The truth about "free bonus" offers
"Get Rs 500 free", "100% deposit bonus", "daily cashback". Bonus offers are the main hook used by betting apps. They are designed to make you deposit and keep playing, not to give you free money.
How bonus conditions work
Almost every bonus comes with a rule called a wagering requirement or "rollover". It means you must bet the bonus amount many times before you can withdraw anything.
For example, a Rs 1,000 bonus with a 30x wagering rule means you must place Rs 30,000 of bets before withdrawing. Since the games are designed so that the house wins over time, most people lose the balance long before they reach that target.
Other conditions to watch for
- Maximum withdrawal limits: you may only be allowed to withdraw a small amount from bonus winnings.
- Game restrictions: only certain games count towards the wagering rule.
- Time limits: the bonus expires if you do not meet the rule within a few days.
- Minimum deposit: the "free" bonus only unlocks after you deposit your own money.
- Account checks: after you win, the app asks for documents and then rejects them.
Referral bonuses
Referral programmes pay you when friends or family join and deposit. In practice this means earning from other people's losses, often people you know. Referral earnings are also usually locked behind the same wagering rules, so many promoters never receive them. See what the law says about promoters in our law guide.
A simple rule
If you are finding it hard to stop chasing bonuses or losses, read gambling addiction: signs and help.