
3. Game contributions
Slots usually count 100%. Live tables and video poker often count 10% or less, or are excluded entirely. If you only play live blackjack, a slots-focused bonus is useless.
4. Expiry period
Bonus funds typically expire in 7 to 30 days. Free spins often expire in 24 to 72 hours.
5. Withdrawal restrictions
Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from winnings. Others require KYC completion before any payout.
The mental checklist
Before clicking “claim”, ask: wagering, max bet, eligible games, expiry, withdrawal cap. If any answer is missing or hostile, skip the offer.