The Biggest Mistakes to Avoid with Online Casino Bonuses

Last Updated on July 4, 2025 by Mary Henderson
Hi, you there, bonus hunters!
Catching some epic deals without falling into the trap of rookie mistakes sounds like the most challenging quest, right?
With years of experience behind my back, I know how you can benefit from great bonuses and play them right. But let’s be real; it’s hard to resist the temptation sometimes. And that’s where I come in. Let me walk you through the biggest mistakes you can make while claiming that bonus. Level your online casino game in no time!
Top 10 Mistakes to Avoid With Casino Bonuses
Spoiler alert: these common mistakes can cost you effort, time, and winnings. So, here is what you could do wrong:
#1 Ignore Wagering Requirements Mistake
No doubt, the first and most common mistake is not paying attention to the wagering requirements and going directly into action.
The thing is that online casinos will have you wager the bonus amount several times before allowing you to withdraw your winnings. Just imagine using a bonus that sounds too good to be true, and after all, you cannot get ahold of your winnings before you don’t wager the amount.
To be clearer, let’s say you grab a $100 deposit match bonus. Then, you check for the wagering requirement, which is 40x. This means you have to wager $4,000 before you can cash out. Not what you claimed for in the first place, right?
The golden rule for the casino bonus is to always check the wagering requirements for any bonus in the Terms and Conditions.
#2 Overlook Game Restrictions
Did you know that not all games contribute equally towards the wagering requirement? What a bummer! And what a potential mistake you could make.
So you can play blackjack without noticing that the bonus you claimed is for slots. You’re basically wasting your time. In some cases, slots may count 100%, while table games may only contribute 10% or none at all. My advice – always double-check which games count toward the bonus wagering requirement before getting down to business.
#3 Miss Expiration Dates Mistake
Have you ever noticed that bonuses have expiration dates after you claim them?
Who snoozes, loses.
From a whole month to as little as a week, bonus expiration dates vary. And if you don’t use your bonus in time, you can say that all the potential cash is gone.
So, when claiming a bonus, make sure to check if there is an expiration date and try to fit in. You could set a reminder.
#4 Go Big on Deposit Bonuses
Online casinos can have you thinking that a 200% deposit match bonus up to $1,000 is the best bonus you could ever get ahold of. Is it, though? You think casinos are that generous? Yes, they have lucrative bonuses, but huge bonuses like this sound too good to be true. There is a trap though and a potential mistake you could make.
It could either be the withdrawal limits or high wagering requirements in the fine print. At the end of the day, these bonuses won’t be worth your while. What I usually do is stick to realistic amounts that I can actually claim.
#5 Forget About Maximum Bet Limits
Pay attention to the maximum bet limits set by casinos for using bonus money. That could be $5 or $10 per round.
Here is a scenario – say you hit a big win and find out after that you broke the rules by placing a bigger bet. Yep, if you bet too high, you might actually void your bonus. Casinos can be very tricky.
#6 Overlook the No Deposit Bonus Terms
Are you quick to claim every no-deposit bonus you see as soon as you access an online casino? Not so fast, my friend, that’s yet another mistake you make.
I agree; no deposit bonuses sound great. But those sneaky terms of theirs. Take that – super-high wagering requirements or low maximum withdrawal limits. Does it sound great now? To be honest, you could end up losing more than you win. Checking those fine print details has never sounded better.
#7 Use Many Bonuses at Once Mistake
If it were so easy, we could all be stacked with cash playing casino games. It’s a rookie mistake to think that gathering all the available bonuses is a good way to win.
Most casinos won’t simply allow you to activate multiple bonuses at the same time. What’s more, you could get your account flagged or your bonuses cancelled if you double up. Just stick to one bonus and see how it goes.
#8 Don’t Check Country Restrictions
Here is another scenario – you claim a super bonus only to find out your country isn’t eligible. Well, you could play from a restricted region, but your winnings could be cancelled. Not cool. Better check if the bonus is available in your country before claiming it to avoid this typical mistake.
#9 Don’t Verify Your Account Mistake
You think account verification is a step you could skip? How about that? Your bonus cash stays locked up because you didn’t bother verifying your account. Casinos usually ask for ID before you are allowed to withdraw your winnings. And if you skipped this or even used fake info, you won’t be able to cash out.
#10 Focus Too Much on the Bonus
Bonuses are just side features meant to kickstart your experience, add some extra fun, or increase your chances of winning big. But they’re not the main attraction. Games should be your focus. If you chase bonuses and they don’t meet your expectations, it can get really frustrating. So, don’t sweat over bonus cash, and don’t make this mistake.
That’s it! We’ve gone through the most common mistakes you could easily avoid.
My fellow gamblers, bonuses are great, but they’re not worth your time if you don’t know how to claim them and use them. So, the next time you decide to claim a bonus, make sure to go around all these simple mistakes. Know that casinos can be tricky, and informed decisions are your best friends.
So, are you ready to claim your next bonus? I bet you are. May these bonuses be ever in your favour.
- How the James Bond Roulette Strategy Works - August 13, 2025
- 7 Best Medium Volatility Slots - August 13, 2025
- These Best Egypt-themed Slots Hit Different - August 5, 2025