Reading bonus terms like an editor: a term-by-term checklist

The nine clauses to find

1. Wagering multiplier and what it applies to (bonus only, or bonus + deposit).

1. Eligible games and the contribution table.

1. Minimum qualifying deposit — the deposit that actually activates the offer.

1. Maximum bet while the bonus is active.

1. Time limit to complete wagering.

1. Conversion cap on bonus winnings.

1. Payment-method exclusions — some offers skip e-wallets or crypto deposits.

1. Withdrawal-before-completion rule — what happens if you request a payout early.

1. One-per-household rules and duplicate-account clauses.

Red-flag phrasing

• "Terms may change at any time" without a version history.

• Wagering stated only in marketing copy, not in the full terms.

• Caps and exclusions revealed only after registration.

• Support unable to point to the exact clause when asked.

The editor's habit

Open the terms, use the browser's find function for the nine keywords above, and note what is missing as much as what is present. A complete, boring, precise terms page is a better signal than a flashy headline offer. Our bonuses hub applies this checklist to the offers we list — always labelled as operator-published figures.