You played a hand and later saw your bonus balance had not moved. That happened because you missed a single condition that freezes your winnings until it is met. This condition determines when you can withdraw money tied to the offer.
How to Claim the Offer
You activate the bonus through your account settings after you make a qualifying deposit. Follow these steps to receive it:
- Open your account and go to the promotions section. You see the current bonuses available for your region.
- Click the opt-in button for the specific offer you want. This step tells the system you accept the terms.
- Make a deposit that meets the minimum amount required. The casino checks your deposit against the offer rules.
- Wait for the bonus funds to appear in your balance. This can happen instantly or after a short delay.
- Check your bonus balance in the cashier. You see both the bonus amount and any free spins attached to it.
- Use the bonus within the validity period shown in your account. Unused bonuses expire after that time.
- Meet the turnover condition before you request a withdrawal. Only then can the bonus funds become cash.
What the Terms Mean
The table below explains the key conditions from the offer description.
| Term | What It Means | What to Check |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit match | The casino adds a percentage of your deposit to your bonus balance. | How much of your deposit qualifies for the match |
| Wagering requirement | You must bet the bonus amount a set number of times before withdrawal. | The exact multiplier applied to the bonus or deposit |
| Maximum bet | You cannot place a single bet above a certain amount while the bonus is active. | The highest bet size allowed per spin or hand |
| Game eligibility | Some games contribute less or zero toward the wagering requirement. | Which game types count and their contribution percentages |
| Expiry date | The bonus funds and free spins have a limited time to be used. | The number of days until the bonus expires |
Players most often misread the wagering requirement. They see the multiplier and think it applies only to the bonus, but it often includes the deposit as well. This difference changes how much you need to bet. Always look for the phrase “deposit plus bonus” in the general terms. If the text says “bonus only,” the requirement is lower. If it says “deposit and bonus,” the total amount to wager is larger. Check which version applies to your offer before you start playing.
Wagering in Numbers
A worked example helps you see how the requirement works. This example is for illustration only and does not reflect the actual terms of Pokerstars.
Assume you deposit 25 in cash. The casino gives you a bonus of 25, so your total bonus balance is 25. The wagering requirement is set at a multiplier of 25 times the bonus amount.
You now need to place bets worth 625 in total (25 times 25). Every bet you make counts toward this total, but only if the game contributes fully. If a game contributes 50%, only half of your bet counts.
You keep playing until the wagering meter reaches zero or the required amount is met. Once done, the bonus funds become cash you can withdraw. The 25 deposit is always yours to withdraw first, unless you have used it during play.
Which Games Count
Not every game helps you meet the wagering requirement equally. Each game category has a contribution percentage set by the casino. Slots usually contribute full value, meaning every bet counts completely.
Table games like blackjack and roulette often contribute only a small fraction of each bet. A game with a 10% contribution means a 10 bet adds only 1 to your wagering progress. Live dealer games may contribute even less or zero.
To make progress fast, choose games that count 100%. Avoid games with low contribution unless you are playing for fun with no bonus active. The casino lists each game’s contribution in the full rules.
Players can always view the complete list at Pokerstars bonus. Use the filter by provider or game type to see which titles help you finish the requirement quickly. This step saves time and avoids wasted bets.
Free Spins Rules
Free spins come as part of the bonus or as a separate reward. Each free spin has a fixed value set by the casino, usually a small amount per spin. You use the spins on a specific slot game named in the offer.
Winnings from free spins are added to your bonus balance. They carry the same wagering requirement as the main bonus. You cannot withdraw free spin winnings until you meet that requirement.
The spins expire after a short time, often within days of being credited. You must log in and use them before the expiry date. Unused spins disappear and cannot be recovered.
Some offers give a set number of spins per day over several days. You need to log in each day to claim the new spins. Missing a day means you lose that day’s allocation.
Traps to Avoid
These common mistakes can reduce your bonus value or lock your funds. Learn how to avoid each one.
- Betting above the maximum limit during the bonus period. The casino may void the bonus and keep your winnings. Check your bet size before every spin or hand.
- Playing games with zero contribution while wagering. You waste bets that do not count toward the requirement. Stick to games that contribute 100% until you finish.
- Claiming multiple bonuses at once without reading the terms. Stacked offers may share the same wagering requirement. Always complete one bonus before activating another.
- Withdrawing before meeting the wagering requirement. A withdrawal request cancels the bonus and removes your winnings. Only withdraw after the requirement is met.
- Ignoring the expiry date on free spins or bonus funds. Expired bonuses are removed from your account with no compensation. Set a reminder to use them on time.
These traps happen because players assume all bonuses work the same way. Understanding the specific conditions of the offer you claim helps you keep your winnings.