Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Way To Avoid Bonus Locking: Only claim bonuses you plan to clear, and keep real money withdrawals separate from active promo play
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Check Bonus Status: Before you deposit and again before you attempt any withdrawal
- Biggest mistake: Accepting a bonus automatically (or stacking promos) and not realizing your whole balance is now locked behind wagering
- Pro tip: If you want to withdraw soon, don’t claim a bonus “just because it’s there”
Before anything else, if you want the full framework behind bonuses, read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses (pillar).
What Is Bonus Locking?
Bonus locking is when your account balance can’t be withdrawn because a bonus is active.
This usually means:
- your balance is tied to wagering requirements
- withdrawals are blocked until you clear or forfeit the bonus
- some funds (or all funds) are considered “bonus-linked”
Important: bonus locking isn’t always a scam. Most of the time it’s just a result of how bonuses are designed:
- bonuses are meant to keep you playing
- casinos lock funds to stop instant cashouts from promo money
If you want the basics of locked vs real money, read The Difference Between Bonus Money & Real Money (article #2).
The 5 Most Common Reasons Bonus Locking Happens
1) You Accepted A Bonus Without Realizing It
This is the #1 cause.
Some casinos:
- auto-apply bonuses
- pre-tick bonus boxes at deposit
- use promo codes that activate automatically
Then your deposit becomes “tied” to the bonus rules.
If you want to understand activation rules, read The Difference Between Manual & Automatic Bonus Activation (article #49).
2) Your Real Money And Bonus Money Got Mixed
Many casinos combine balances so it’s hard to see what’s withdrawable.
Depending on terms, you may have:
- real money locked until wagering completes
- winnings locked because they came from bonus play
- a “sticky” bonus that prevents withdrawal until cleared
If you want sticky vs non-sticky explained, read The Difference Between Sticky & Non-Sticky Bonuses (article #6).
3) You Claimed Another Promo While One Was Still Active
Stacking promos can lock your whole balance behind the newest terms.
Examples:
- you claim a reload while the welcome bonus is active
- you opt into cashback while wagering is incomplete
- you accept free spins mid-wagering
This can extend your lock period.
If you want to avoid this, read How To Use Bonuses Without Getting Limited Or Restricted (article #55) (use it as a clean “bonus behavior” guide).
4) You Didn’t Finish Wagering (Or Your Game Didn’t Count)
Sometimes you think you’re done, but:
- the game contributed 10% not 100%
- you played restricted games at 0% contribution
- wagering progress didn’t move as expected
So the casino still sees an active bonus.
If you want to choose games properly, read How To Clear Bonuses Faster Using Smart Game Selection (article #31).
5) You Have A Pending Verification Or Withdrawal Rule
Some casinos block withdrawal while:
- KYC is incomplete
- payment method ownership isn’t verified
- region/payment rules require extra checks
This can look like “bonus locking,” even when it’s really compliance + withdrawal policy.
If you want the full explanation, read Why KYC Verification Is Required Before Bonus Withdrawal (article #43).
How To Avoid Bonus Locking (The Practical Playbook)
Step 1: Decide Your Goal Before You Deposit
Ask one question:
“Do I want to withdraw soon?”
If yes:
- don’t claim a bonus
- deposit as real money only
- keep your balance clean
If no and you’re okay wagering:
- claim a bonus intentionally
- pick a clear plan to finish wagering
Step 2: Turn Off Auto-Bonus Where Possible
Some casinos let you:
- disable bonus offers
- opt out of promos
- choose “no bonus” at deposit
Use it if you want flexibility.
Step 3: Avoid Bonus Stacking
Finish or forfeit one bonus before joining another.
Simple rule:
One active bonus at a time.
Step 4: Learn Where The Bonus Status Page Is
Most casinos show:
- current bonus
- wagering remaining
- eligible games
- expiry time
Check this page before:
- switching games
- increasing bet size
- attempting a withdrawal
If you want a tracking method, next read How To Track Wagering Progress Efficiently (article #38).
Step 5: If You’re Stuck, Choose: Clear Or Forfeit
Most of the time you have two options:
- clear wagering to unlock funds
- forfeit bonus to withdraw real money (if allowed)
But be careful: forfeiting can sometimes remove bonus-linked winnings.
If you want the safe conversion path, read How To Turn Bonus Funds Into Real Profits Safely (article #34).
The “Before You Withdraw” Checklist (Avoid Surprise Locks)
Before you hit withdraw, check:
- Do you have an active bonus?
- Is wagering fully complete?
- Are you using eligible games?
- Is your withdrawal method verified and supported?
- Are there max cashout caps attached to the promo?
- Is KYC complete (if needed)?
If any of these are unclear, pause and check the bonus terms.
If you want a terms-scan method, read How To Read Casino Bonus Terms Without Getting Tricked (article #16).
FAQs On Bonus Locking At Online Casinos
What Is Bonus Locking In Online Casinos?
Bonus locking is when your balance can’t be withdrawn because a bonus is active and funds are tied to wagering requirements or bonus restrictions.
Why Is My Casino Balance Not Withdrawable?
Common reasons include an active bonus, incomplete wagering, playing games with low/zero contribution, or pending verification requirements.
Can I Withdraw My Deposit If I Claimed A Bonus?
Sometimes. Some casinos allow withdrawing the deposit if you forfeit the bonus, but you may lose bonus-linked winnings. Terms vary.
How Do I Avoid Bonus Locking?
Only claim bonuses intentionally, avoid stacking promos, check bonus status before withdrawing, and keep real money deposits separate when you plan to cash out soon.
Is Bonus Locking A Scam?
Not usually. It’s typically how bonus terms work. The key is reading terms and understanding when your balance becomes locked.
Where To Go Next
Now that you know how bonus locking happens, the next step is learning how to track wagering progress efficiently, so you always know exactly how close you are to unlocking funds.
Next Article: How To Track Wagering Progress Efficiently (article #38)
Next Steps
If you’re betting spreads, read: The Difference Between Bonus Money & Real Money (article #2)
If you’re betting totals, read: How To Turn Bonus Funds Into Real Profits Safely (article #34)
Want a deeper edge? Use: How To Read Casino Bonus Terms Without Getting Tricked (article #16)
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