How to evaluate crypto casino bonuses — sticky vs cashable explained, wagering requirement math, red flags in terms, and which bonus types actually have positive expected value.
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Crypto casino bonuses look incredible on paper. "200% deposit match up to 1 BTC!" Sounds like free money. It's not. The details buried in the terms & conditions determine whether a bonus is genuinely valuable or a clever trap that keeps your money locked up.
I've claimed hundreds of crypto casino bonuses. Here's how to tell the difference.
This is the single most important distinction in crypto casino bonuses, and most players don't know it exists.
The bonus itself can be withdrawn after meeting wagering requirements. If you deposit 0.1 BTC and get a 100% match of 0.1 BTC, after completing the wagering, you can withdraw the bonus amount plus any winnings.
Example: Deposit 0.1 BTC, get 0.1 BTC bonus. After 30x wagering on the bonus (3 BTC in total bets), you can withdraw the 0.1 BTC bonus + whatever you have left.
Cashable bonuses are genuinely valuable, but they're becoming rarer.
The bonus amount itself cannot be withdrawn, only winnings generated from playing with it. The bonus amount is removed from your balance when you request a withdrawal.
Example: Deposit 0.1 BTC, get 0.1 BTC sticky bonus. You play and your balance grows to 0.5 BTC. When you withdraw, the casino removes the 0.1 BTC bonus, and you get 0.4 BTC.
Sticky bonuses aren't worthless, they give you more play time and a bigger bankroll to bet with. But the expected value is significantly lower than cashable bonuses because you can never withdraw the core bonus amount.
Most crypto casino bonuses in 2026 are sticky. If the terms don't explicitly say "cashable" or "withdrawable bonus," assume it's sticky.
The wagering requirement (also called playthrough or rollover) tells you how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw.
"30x bonus" = Bet the bonus amount 30 times. If your bonus is 0.1 BTC, you must place 3 BTC in total bets.
"30x (deposit + bonus)" = Bet both amounts combined 30 times. If you deposited 0.1 BTC and got 0.1 BTC bonus, you must place 6 BTC in total bets. This is twice as hard.
Always check whether the requirement applies to the bonus only or deposit + bonus. The difference is massive.
| Wagering | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 1x | Exceptional (typical for sweepstakes casinos) |
| 10-20x | Good, realistic to complete |
| 25-35x | Average, standard at most crypto casinos |
| 40-50x | High, difficult to complete profitably |
| 60x+ | Avoid, nearly impossible to come out ahead |
At 40x+ wagering, the house edge grinds down your balance over thousands of required bets. By the time you complete the requirement, most players have lost the bonus and then some.
Not all games count equally toward wagering:
If you prefer table games, a 30x requirement effectively becomes 150-600x because your bets only count at 5-20%. Always check which games contribute before choosing a bonus.
The most common type. Casino matches your deposit at a percentage:
Higher percentages often come with higher wagering requirements. A 100% bonus at 25x is usually better than a 200% bonus at 50x.
Free bonus just for signing up. Usually small (0.001-0.005 BTC equivalent) with high wagering (40-60x). Worth claiming since it's free, but don't expect to withdraw much.
Free plays on specific slot games. Winnings typically come with their own wagering requirements. Check: max cashout limit (some free spin winnings are capped), which slot the spins are for, and the wagering on winnings.
Smaller bonuses on subsequent deposits (not just the first). Usually 25-75% match with similar wagering to the welcome bonus. Good for regular players.
A percentage of your losses returned to you. Stake.com/Stake.us offers 5% rakeback. This is often the best long-term bonus because:
If a platform offers rakeback, it's almost always better value than deposit match bonuses for regular players.
Multi-tier loyalty systems with escalating perks: higher rakeback percentages, exclusive bonuses, faster withdrawals, personal account managers. Usually based on total wagering volume.
Here's the framework I use:
Step 1: Calculate total wagering required. 0.1 BTC bonus × 35x = 3.5 BTC in total bets needed
Step 2: Estimate house edge cost. Slots average ~4% house edge. 3.5 BTC × 4% = 0.14 BTC lost to house edge during wagering.
Step 3: Compare to bonus value. If the bonus is 0.1 BTC (cashable), and the expected house edge cost is 0.14 BTC, you're expected to lose more than the bonus is worth. Negative expected value.
If the bonus is 0.1 BTC at 20x wagering: 2 BTC × 4% = 0.08 BTC house edge cost. The bonus is worth 0.1 BTC and costs 0.08 BTC in expected losses. Net positive: +0.02 BTC expected value.
Rule of thumb: For cashable bonuses, wagering under 25x on slots is usually +EV. For sticky bonuses, the math is worse because you can't withdraw the bonus itself.
Max bet limit during wagering. Many bonuses restrict your maximum bet size while wagering (e.g.max $5/spin). Violating this, even accidentally, can void the bonus and all winnings. Always check.
Max cashout on bonus winnings. Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw, regardless of how much you win. A "$200 max cashout" means even a massive win gets capped.
Time limits. Most bonuses expire in 7-30 days. If you don't complete the wagering in time, the bonus and any winnings from it are voided.
Restricted games. Some bonuses can only be used on specific games, often lower-RTP slots that benefit the casino.
Hidden terms. If the promotional page doesn't clearly state wagering requirements, bonus type (sticky/cashable), and game restrictions, skip it. Legitimate casinos are transparent about terms.
