“Locked By Bonus” Meaning at an Online Casino Explained
Online casinos often use terms that can be confusing, especially to newcomers. One you may see on your account is “locked by bonus”.
This indicates that some funds cannot be withdrawn while a bonus is active because certain conditions must be met first.
In this blog post, we explain what “locked by bonus” means in practice, share a clear example, outline why withdrawals can be restricted, cover how wagering works, and look at whether a bonus can be cancelled.
Read on to learn more.
What Does Locked By Bonus Mean?
“Locked by bonus” indicates that part of a player’s balance is temporarily unavailable for withdrawal due to an active promotion. When a bonus is claimed, casinos attach conditions that must be completed before bonus funds and any winnings from them can move to the cash balance.
The main condition is usually a wagering requirement. This is the total amount that needs to be wagered on eligible games. Until that total is reached, the bonus balance and winnings tied to it remain locked. Some casinos also use a mixed-balance system where both real-money and bonus funds are used in a set order. In these cases, attempting a withdrawal early may either be blocked or require the player to forfeit the bonus and any bonus-derived winnings.
To see how it works in context, it helps to look at a simple example.
Locked By Bonus Online Casino Example
Imagine a player accepts a £20 bonus with a 20x wagering requirement. The requirement is £400 in total bets (£20 x 20) on eligible games.
While working towards the £400, the £20 bonus and any winnings earned from it will remain “locked by bonus”. Usually, they can be used for play, but they cannot be withdrawn. Once the requirement is met, the locked amount that is eligible will move to the cash balance and may then be withdrawn in line with the site’s withdrawal rules.
If anything is unclear, the bonus terms or customer support can confirm how the casino handles locked funds.
Can’t Withdraw While Bonus Active: Why?
Withdrawal limits while a bonus is active exist to ensure promotional funds are used as intended. Without these limits, a player could claim a bonus and withdraw related funds immediately, which would undermine the purpose of the offer.
The rules usually work in one of two ways:
- The bonus balance and all winnings from it are locked until wagering is complete.
- Or, if a withdrawal is requested early, the casino allows the withdrawal of cash-only funds but removes the active bonus and any winnings tied to it.
Trying to withdraw before meeting the requirements often results in a blocked request or a choice to proceed without the bonus. The approach is set out in the bonus terms, including any caps on what can be converted to cash after wagering.
Next, let’s look at how wagering is cleared and the details that may speed up or slow down progress.
How To Clear Wagering Requirements
To clear wagering requirements, a player needs to place bets that add up to a set total before bonus-related funds may be withdrawn. The total is usually a multiple of the bonus amount or, sometimes, the bonus plus deposit.
For example, a £10 bonus with a 30x requirement means £300 in qualifying bets. However, the path to £300 may vary:
- Game weighting: Slots often contribute 100%, while some table games contribute less or may be excluded.
- Bet caps: Many bonuses set a maximum bet per spin or hand while the bonus is active. Bets above that limit may not count and may void the offer.
- Time limits and expiry: Bonuses typically have a time window to complete wagering. If it expires, remaining bonus funds and any tied winnings may be removed.
- Maximum conversion: Some offers limit how much of the bonus-related winnings may be converted to cash after wagering.
Casinos usually display progress in the account area, showing how much wagering remains and which games count. If something does not add up, support may clarify which bets contributed and why.
With that in mind, what if a player decides the bonus is not for them after all?
Can You Cancel a Casino Bonus?
Yes, most casinos allow a bonus to be cancelled through the promotions or account area, or by contacting support. Cancelling stops further wagering requirements from applying and returns play to cash-only funds.
However, cancelling usually removes the bonus and forfeits any winnings that came from it unless those winnings have already moved to the cash balance. Some sites require the bonus to be fully removed before a withdrawal can be processed, so it is worth checking the specific steps on the account page or with support.
If a bonus no longer suits how a player wants to play, cancelling it can be a straightforward way to continue with just the cash balance.
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If you’re interested in playing casino games at Mr Luck, you’re welcome to create an account, add funds, and explore our game library at a pace that suits you.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.