If you've ever received a welcome bonus, free spins, or cashback in an online casino, you've likely encountered the terms bonus money and real money. But what's the difference between them, and why can't everything in your account be withdrawn immediately?
Let’s break it down simply, honestly, and once and for all.
🎁 What is bonus money?
Bonus money is virtual currency that you receive from the casino as part of promotional offers, such as:
🔸 Bonus money isn't yours right away — the casino gives you a chance to use it in the game, but you must first meet the wagering requirements (also known as the "wager").
🔐 What is a wager?
A wager is the number of times you need to "roll over" the bonus money before it becomes real money.
📌 Example:
You received a 20₽ bonus with a wager of x30.
➡️ You need to place bets totaling 600₽ (20 × 30) before the bonus becomes available for withdrawal.
💡 Sometimes, the wager applies to winnings from free spins as well, not just the bonus itself.
💸 What is real money?
Real money is the money you:
📤 The key difference: you can withdraw it at any time, without wagering (unless, of course, you have an active bonus with withdrawal restrictions).
🧩 Why can't you withdraw a bonus immediately?
Because, if this were allowed, casinos would lose money — players would simply take bonuses and immediately withdraw them.
⚖️ A bonus is not a cash gift but a tool to extend your gameplay, increase your chances, and keep you engaged. It’s beneficial if you know the rules.
🔄 What happens when you have both bonus and real money?
Different scenarios can occur (depending on the casino’s policy), but most commonly:
Sometimes, the casino may offer to forgo the bonus if you want to withdraw real money immediately — this is also normal.
✅ How to avoid confusion?
Here’s a checklist before activating a bonus:
🐻 Conclusion from LuckyBear
🎰 Bonuses are a great way to extend your gaming experience, try more slots, and increase your chances. The key is understanding the rules.
If you play consciously and with interest, both bonus and real money can work in your favor.