Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Choice For Fast Withdrawals: Play with real money only and skip the bonus when you don’t have time for wagering
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Take Bonus Money: When you’re ready to play long enough to clear wagering before the timer ends
- Biggest mistake: Mixing bonus play with “I just want to cash out now” expectations
- Pro tip: Check if wagering applies to bonus only or deposit + bonus before you claim
Before you start, if you want the full bonus landscape (types, key terms, and common traps), read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses (pillar).
Why This Difference Matters So Much
If you understand one thing about bonuses, make it this: bonus money and real money follow different rules.
Real money is meant to be withdrawable. Bonus money is meant to be played through first. When you mix the two, casinos usually apply bonus rules to your account until the bonus is cleared or removed.
That’s why people get surprised when:
- Their withdrawal button is disabled
- Their cashout is delayed
- Their withdrawable balance is smaller than the total shown
- They lose bonus-linked winnings after a withdrawal attempt
What Real Money Means In Online Casinos
Real money usually refers to:
- Your deposit (the cash you put in)
- Winnings not tied to an active bonus
- Winnings that cleared all bonus requirements (after playthrough is done)
Real money is generally withdrawable under standard rules, like:
- Minimum cashout limits
- KYC/verification requirements
- Payment method eligibility
Real money does not always mean “instant,” but it usually means “this is the money you can cash out once the basics are met.”
What Bonus Money Means In Online Casinos
Bonus money is promotional credit. It might come from:
- Deposit match bonuses
- Reload offers
- Cashback promos (sometimes credited as bonus)
- Free spins winnings (often converted to bonus funds)
- Loyalty rewards (depending on the program)
Bonus money typically comes with:
- Wagering requirements (playthrough)
- Game restrictions and contribution rules
- Max bet rules
- Expiry timers
- Max cashout caps (common for no-deposit offers)
Bonus money is designed to extend playtime, not speed up withdrawals.
How Casinos Show Balances (And Why It Gets Confusing)
Casinos present balances in different ways.
One Combined Balance
Some casinos show one total number that includes:
- Your cash deposit
- Bonus funds
- Bonus-linked winnings
This is where people get trapped because the total looks withdrawable, even when it isn’t.
Separate Wallets
Other casinos split it into:
- Cash balance
- Bonus balance
- Winnings balance
This is clearer, but it can still confuse players because some casinos force a “spend order,” like using cash first or bonus first.
If you want to understand how the whole claim → play → cashout flow works from start to finish, read this beginner walkthrough: How Casino Bonuses Work: A Complete Beginner’s Guide (article #1).
What Is Actually Withdrawable?
Here’s the simple truth: what you can withdraw depends on whether you’re under bonus rules right now.
If You Have No Active Bonus
Your deposit and winnings are usually withdrawable (subject to standard checks).
If You Claimed A Bonus
Your account may contain:
- Cash that may be restricted
- Bonus funds that are not withdrawable
- Winnings that are locked until playthrough is completed
Some casinos allow partial withdrawals during bonus play. Others block withdrawals completely.
How Wagering Changes What You Can Cash Out
Wagering requirements are the bridge between bonus money and real money.
Example:
- Bonus: $100
- Wagering: 30x
- Required play: $3,000
Until you hit that playthrough, the casino may:
- Lock bonus winnings
- Lock your deposit
- Reduce your withdrawable balance while the bonus is active
Also, game contribution changes everything. A slot might count 100%, while a table game might count 10% or even 0%. That changes how long it takes for your bonus play to become withdrawable.
If you want the full breakdown, use this guide to understand the math and what counts: Understanding Wagering Requirements In Casino Bonuses (article #3).
Bonus-Only Wagering Vs Deposit + Bonus Wagering
This is one of the most important lines in the promo terms.
Bonus-Only Wagering
You only wager the bonus amount based on the multiplier. This is usually more player-friendly.
Example:
- Bonus: $100
- Wagering: 30x bonus
- Required wagering: $3,000
Deposit + Bonus Wagering
The casino applies wagering to the combined amount.
Example:
- Deposit: $100
- Bonus: $100
- Wagering: 30x (deposit + bonus)
- Required wagering: $6,000
Deposit + bonus wagering can turn a “nice offer” into a grind.
What Happens If You Withdraw While A Bonus Is Active
This is where a lot of players get burned.
Depending on the casino, a withdrawal attempt may:
- Be blocked until wagering is complete
- Trigger automatic bonus forfeiture
- Remove bonus funds and bonus-linked winnings
- Cancel the promo and reset your progress
A good habit: if you’re unsure, contact support before withdrawing and ask what happens to bonus funds and winnings if you cash out now.
How To Avoid Getting Your Money Locked
Use one of these approaches depending on your goal.
Option 1: Deposit Without Taking The Bonus
If you want simple withdrawals, choose “no bonus” when available. This is the cleanest route.
Option 2: Take Smaller Bonuses With Clear Terms
A smaller bonus with lower wagering is often more valuable than a giant match with strict limits.
Option 3: Match The Bonus To The Games You Actually Play
If the bonus works best on slots, use slots. If you prefer table games, confirm they contribute fairly.
Want to avoid getting restricted while chasing promos? Use this guide on how to use bonuses without getting limited: How To Use Bonuses Without Getting Limited Or Restricted (article #55).
FAQs On Bonus Money Vs Real Money
What Is Bonus Money In An Online Casino?
Bonus money is promotional credit added from offers like match bonuses, free spins winnings, cashback, or loyalty rewards. It usually comes with wagering rules before winnings become withdrawable.
What Is Real Money In A Casino Account?
Real money is your deposit and winnings that are not tied to an active bonus, or that have already cleared playthrough rules. Real money is generally withdrawable under standard cashout rules.
Is Bonus Money The Same As Bonus Winnings?
Not always. Bonus money is the promo credit itself. Bonus winnings are what you win while playing with bonus funds. Many casinos lock bonus winnings until you complete wagering, and some cap how much of those winnings you can withdraw.
Why Is My Balance High But I Can’t Withdraw?
Your balance may include bonus funds or bonus-linked winnings that are locked behind wagering requirements, max cashout limits, or withdrawal restrictions while the bonus is active.
What Happens If I Cancel Or Forfeit A Bonus?
Forfeiting usually removes remaining bonus funds and may remove bonus-linked winnings. It can also unlock withdrawals if the casino restricts cashouts during bonus play.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand the difference between bonus money and real money, the next step is learning how wagering requirements actually work and how casinos calculate playthrough.
Next Article: Understanding Wagering Requirements In Casino Bonuses (article #3)
Next Steps
If you’re betting spreads, read: The Difference Between Sticky & Non-Sticky Bonuses (article #6)
If you’re betting totals, read: How To Track Wagering Progress Efficiently (article #39)
Want a deeper edge? Use: The Ultimate Checklist Before Claiming Any Casino Bonus (article #60)
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