Introductory bonuses are extremely common these days in the world of online gambling. Nearly every casino, sportsbook, poker room or bingo site offers some sort of signup promotion to attract new customers. These bonus deals essentially give you extra free cash to play with on top of your initial deposit amount. However, there is fine print attached that specifies that the CresusCasino bonus money itself cannot simply be withdrawn as is. So how do you actually transform these bonus credits into real withdrawable cash that you can collect? This complete guide explains several proven strategies to convert bonus money into real funds you can spend or withdraw.
Basics of Bonus Terms and Wagering Requirements
Before getting into the step-by-step details on converting bonus cash into withdrawable money, it’s important to understand the basics of how most bonus deals work. The key concept is that there are nearly always wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) attached to bonuses that state you must wager the bonus amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw any winnings associated with the bonus.
For example, a 100% signup bonus up to $200 with 10x wagering means that if you deposit $100, you get a $100 bonus. So you have $200 total credits, but you have to wager a total of $1,000 before you can withdraw any portion of that $200 balance. Sites have wagering requirements to prevent bonus abuse and ensure customers play enough to potentially generate revenue.
Okay, now that we’ve got the basics down, here are actionable tips on actually turning that bonus cash into withdrawable money:
Start with Slots to Quickly Meet Wagering Requirements
The fastest way to plow through hefty bonus wagering requirements is to play slots, especially high-variance slots with lots of bonus features and big payouts. These games have a high return-to-player (RTP) percentage, meaning more of your wagers count toward playthrough requirements. Low stakes slots also allow you to get in lots of small wagers to quickly accumulate the total bonus rollover amounts needed.
So use your bonus funds to play your favorite slots and utilize free spins offers when available. Turn on auto-play and bet small to rapidly get through the wagering demands. Once you fulfill the requirements, then move to other games with better odds to try turning a profit.
Take Advantage of No-Risk Bet Types
Once you clear bonus wagering at slots or other high-RTP games, switch to bet types that come with built-in insurance when you lose. For example, back bets both sides of a game so no matter whether you win or lose, you breakeven or profit. Some sites might restrict hedge betting with bonus funds, but there are creative ways around it.
You can also make risk-free bets at some sites that refund losing wagers in site credits. While you still have more bonus rollover to do, this ensures you don’t lose the bonus cash itself. Getting your initial wagers refunded means you only profit when you win.
Use Bonus Funds for Low-Variance Table Games
Another smart idea is to use bonus cash at low stakes table games with favorable odds and little variance between outcomes, such as blackjack and baccarat.
The small wagers you make go farther than at slots, allowing you to steadily chip away at building a withdrawable bankroll. Just be sure to first complete any wagering at faster-paced games.
Table Games with Bonus Side Bets
Look for blackjack, baccarat, craps or roulette variations that offer lucrative side bets. These are separate wagers with longshot odds but massive payouts if you get lucky and hit. Side bets essentially give you a free chance for a huge bonus win that could instantly turn the bonus credits into actual withdrawable cash.
Just don’t make the side bets so large that one loss wipes out your entire bankroll. Treat them as occasional lottery tickets worth small wagers rather than something to pour all your funds into.
Practice Excellent Bankroll Management
No matter which games you play or strategies you attempt with bonus cash, having solid bankroll management skills is an absolute must. Set clear loss limits before you start gambling with bonus funds and stick to them rigidly. Never chase losses or fall into tilt betting by ramping up wagers after a bad beat. This is the fastest way to bust out your entire balance.
Have an optimistic goal for what you hope to withdraw but also a firm stop loss on what you can comfortably afford to lose while meeting wagering and keeping the bonus.
Here is a quick reference table summarizing the best games and tactics for converting bonus money into real withdrawable cash:
| Game Type |
Key Strategy |
Risk Level |
Withdrawal Potential |
| Slots |
Bet small & use auto-play for fast rollover clearance |
Low |
Medium |
| No-risk bets |
Back both sides to guarantee breakeven or profits |
Low |
Low-Medium |
| Table games |
Make low-variance bets at favorable odds |
Medium |
Medium-High |
| Side bets |
Occasionally bet small amounts on lucrative jackpots |
High |
High |
In Closing
Learning to successfully transform bonus credits into real cash involves first understanding the concept of wagering requirements, then using proven strategies to clear playthrough demands quickly without risking the bonus amount itself.
Slots and table games with side bets or risk-free wager types offer the best ways to leverage signup deals, free plays, matched deposits and other promos to build a solid withdrawable bankroll over time via disciplined gambling.
