Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Games For Clearing Most Bonuses: Standard slots with 100% wagering contribution and no special jackpot features
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Check Restricted Games: Before you spin, not after you win
- Biggest mistake: Playing a restricted game while a bonus is active, then losing your bonus winnings at cashout
- Pro tip: Always open the bonus terms and look for “excluded games,” “restricted providers,” and “bonus buy not allowed”
Before anything else, if you want the full bonus framework, read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses (pillar).
The Real Reason Casinos Restrict Games During Bonus Play
Casinos restrict games for one reason: cost control.
A bonus is a marketing expense. Casinos need to predict:
- how much the promo will cost on average
- which games will be played
- what the expected return looks like
- how often players will withdraw
Some games make those costs harder to control, because they reduce the casino’s edge or increase the chance you can convert bonus money into withdrawable funds faster than expected.
If you want the business model behind promos, read Why Casinos Offer Bonuses (Business Model Explained) (article #17).
The 4 Main Reasons Games Get Banned Or Restricted
1) Some Games Have Lower House Edge
Many table games have lower house edge than slots, especially when played with solid strategy.
During bonus play, casinos often reduce their exposure by:
- lowering contribution rates for table games
- banning certain low-edge variants entirely
If you want the simple explanation, read Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements (article #12).
2) Some Games Have Bonus Features That Change Risk
Certain games have mechanics that can explode bonus value, like:
- bonus buy features
- high volatility with huge payout potential
- weird multipliers or special modes
Some casinos allow them but enforce max bet rules tightly. Others ban them during bonus play.
3) Jackpot And Progressive Games Create Promo Risk
Jackpot games are a special category because:
- jackpots can be massive
- contribution rates can create weird edge cases
- casinos don’t want a promo to “subsidize” jackpot wins
That’s why many sites exclude jackpot/progressive slots from bonus wagering.
If you want the jackpot-specific breakdown, read Why Some Bonuses Can’t Be Used On Jackpot Games (article #39).
4) Some Providers Or Live Games Are Harder To Control
Live dealer tables and certain game providers can be:
- excluded from bonus eligibility
- restricted to lower contribution
- excluded from free spins promotions
This is usually because they don’t fit the casino’s cost model for that promo.
Which Games Are Commonly Restricted During Bonus Play?
Here’s what you’ll see most often.
Jackpot / Progressive Slots
Very common exclusion.
Even if you can play them, they might contribute 0% to wagering.
Live Dealer Table Games
Often restricted or reduced contribution.
Sometimes completely excluded for certain bonuses.
Low-Edge Table Games
Common examples that get reduced contribution or restrictions:
- blackjack variants
- baccarat variants
- roulette variants (sometimes)
Note: casinos vary widely here.
If you want to understand why slots usually count more, read Why Slots Count More Toward Wagering Than Table Games (article #13).
Video Poker
Often restricted because the RTP can be high and strategy matters.
Bonus Buy Slots
Many bonuses ban “buy feature” use during wagering, even if the slot itself is allowed.
Special Side Bets
Some table games allow bonus side bets that change volatility. Those can be excluded.
What Happens If You Play A Restricted Game?
This depends on the casino, but common outcomes include:
- your wagers don’t count toward wagering
- the casino removes the bonus
- the casino voids bonus-linked winnings
- the casino blocks withdrawal until the bonus is forfeited
- worst case: account restrictions if they believe it was intentional
The “silent killer” is the first one: you can spend an hour playing and make zero progress because the game contributes 0%.
If you want to avoid getting tricked by terms, read How To Read Casino Bonus Terms Without Getting Tricked (article #16).
How To Check Restricted Games Quickly
Use this fast scan:
- Find the “Eligible Games” section
- Look for “Excluded Games” list
- Look for “Game Contribution” table
- Search page for: “jackpot,” “progressive,” “live,” “baccarat,” “blackjack,” “roulette,” “video poker,” “buy feature”
- If unclear, assume the game is excluded until proven otherwise
Also check the lobby tags. Some casinos label games as:
- “bonus eligible”
- “not eligible”
But don’t rely only on tags. Terms win.
Why This Matters Even More For High-Stakes Players
High-stakes players get hit harder by restrictions because:
- max bet rules are easier to violate
- restricted games can void big wins
- withdrawal scrutiny is higher during promo play
If you’re playing big, the terms matter even more.
If you want the caps side, read How Bonus Caps Affect High-Stakes Players (article #28).
Best Practices To Avoid Voiding Bonus Winnings
Here’s the simple safe method:
- choose one or two eligible slot games with 100% contribution
- keep bets below max bet rule
- avoid jackpot games and bonus buy features unless clearly allowed
- track wagering progress (don’t guess)
- screenshot the terms before you start
If you want a full safety filter, read How To Choose The Safest Casino Bonuses (article #19).
FAQs On Restricted Games During Bonus Play
Why Do Casinos Ban Certain Games During Bonus Play?
To control promo costs and risk. Some games have lower house edge, high RTP, or special features that can make bonuses easier to clear or convert into withdrawals.
Which Games Are Most Commonly Restricted?
Jackpot/progressive slots, live dealer tables, video poker, and certain table games or bonus buy features are commonly restricted.
What Happens If I Play A Restricted Game With A Bonus Active?
Your wagers may not count toward wagering, or the casino may remove the bonus or void bonus-linked winnings. Policies vary, but it can cause withdrawal issues.
How Can I Tell If A Game Counts Toward Wagering?
Check the bonus terms for an eligible games list and a contribution table. If a game shows 0% contribution, it won’t help clear wagering.
Are Jackpot Games Always Excluded From Bonuses?
Often yes, especially for wagering contribution. Some casinos allow play but set contribution to 0% or exclude jackpot wins from promo terms.
Where To Go Next
Now that you know why games get restricted during bonus play, the next step is learning how casinos structure bonus pools for promotions, which explains why certain offers show up at certain times and why some promos feel “limited.”
Next Article: How Casinos Structure Bonus Pools For Promotions (article #30)
Next Steps
If you’re betting spreads, read: Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements (article #12)
If you’re betting totals, read: How To Read Casino Bonus Terms Without Getting Tricked (article #16)
Want a deeper edge? Use: How To Clear Bonuses Faster Using Smart Game Selection (article #31)
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