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Guide · Bonuses Updated 27 Oct 2026

Why your new casino bonus might not work

A bonus usually fails because one term was missed: the wrong code, a deposit below the minimum, an excluded payment method, a bet above the maximum or a country the offer does not cover.

Most failures can be fixed before you play. Once you have wagered with a bonus that is not active, the casino rarely adds it afterwards.

By Chloe O'Sullivan | Bonuses

Common problems and fixes

ProblemWhat you seeFix
Invalid codeCode not recognisedCopy and paste it; check spaces, capitals and the expiry date
Deposit below the minimumNo bonus after depositAsk support before you play; topping up rarely triggers it afterwards
Excluded payment methodDeposit credited, no bonusUse a card or bank transfer next time; e-wallets are often excluded
Country not eligibleOffer missing or greyed outCheck the offer terms for Ireland; some offers are country-specific
Duplicate account flagBonus blocked or account frozenOne account per person, household and device is the usual rule
Max bet brokenBonus and winnings removedKeep to the stake cap, often €5, until the wagering is done

Checklist before you claim

  1. Read the offer terms: minimum deposit, code, eligible payment methods and countries.
  2. Opt in where the casino asks you to, before the deposit.
  3. Note the wagering, time limit and maximum bet.
  4. Play eligible games only; check the game weighting.
  5. Screenshot the offer and your deposit in case you need to raise it with support.

If it still does not work

Contact live chat before you place a bet, give the offer name, the time of your deposit and the method used, and ask for the reply in writing. If the casino refuses an offer it advertised, its licensing regulator's complaints route is your next step; a weak licence gives you little leverage, which is one more reason to check the licence first.

Our guide to customer support at new casinos covers how to raise a problem so it gets solved.

Questions

Bonus problems: questions

Why haven't my free spins appeared?

Open the slot named in the offer; spins usually appear there. If not, refresh and contact support before you play other games.

Can I cancel a bonus?

Usually yes, in your account or the cashier, but you lose the bonus money and any winnings made with it.

Do table games count towards wagering?

Often at 10% to 20%, sometimes not at all. Check the game weighting in the terms.

What if I withdraw before finishing the wagering?

The casino usually voids the bonus and its winnings. Your own remaining deposit is normally still yours, depending on the terms.

Responsible gaming

Play only if you are 18+ and it stays fun

These rules apply on every page of this site. A young casino has less history to judge it by, so the limits matter more.

18+ only

Adults only, everywhere

You must be 18 or older, and older in some countries. A casino can ask for ID before your first withdrawal, and new casinos often do.

Responsible gaming
New brands

Start small with an unknown casino

Deposit an amount you would accept losing to a failed withdrawal, and request a small cash-out early to see how the casino handles it.

How we review new casinos
Limits

Set limits before the welcome offer

Bonus wagering keeps you playing longer. Set a deposit limit and a time limit in the account before you claim.

Set your limits
Help

Free, confidential support

If playing stops being fun, talk to someone. Gambling Therapy offers free support in many languages.

Gambling Awareness Trust 1800 936 725 · Gambling Therapy · Addiction help