Cash balance and bonus balance

• Cash balance: money you deposited, plus any winnings that are free of restrictions. You can withdraw it at any time.
• Bonus balance: bonus funds from an offer, plus winnings made with them. It can’t be withdrawn until you meet the wagering requirement and any other terms.

Free spins work in a similar way. If the winnings carry wagering, they are added to your bonus balance. If the spins are wager-free, winnings go straight to your cash balance.

Which balance do you play first?

This depends on the casino, so check the terms. Many UK casinos use your cash balance first and only start using the bonus balance once your cash runs out. Others use bonus funds first or play the two together. The order matters because, if cash is used first, any winnings made with it stay withdrawable while the bonus sits untouched.

How wagering turns a bonus balance into cash

Wagering is the amount you need to stake before bonus money becomes withdrawable. For example, a £10 bonus with 10 times wagering means £100 of bets on eligible games. Once you complete it, the remaining bonus balance moves to your cash balance.

Since 19 January 2026, wagering on UK casino bonuses can be no more than 10 times. Some games may count less than others, so read the game rules before you play.

What happens if you withdraw early?

Many offers say that withdrawing before you finish the wagering cancels the bonus. In that case the casino removes your bonus balance, and any winnings in it, when you request a withdrawal. Your cash balance is not affected and can be withdrawn as normal.

If you want to keep the bonus, finish the wagering first. If you would rather have your cash, it is your choice to withdraw and give up the bonus. Just check the terms so the decision is a deliberate one.

Other rules that apply to your bonus balance

• Expiry: unused bonus funds disappear after a set time. See bonus expiry.
• Win caps: the amount you can convert to cash may be capped. See bonus win caps.
• Maximum bet: while you play with a bonus, stakes are often limited to a set amount per spin or hand.
• Eligible games: some games can’t be played with bonus funds at all.

How to check your bonus balance

Most casinos show both figures in the account or cashier area, often with a progress bar for the wagering. If you can’t see the split, ask customer support before you play. Keep a note of how much you deposited, so you always know how much of your own money is on the line. Our casino deal checklist is a quick way to compare offers before you claim.