What “deposit bonus” means in Canada
A deposit bonus is a deal where the casino adds extra money when you deposit your own money. The offer often looks like “100% match up to $500.” That means if you deposit $200, the casino adds $200 bonus money. Sometimes the deal also includes free spins.
Common types you will see
- Match bonus: “100% up to $X” or “50% up to $X.”
- First deposit bonus: only for new players.
- Reload bonus: for a second deposit or weekly deals.
- Bonus + free spins: extra spins on a specific slot.
- Cashback (less common): returns a part of losses as bonus funds.
Sticky vs non-sticky (simple meaning)
Some casinos use “sticky” bonus terms. Sticky means your own deposit can be locked together with the bonus until you meet the wagering requirement. Non-sticky (or “cashable”) is more flexible: you may be able to withdraw your deposit first, but bonus wins may still be locked. Always read the exact rule, because different sites use different words.
10 hidden rules that usually cause problems
These are the rules that most often surprise people. I will explain each rule with a simple example.
Wagering requirement (the main rule)
A wagering requirement is how much you must bet before you can withdraw bonus-related winnings. It is usually a multiplier like 35x. Some casinos apply it to the bonus only. Others apply it to bonus + deposit. That difference is huge.
Example: you get a $100 bonus with 35x wagering. If it is bonus only, you must place $100 × 35 = $3,500 in bets. If it is bonus + deposit and you deposited $100 too, then it may be ($100 + $100) × 35 = $7,000 in bets.
To understand what “wagering requirement” means, you can see simple definitions from operators and guides, like Betfair’s explanation. (Do not copy their numbers as “rules for Canada,” but the concept is the same.)
Max bet rule (easy to break by accident)
Many bonuses have a “max bet” limit while the bonus is active. If you bet more than the limit even once, the casino can cancel the bonus and remove winnings. This happens a lot because the rule is easy to miss.
Example: the max bet is $5 per spin. You set a slot to $10 spins for 2 minutes. Even if you win, the casino may later say: “You broke the max bet rule.” So always find the max bet line before you play.
Eligible games and game contribution (what counts and what does not)
Not all games count the same for wagering. Slots often count 100%. Table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat) may count 0% to 20%. Live dealer games may have special limits too. This is called “game contribution.”
Example: You need to wager $3,500. You play slots, and 100% counts, so your wagering progress moves fast. But if you play roulette and it counts 10%, then $100 of roulette bets adds only $10 to your wagering progress. You can waste a lot of time if you do not check this first.
Max cashout (a cap on bonus winnings)
Some deposit bonuses have a max cashout rule. It means even if you win more, you can only withdraw up to a set amount from bonus play. This is common on smaller “high match” deals.
Example: You deposit $50, get $50 bonus, and win $1,000. But the bonus max cashout is $200. You may only withdraw $200 from that bonus session. So the bonus may not be as good as it looks.
Time limit (you have to finish fast)
Most bonuses have a time window like 7 days, 14 days, or 30 days. If you do not finish wagering in time, the bonus and winnings can expire.
Simple tip: if the time limit is short and the wagering is high (like 40x), the “deal” can be hard for normal players.
Withdrawal rules (when “withdraw now” is not allowed)
Some bonuses block withdrawals until you finish wagering. Some let you withdraw, but then you lose the bonus. Some require you to wager your deposit first. This can be fine, but it must be clear. If it is not clear, do not deposit just to “see what happens.”
Also, regulated sites may have clear complaint paths. Ontario players can read about dispute steps on iGaming Ontario – Player Support.
Verification (KYC) can pause withdrawals
KYC means “Know Your Customer.” It is an ID check. Many sites ask for ID, proof of address, and sometimes payment proof before a first withdrawal. If you want fast cashouts, do KYC early, not after you win.
This is not “a trick.” It is common in regulated markets. But it can feel like a problem if you did not expect it.
Payment method limits (bonus may exclude some methods)
Some bonuses only work with certain deposit methods. For example, a casino may allow Interac deposits but exclude Interac from a specific bonus. Or it may exclude prepaid cards. You must check “eligible deposits.”
If you use Interac, read how it works from the official Interac FAQ: Interac e-Transfer FAQ.
“Bonus abuse” rules (multiple accounts, VPN, shared payment)
Casinos often ban “bonus abuse,” like making many accounts in one household, using a VPN to change location, or using the same card/wallet across many accounts. If you live with family or roommates, this matters. Even if you are not doing anything bad, it can look suspicious if many accounts use the same payment method.
Simple habit: one person = one account = one set of payment details. If you need to share a device, be careful and keep accounts separate.
Advertising vs reality (why you must read T&Cs)
A banner is not the full deal. The real deal is the terms. In Ontario, public advertising of gambling inducements has strict rules, and inducements are generally limited to certain channels. You can read more on the regulator site: AGCO – Marketing and Advertising.
This does not mean “all bonuses are bad.” It means you should always check the exact offer where it is legally shown, with full terms.
A 2-minute method to compare two bonuses
You do not need a long spreadsheet. You need a fast, simple routine. Here is a method you can do in two minutes.
- Write the offer in one line: “100% up to $300 + 100 free spins.”
- Find the wagering: Is it 30x? 40x? Is it bonus only, or bonus + deposit?
- Find max bet: If it is $5 and you like higher spins, this bonus may not fit you.
- Check games that count: If you want tables, but tables count 0–10%, the bonus may be slow and stressful.
- Check caps and time: Max cashout? 7-day limit? If yes, lower the “value” in your mind.
A simple template you can copy into your notes:
- Bonus size: ____
- Wagering: ____ (bonus only / bonus+deposit)
- Max bet: ____
- Eligible games: ____ (slots/table/live)
- Max cashout: ____
- Time limit: ____
- Withdrawal/KYC notes: ____
Where to find the rules before you deposit
This is the part that saves the most money. Do not start with the big banner. Start with the actual terms page. On many sites, you can find it near “Promotions,” “Bonus Terms,” or “T&Cs.”
How to scan terms fast (without reading everything)
- Use your browser search (Ctrl+F / Cmd+F).
- Search for: wager, playthrough, max bet, cashout, eligible games, contribution, withdraw, verification.
- Copy the key lines into your notes (the template above).
If you want to save time, it can help to start with a review page that lists the key bonus limits in simple words, then go to the casino site to confirm the details. For example, you can use SuomiKasinot as a quick starting point to spot common bonus rules, and then double-check the official terms on the operator site before you deposit. One source is never enough; the terms page is the final truth.
For Ontario players, it also helps to know what “regulated” means and where to check it. You can use the official directory here: iGaming Ontario – Regulated iGaming Market. The listing is dated and updated by iGaming Ontario, which is useful when you want a trusted starting point.
Canada notes: Interac, CAD, and support
Canada has some common patterns, but always remember: provinces can differ. Ontario has a clear regulated iGaming system with official player pages and support paths, like iGaming Ontario – iGaming 101.
Interac e-Transfer is popular
Many Canadian players use Interac e-Transfer for deposits and withdrawals. Interac is a bank-based transfer system in Canada. If you are new to it, use official guidance from Interac: Interac e-Transfer FAQ and How to receive money with Interac e-Transfer.
Bonus tip: some casinos require that your withdrawal method matches your deposit method. So if you deposit with one method and later want to withdraw with another, the site may block it or ask for extra checks. This is not always “bad,” but you should know it early.
Play in CAD and watch small fees
If the casino account is not in CAD, you can pay extra in conversion fees. Also, some payment methods have small fees. Those fees can reduce the real value of a bonus. If you only get a small bonus, fees can eat it.
Customer support matters more than the bonus size
A big bonus is useless if you cannot get clear answers. Before you deposit, test the support: ask one simple question like “What is the max bet for this bonus?” If they cannot answer clearly, that is a warning sign. For Ontario players, you can also read about dispute steps on iGaming Ontario – Player Support.
Red flags: when a bonus is “too good”
- Huge match but no clear max cashout line.
- Very high wagering (like 50x+) with a short time limit.
- Max bet rule hidden deep in the terms (easy to break).
- Game contribution that makes most games count 0–10%.
- Unclear withdrawal rules or vague words like “we may” everywhere.
- No clear help path (no support, no policy pages, no clear operator info).
Also be careful with wording like “free” or “risk-free.” Regulators can have specific expectations for how “free” is used in marketing. For Ontario, see AGCO notes like: AGCO – “Free Play” promotions reminder.
FAQ
Are deposit bonuses worth it?
Sometimes yes, sometimes no. A bonus is worth it when the rules fit how you play. If you like slots, a moderate wagering (like 25–35x) with clear rules can be fine. If you hate limits and time pressure, a bonus can feel stressful.
What is wagering in one sentence?
Wagering is the amount you must bet before you can withdraw winnings from bonus money.
Why did my bonus get removed?
The most common reasons are: (1) max bet rule broken, (2) played excluded games, (3) time limit ended, (4) used an excluded payment method, (5) account rules (multiple accounts, location mismatch).
Do free spins have different rules?
Yes. Free spins can have: a max win cap, a fixed slot game, a fixed stake per spin, and a separate wagering rule for winnings from the spins. Always open the free spins terms, not only the deposit bonus terms.
Can I withdraw my deposit right away?
Depends on the bonus type and the site rules. Some bonuses lock funds until wagering is done. Some let you withdraw, but you lose the bonus. Read the “withdrawal” section in the terms before you deposit.
How do I know if a site is regulated in Ontario?
You can check the official directory here: iGaming Ontario – Regulated iGaming Market. If you are outside Ontario, rules and options can be different.