Bonus deceptions: what unscrupulous casinos can do
Published: April 29, 2025
Bonuses are one of the most powerful marketing tools in online gambling. They promise "free" money, frispins and generous rewards... but far from always being honest.
In this article, we will analyze in detail:
Types of bonus cheating
1. Impossible Playing Terms
Looks tempting: Get a €100 bonus.
And then in small print:
The result: even if you win, you won't be able to bring it out - the framework is too tight.
2. Hidden ban on the withdrawal of winnings
Some casinos prescribe in the following conditions:
The player can raise €500, but will receive €20 - everything else will simply burn out.
3. Inactive default bonus
The player makes a deposit and does not even realize that he has activated the bonus. As a result:
Always check: whether the bonus is activated, even if you did not manually request it.
4. Post-Win Account Lock
One of the dirtiest tricks:
Reasons can be far-fetched: multi-account, VPN, "wrong game."
5. Artificial delay in payments
Fraudulent casinos can:
Their goal is to force the player to continue playing and lose money without waiting for the payment.
6. Ban on certain games (without notification)
The casino can turn on the vager, but:
Sometimes such games are not indicated at all - check the list of exceptions in the rules.
How do I recognize bonus cheating before signing up?
Here are the alarms:
How to protect yourself
1. Read the terms and conditions before the bonus is activated
Check:
2. Play only in licensed casinos
License availability from:
You can check the license on the official website of the regulator.
3. Do not rush to deposit
Test the casino:
4. Take a screenshot of the conditions
If the rules change, there will be proof in the dispute.
5. Choose a casino with "No Wager Bonus"
These are bonuses without winning, where wins go immediately to the main account.
Ideal for beginners.
What to do if you are deceived?
1. Contact Casino Support
Explain the situation politely but persistently. Ask for a link to the rule item.
2. Leave a complaint on profile sites
AskGamblers
Casino Guru
Trustpilot
Complaints are often resolved after publication.
3. Write to regulator (if licensed)
The license must be in the footer of the site. Go to the regulator's website and send a complaint.
Conclusion
The bonus is not a gift, but a contract with terms. In reliable casinos, this is an honest opportunity to get more. In the fraudulent, this is a trap.
Do not lead on the "golden mountains."
Check every little thing.
Play where honesty is the norm, not the exception.
See also: "How to distinguish a fake casino," "How to win back a bonus," "What gives a casino license."
In this article, we will analyze in detail:
- What bonus cheating schemes exist
- How not to get hooked
- What signals indicate an unscrupulous casino
- And what to do if you have already been "thrown" on the bonus
Types of bonus cheating
1. Impossible Playing Terms
Looks tempting: Get a €100 bonus.
And then in small print:
- Wager x90
- Only certain slots
- Max. rate - €1
- Time - 24 hours
The result: even if you win, you won't be able to bring it out - the framework is too tight.
2. Hidden ban on the withdrawal of winnings
Some casinos prescribe in the following conditions:
- or
💡"Bonus winnings are not deductible"
💡Maximum output - €20, regardless of winnings
The player can raise €500, but will receive €20 - everything else will simply burn out.
3. Inactive default bonus
The player makes a deposit and does not even realize that he has activated the bonus. As a result:
- Restrictions are automatically imposed
- Withdrawal is not possible without a gamble
- When trying to cashout - cancel win
Always check: whether the bonus is activated, even if you did not manually request it.
4. Post-Win Account Lock
One of the dirtiest tricks:
- The player wins a large sum with a bonus
- Applying for withdrawal
- Casino finds "rule breaking"
- Account is blocked, bonus and winnings burn
Reasons can be far-fetched: multi-account, VPN, "wrong game."
5. Artificial delay in payments
Fraudulent casinos can:
- Do not confirm verification for days
- Ask for new documents
- "Lose" transactions
- Delay withdrawal until bonus expires
Their goal is to force the player to continue playing and lose money without waiting for the payment.
6. Ban on certain games (without notification)
The casino can turn on the vager, but:
- 80% of popular slots are not counted
- The player does not know about it
- Bets on Thinking It's Moving Forward
- But in fact - win back = 0%
Sometimes such games are not indicated at all - check the list of exceptions in the rules.
How do I recognize bonus cheating before signing up?
Here are the alarms:
| Sign | What it means |
|---|---|
| Wager above x50 | Too hard to play |
| Less than 48 hours to play | Unrealistic dates |
| Incomplete or incomprehensible description | Casino hides rules |
| Game and Betting Restrictions | Win Cancellation Trap |
| No license information | High risk of fake |
| Bonus is activated automatically | You do not control the terms |
How to protect yourself
1. Read the terms and conditions before the bonus is activated
Check:
- Wager
- Rate restrictions
- Which games count
- Validity period
- Maximum winnings and output limits
2. Play only in licensed casinos
License availability from:
- MGA (Malta)
- UKGC (UK)
- Curacao (less strict but at least something)
- Kahnawake, Gibraltar - also acceptable
You can check the license on the official website of the regulator.
3. Do not rush to deposit
Test the casino:
- Read the reviews
- Play the demo
- Check support
4. Take a screenshot of the conditions
If the rules change, there will be proof in the dispute.
5. Choose a casino with "No Wager Bonus"
These are bonuses without winning, where wins go immediately to the main account.
Ideal for beginners.
What to do if you are deceived?
1. Contact Casino Support
Explain the situation politely but persistently. Ask for a link to the rule item.
2. Leave a complaint on profile sites
AskGamblers
Casino Guru
Trustpilot
Complaints are often resolved after publication.
3. Write to regulator (if licensed)
The license must be in the footer of the site. Go to the regulator's website and send a complaint.
Conclusion
The bonus is not a gift, but a contract with terms. In reliable casinos, this is an honest opportunity to get more. In the fraudulent, this is a trap.
Do not lead on the "golden mountains."
Check every little thing.
Play where honesty is the norm, not the exception.
See also: "How to distinguish a fake casino," "How to win back a bonus," "What gives a casino license."