Terms and conditions

The terms and conditions (T&C) are the rules that apply when using a casino account and its offers. Among other things they set out bonus wagering requirements, the maximum bet, the withdrawal procedure, account verification and responsible-gambling principles.

For bonuses, the most important details are hidden in the terms: how long the bonus is valid, which games count towards wagering and how much of the bonus winnings you can withdraw. Without knowing them, a seemingly generous offer can turn out unfavourable.

Read the terms and conditions before taking a bonus or opening an account. At a licensed casino the terms are publicly available and clearly worded — if anything is unclear, ask customer support before you deposit.

What to look for in the terms

Reading long terms is easier when you know what you are looking for. Check, in this order:

• The wagering requirement and whether it applies to the bonus or to the bonus plus the deposit.
• The maximum bet and what happens if you exceed it.
• The bonus validity period and the contribution of games to the requirement.
• Withdrawal limits, processing time and verification requirements.
• The account closure and bonus abuse clause: which play patterns the casino treats as prohibited.
• The casino's right to change the terms and how you are informed of it.

How to handle the terms sensibly

On the day you take a bonus, take a screenshot of the terms or save the text: if the terms change later, you have evidence of what was promised. If the bonus's own terms and the casino's general terms differ, the one stated to take precedence in the terms usually governs; if it is unclear, ask support in writing. A written answer is far more useful than a chat in case of a later dispute.

The first step in a dispute is the casino's complaints procedure, which must be set out in the terms. If that is not enough, the Tax and Customs Board is the competent authority for gambling supervision; you can check a licence in the EMTA list of legal operators, and the entry on licence explains it.

For a more detailed guide to reading terms, see how to read an online casino's terms of use. For bonuses, the entry on bonus also helps. General background: Wikipedia: Terms of service.