When you sign up at a new gaming site, the bonus offer is usually the first thing you’ll see. But claiming that welcome package isn’t always straightforward. There are steps to follow, terms to understand, and common mistakes that cost players real money. We’ll walk you through the entire process so you know exactly what to do.

Casino bonuses come in many shapes — deposit matches, free spins, no-deposit credits, or reload offers. Each one has its own rules about how much you need to play through before you can cash out. Getting this right from the start saves you frustration later. Let’s break down what you actually need to do to claim your bonus properly.

Step 1: Create Your Account and Verify Your Details

Before any bonus hits your account, you need a functioning player profile. Registration takes about two minutes — just fill in your name, email, phone number, and address. Most sites ask for your date of birth and the last four digits of your ID number too. This isn’t busywork; casinos are legally required to verify who you are.

After signup, check your email for a verification link and click it. Some platforms ask you to upload a photo of your ID at this stage. Don’t skip this step. Your bonus won’t activate until the site confirms your identity, and withdrawal requests later will get flagged if your account isn’t fully verified.

Step 2: Make Your Qualifying Deposit

Now comes the money part. Head to the cashier section and choose your deposit method — credit card, debit card, e-wallet, or bank transfer are the standard options. Enter the amount you want to deposit. Most welcome bonuses have a minimum deposit requirement; if it says “deposit £20 to get a match,” you need to put at least £20 in.

Once your deposit clears, watch for the bonus to credit automatically. Some sites require you to click a “Claim Bonus” button in your account settings, so don’t assume it happens on its own. Platforms such as RIKVIP make this step obvious in their cashier, but smaller operators sometimes hide it in the promotions tab. Check your account balance and bonus balance separately — they should both show the amounts you’re working with.

Step 3: Understand Your Wagering Requirements

This is where most players get confused. Your bonus isn’t real money you can withdraw immediately. You have to play through it first. The wagering requirement (sometimes called “play-through”) tells you how many times you need to bet the bonus amount before it converts to cash.

Here’s a practical example: if you get a £50 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement, you need to bet £1,750 across the casino before you can withdraw anything. Different games contribute differently to this goal — slots usually count 100%, but table games might only count 25%. The T&Cs spell this out, so read them carefully. High wagering requirements (50x or above) mean you’re less likely to actually cash out, which is why we recommend looking for offers with lower playthrough first.

Step 4: Play Games That Contribute to Your Wagering

Not all games move your wagering progress equally. Slots and some instant-win games count at 100% toward your requirements. Live dealer tables and blackjack might only count 15-25%. If you play a game that counts 0%, you’re spinning or dealing without making any progress toward your goal. Most casino sites show you this information when you hover over a game, so use it.

Track your wagering progress in your account dashboard — it usually shows as a percentage bar filling up. RIK VIP platforms display this clearly so you always know where you stand. If you’re 60% through your requirement and your bonus balance is still showing, you’re on track. Keep playing until that bar hits 100%.

  • Slots: 100% contribution to wagering
  • Blackjack and Roulette: 15-25% typically
  • Live Dealer games: 20-50% depending on the site
  • Video Poker: 50-100% depending on the variant
  • Baccarat: 10-30% contribution usually
  • Scratch cards: Often 100% or excluded entirely

Step 5: Withdraw Your Winnings (or What’s Left)

Once you’ve completed your wagering requirement, your bonus converts to real money in your account. Now you can withdraw. Go to the cashier, select your withdrawal method, and enter the amount. Cashouts take 2-7 business days depending on your bank and the casino’s payment processor.

If you’ve lost money during play, that’s the risk. Bonuses don’t guarantee wins — they just give you extra funds to gamble with. The house always has an edge. That said, if you’ve turned your bonus into actual winnings, you’re cashing out real money you didn’t start with, which is the whole point.

FAQ

Q: Can I use my bonus on any game?

A: No. Most bonuses exclude certain games like live dealer or progressive jackpot slots. Read the T&Cs to see which games are restricted or contribute less toward wagering.

Q: What happens if I don’t complete the wagering requirement?

A: The bonus expires, usually after 30 days. Any remaining bonus funds are removed from your account. Only the original deposit stays (if you haven’t lost it).

Q: Can I claim multiple bonuses?

A: Some casinos let you chain bonuses on your first few deposits. Most limit you to one welcome package per account. Account sharing or bonus abuse gets you banned.

Q: Do I pay tax on casino bonuses?

A: That depends on your country. In most cases, bonuses are tax