DO I HAVE TO GET THE BONUS?

This unfortunately happens very often: A player visits an online casino for the first time, deposits certain amount and collects the bonus. The then play for a while and decide they have won enough and try to withdraw. Soon after, an email comes from the casino, informing them that the withdrawal has been canceled due to not meeting the minimum wagering requirements for the sign-up bonus (the email may be different depending on the casino, but the idea is the same).

WHY?
The minimum wagering requirements for the sign up bonus are due to bonus abuse in the past (and present, as well). People would deposit the money, play for a bit, and attempt to withdraw - all of this is not to the liking of the online casinos, of course, therefore the big wagering requirements.

HOW MUCH?
It all depends on the online casino, but some of them go as high as 20 times the deposit amount.

WHAT TO DO?
Well, you have two choices - you can just play until you meet the wagering requirements (if you are unsure, feel free to contact the online casino support center, and they will be happy to give you detailed information). Or you could choose not to get the bonus. Most people do not know that you could decline the sign-up bonus offer, but on most casinos online you can do that. All you have to do is simply contact the customer support BEFORE you deposit money for the first time, and they will modify your casino account not to add the sign up bonus to your balance, and this way you would have no wagering requirements to withdraw your winnings.