Bonus expiry
Bonus expiry is the deadline after which an unused bonus, or one whose wagering you have not finished, is removed from your account along with any winnings tied to it. The clock is set by each operator in its own terms, not by a common standard. Typical windows on welcome offers run from seven to thirty days, while free spins often lapse within 24 to 72 hours of being credited.
How the bonus expiry clock is calculated
The countdown usually starts when the bonus is credited or activated, not when you first play. Divide the wagering by the days you are given and you see the real pace required.
Take a €100 bonus at 35x with seven days to clear it: that is €3,500 of bets, or €500 a day. Stretch the window to thirty days and the same offer asks for roughly €117 a day, which changes how you would play it entirely.
Short windows cost more than they look.
The three timers often confused with expiry
Many offers run more than one clock, and the terms do not always label them clearly. The grid below sets out the windows commonly published in casino terms; the exact figures vary between operators.
| Timer | Common range | What you lose |
|---|---|---|
| Claim window | 24 hours to 30 days | The offer itself |
| Bonus validity | 7 to 30 days | Unused bonus funds |
| Wagering deadline | Varies by operator | Bonus and linked winnings |
| Free spins | 24 to 72 hours | Unplayed spins |
Where you meet bonus expiry in the terms
Search the bonus terms for the words “validity”, “expiry” or “deadline”, and check whether the wagering deadline falls on the same date as the bonus validity or later. Some accounts show a countdown in the bonus section, but the written terms decide any dispute.
Under the Gambling Regulation Act 2024, licensees may not offer an inducement to a specific person or group, so a personalised offer with a tight deadline sent after a losing session is the kind of promotion that Act targets.
