Cheating with bonuses: what unscrupulous casinos are capable of
Published: April 29, 2025
Bonuses are one of the most powerful marketing tools in online gambling. They promise "free" money, freespins and generous rewards... but not always fair.
In this article, we will analyze in detail:
Types of cheating with bonuses
1. Impossible wagering conditions
It looks tempting: get a bonus of €100.
And then in small print:
Result: even if you win, you won't be able to withdraw - the framework is too tight.
2. Hidden win withdrawal ban
Some casinos prescribe under the conditions:
The player can raise €500, but will receive €20 - everything else will simply burn out.
3. Inactive bonus "default"
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. Blocking an account after winning
One of the dirtiest tricks:
The reasons can be far-fetched: multi-account, VPN, "wrong game."
5. Artificial delay in payments
Fraudulent casinos may:
Their goal is to make the player continue to play and lose money without waiting for payment.
6. Ban on certain games (without notice)
The casino may turn on the vager, but:
Sometimes such games are not specified at all - check the list of exceptions in the rules.
How to recognize bonus deception before registration?
Here are the red flags:
How to protect yourself
1. Read the terms and conditions before activating the bonus
Check:
2. Play only at licensed casinos
License availability from:
You can check the license on the official website of the regulator.
3. Don't rush your deposit
Test the casino:
4. Take a screenshot of the conditions
If the rules change, there will be evidence in a dispute.
5. Choose a casino with "No Wager Bonus"
These are bonuses without winning, where the winnings go immediately to the main account.
Ideal for beginners.
What if you are deceived?
1. Contact Casino Support
Explain the situation politely but persistently. Ask for a link to the rule clause.
2. Leave a complaint on specialized sites
AskGamblers
Casino Guru
Trustpilot
Complaints are often resolved after publication.
3. Write to the regulator (if licensed)
The license must be specified in the site footer. Go to the regulator's website and submit a complaint.
Conclusion
The bonus is not a gift, but a contract with conditions. In reliable casinos, this is an honest opportunity to get more. In fraudulent - this is a trap.
Do not be fooled by 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 cheating schemes with bonuses exist
- How not to get hooked
- What signals indicate an unscrupulous casino
- And what to do if you have already been "thrown" for a bonus
Types of cheating with bonuses
1. Impossible wagering conditions
It looks tempting: get a bonus of €100.
And then in small print:
- Wager x90
- Specific slots only
- Max. rate - €1
- Term - 24 hours
Result: even if you win, you won't be able to withdraw - the framework is too tight.
2. Hidden win withdrawal ban
Some casinos prescribe under the conditions:
- or
💡"Bonus winnings cannot be withdrawn"
💡"Maximum output - €20, regardless of winnings"
The player can raise €500, but will receive €20 - everything else will simply burn out.
3. Inactive bonus "default"
The player makes a deposit and does not even realize that he has activated the bonus. As a result:
- Restrictions are automatically imposed
- Withdrawal of funds is impossible without wagering
- When trying to cashout - cancellation of the win
Always check whether the bonus is activated, even if you did not manually request it.
4. Blocking an account after winning
One of the dirtiest tricks:
- The player wins a large amount from the bonus
- Applies for withdrawal
- Casino finds' breaking rules'
- Account is blocked, bonus and winnings burn out
The reasons can be far-fetched: multi-account, VPN, "wrong game."
5. Artificial delay in payments
Fraudulent casinos may:
- Do not confirm verification for days
- Ask for new documents
- "Lose" transactions
- Delay output until bonus expires
Their goal is to make the player continue to play and lose money without waiting for payment.
6. Ban on certain games (without notice)
The casino may turn on the vager, but:
- 80% of popular slots not counted
- The player does not know about it
- Makes bets thinking it's advancing
- But in fact - winning back = 0%
Sometimes such games are not specified at all - check the list of exceptions in the rules.
How to recognize bonus deception before registration?
Here are the red flags:
| Sign | What does | mean |
|---|---|---|
| Wager above x50 | Too hard to win back | |
| Less than 48 hours to play | Unrealistic deadlines | |
| Incomplete or unclear description | Casino hides rules | |
| Gaming and Betting Restrictions | Win Cancellation Trap | |
| No license information | High fake risk | |
| Bonus is activated automatically | You do not control the conditions |
How to protect yourself
1. Read the terms and conditions before activating the bonus
Check:
- Wager
- Rate restrictions
- Which games count
- Validity period
- Maximum winnings and withdrawal limits
2. Play only at 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. Don't rush your deposit
Test the casino:
- Read reviews
- Play demos
- Check support
4. Take a screenshot of the conditions
If the rules change, there will be evidence in a dispute.
5. Choose a casino with "No Wager Bonus"
These are bonuses without winning, where the winnings go immediately to the main account.
Ideal for beginners.
What if you are deceived?
1. Contact Casino Support
Explain the situation politely but persistently. Ask for a link to the rule clause.
2. Leave a complaint on specialized sites
AskGamblers
Casino Guru
Trustpilot
Complaints are often resolved after publication.
3. Write to the regulator (if licensed)
The license must be specified in the site footer. Go to the regulator's website and submit a complaint.
Conclusion
The bonus is not a gift, but a contract with conditions. In reliable casinos, this is an honest opportunity to get more. In fraudulent - this is a trap.
Do not be fooled by 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."
