Casino bonus terms are written to sound generous while hiding the catch. This glossary defines every term a Canadian player needs, with Canadian-dollar examples, so you can read an offer and know what it's really worth before you claim. For the offers themselves, see our no-deposit and welcome bonus rankings.
Wagering Requirement (Playthrough / Rollover)
The number that matters most. It's how many times you must bet a bonus (and sometimes the deposit too) before you can withdraw. "35× on a C$200 bonus" means C$7,000 in bets. Anything at or below 35× is fair; 50–60× is steep. Always check whether the multiplier applies to the bonus only, or to "deposit + bonus" (which doubles the work).
Maximum Cashout (Win Cap)
A ceiling on how much you can withdraw from a bonus, common on no-deposit offers. "Max cashout C$100" means that even if your free spins win C$180, you can only keep C$100 — the rest is forfeited. On no-deposit deals this single number decides the offer's real value.
Game Weighting (Contribution)
How much each game counts toward wagering. Slots almost always count 100%; blackjack, roulette and other table games often count 10% or less, and some are excluded entirely. If you plan to clear a bonus on table games, you may barely make progress — or void it.
Max Bet Rule
A per-spin or per-hand cap (often C$5) that applies while a bonus is active. Exceed it — even once — and the casino can void the bonus and any winnings from it. It's the most common way players accidentally lose a cleared bonus.
Sticky vs Non-Sticky (Cashable) Bonuses
A sticky bonus can't be withdrawn — only the winnings you make with it — and the bonus amount is removed when you cash out. A non-sticky / cashable bonus becomes real balance once wagering is met. Non-sticky is friendlier.
No-Deposit Bonus
Free bonus cash or free spins for registering, with no deposit. Small, high wagering, low max cashout — a risk-free trial rather than a windfall. See the full guide.
Free Spins & Free Chip
Free spins are a set number of spins on specific slots; winnings usually convert to bonus funds subject to wagering. A free chip is a small cash credit you can spread across eligible games.
Welcome / Match / Deposit Bonus
A percentage match on your deposit — "100% up to C$400" doubles a C$400 deposit to C$800 to play with. Bigger value than a no-deposit bonus, but you must deposit and clear wagering. Often split across your first few deposits.
Reload, Cashback & Loyalty
A reload is a match on later deposits for existing players. Cashback returns a percentage of net losses (often weekly) and usually carries low or no wagering. VIP/loyalty programs convert play into points, perks and faster withdrawals.
No-Wagering Bonus
The best kind: winnings are real cash you can withdraw immediately, with no playthrough. Rare, and worth prioritising — a small no-wagering offer often beats a huge match at 50×.
Other Terms You Will See
- Bonus code — a code you enter to unlock an offer; always use the casino's own.
- Expiry — the window to use a bonus, often 7–30 days (24 hours for some no-deposit deals).
- Restricted games — titles excluded while a bonus is active.
- New players only — one per person/household/IP.
- Minimum deposit — the smallest deposit that qualifies for an offer (often C$10–C$20).
Bonus terms change without notice — always read the operator's current terms before you claim. 19+ (18+ AB/MB/QC). Play responsibly.
What does wagering requirement mean?
It's how many times you must bet a bonus before withdrawing. A C$200 bonus at 35× wagering means C$7,000 in bets. Lower is better; above 40× is steep.
What is a maximum cashout on a bonus?
A cap on how much you can withdraw from a bonus, common on no-deposit offers. If the cap is C$100 and you win C$180, you keep C$100 and forfeit the rest.
What is a no-wagering bonus?
A bonus whose winnings are real, withdrawable cash with no playthrough required. It's the most player-friendly type and often better value than a large match with high wagering.
Why did my casino void my bonus?
The most common reasons are breaking the max-bet rule while a bonus was active, playing restricted games, or claiming a second bonus on a duplicate account.
About Riley Beaumont
Riley Beaumont covers iGaming Ontario, the AGCO and Canadian gambling legislation from Toronto. Riley reads the regulators' registers and reports, tracks the Alberta iGaming Corporation launch, and writes about what the records show rather than what operators claim.
Riley tested the sites in this ranking with funded accounts and timed a withdrawal at each. More about Riley Beaumont and how we rate these sites.