You are about to claim a bonus at PokerStars casino, but if you do not understand the wagering requirement first, your winnings may stay locked. This condition sets how much you must wager before you can withdraw any bonus money. For your money, it means the bonus is not free cash until you meet that play-through target.
Activating the Bonus
To activate the offer, you must follow a specific claim process. Steps differ depending on whether you use the desktop site or a mobile browser.
- Complete the PokerStars login using your existing account credentials. If you are new, register first.
- Navigate to the promotions page after the PokerStars login. The bonus offer appears in the active promotions list.
- Click the opt-in button for the welcome bonus or the reload bonus you see. This step confirms you want to participate.
- Make a qualifying deposit in the cashier section. The deposit amount must meet the minimum stated in the offer.
- Check that the bonus funds appear in your bonus balance within a few minutes. If not, contact support.
- Begin playing eligible games immediately so your play counts toward the wagering requirement. Time limits apply.
- Track your progress in the account dashboard. The system shows how much you have wagered and how much remains.
After you complete these steps, the bonus terms start applying. The clock on the expiry period begins as soon as the bonus lands. You cannot cancel the bonus once it is active, so make sure you want it before opting in.
Bonus Terms Explained
The table below lists the main bonus terms you will encounter at PokerStars casino and what they mean for your money.
| Term | What It Means | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering requirement | You must wager the bonus amount a set number of times before withdrawing winnings. | The multiplier number; higher means more play needed. |
| Game contribution percentage | Each game type counts a different share of your bets toward the wagering. | Slots often count 100%, table games less. |
| Maximum bet size | A limit on how much you can bet per spin or hand while the bonus is active. | Staying under this limit avoids breaking the terms. |
| Expiry period | The number of days you have to meet the wagering requirement. | Shorter periods require more daily play. |
| Withdrawal cap | The maximum amount you can cash out from bonus winnings. | Any winnings above this cap are forfeited. |
The term players misread most often is the game contribution percentage. Many assume that all games count equally, but table games like blackjack and roulette often contribute far less than slots. A second common mistake is overlooking the maximum bet size, which can void the full bonus and winnings if exceeded. Checking both terms before you start playing saves you from surprises later.
Wagering in Numbers
Here is a worked example to show how wagering affects your real money. Use this example only as an illustration, not as the brand’s actual terms. PokerStars casino applies its own multipliers and limits in each offer.
You claim a bonus and deposit 25 euros. The bonus terms say the wagering requirement is x45 on the bonus amount. If the bonus equals your deposit, you receive 25 euros in bonus funds.
Your target is 25 euros multiplied by 45, which equals 1,125 euros in total wagers. poker-stars.it.com sets this as the amount you must bet across eligible games before you can withdraw anything from the bonus. Every spin or hand you play reduces this target incrementally.
If you play slots that contribute 100%, each 1 euro bet counts fully toward the 1,125 euros. After 1,125 euros in bets, you complete the requirement. If you play blackjack that contributes 10%, you need 11,250 euros in bets because only 10% of each bet counts.
Finishing the wagering does not guarantee winnings; it only unlocks the bonus for withdrawal. Any leftover bonus after the expiry period disappears automatically. The deposited 25 euros usually remains available for play without wagering.
Withdrawing After a Bonus
After you meet the wagering requirement, you can request a withdrawal from your account. The system will move the bonus funds to your cash balance automatically. You then select your preferred method in the withdrawal section.
Processing the withdrawal takes time because the casino checks your play first. During this check, the team verifies that you did not break any bonus rules. A common rule to pass is not placing bets larger than the maximum allowed while the bonus was active.
You must also complete identity verification before any withdrawal is approved. This means submitting a valid ID and proof of address via the account settings. Delays in uploading documents extend the waiting time.
If you have active bonuses or pending wagering, you cannot withdraw your deposited money without removing them first. Removing a bonus early forfeits any bonus funds and winnings from it. Only the original deposit amount stays in your balance after forfeiture.
Withdrawal caps limit your total cashout from bonus winnings to a fixed amount. If your winnings exceed that cap, only the cap amount is paid out; the rest is removed. Checking this cap in the offer terms helps you avoid unrealistic expectations.
Which Games Count
Not every game at PokerStars casino counts equally toward the wagering requirement. Slots usually contribute 100% of your bet, meaning each euro you spend reduces the target fully. Jackpot slots may contribute less or be excluded entirely because of their high payout potential.
Table games like blackjack, roulette, and baccarat often contribute around 10% or 20%. Some variants like multi-hand blackjack may count even less. Video poker games typically contribute between 10% and 50%, depending on the version you choose.
Live dealer games frequently have a zero contribution percentage. Bets on live roulette or live blackjack do not reduce the wagering target at all. Players who enjoy live action should complete wagering on other games first.
Certain specialty games such as scratch cards or keno may contribute fully or partially. Each game’s contribution percentage is listed in the game details section. Ignoring these percentages leads to slow progress and potential loss of the bonus.
To maximise your play, focus on games with the highest contribution percentage. Slots are generally the safest choice for meeting the target faster. Avoid high-contribution games that also have high variance if you want consistent results.
Common Mistakes
Players often lose bonus winnings because of small oversights. Below are the most frequent errors and how to avoid them.
- Betting over the maximum allowed amount. This breaks the bonus terms and voids all winnings. Always check the maximum bet size in the offer details before placing any large bet.
- Playing games that contribute nothing. Players assume all games help, so they lose time on live tables. Confirm the contribution percentage of your chosen game type before starting.
- Forgetting the expiry period. You might miss the deadline if you play infrequently. Set a reminder to complete wagering within the time limit.
- Withdrawing while the bonus is active. Requesting a withdrawal cancels the bonus and any associated winnings. Wait until you meet the wagering requirement or remove the bonus first.
- Not tracking your wagering progress. Relying on memory leads to misjudging how much remains. Use the account dashboard to see your exact progress at any time.
- Claiming multiple bonuses at once. Activating two offers can mix their terms and make tracking impossible. Use only one bonus at a time to keep conditions clear.
- Skipping the identity check early. Preparing documents last month causes withdrawal delays. Upload your ID and proof of address right after registering.
Avoiding these mistakes saves you from losing hard-earned winnings. Taking a few minutes to read the full offer details prevents most errors. The key is to treat every condition as a rule, not a suggestion.