The Bonus Loop Trap: When Wagering Never Really Ends
Big headline bonuses often hide something worse than a high number. They create a loop that keeps you wagering after you think you are done. You can meet the visible terms and still be told you have not cleared the bonus. This article shows how the loop works and how to avoid it.
What the Bonus Loop Is
A loop appears when rollover applies across deposit, bonus, and sometimes winnings. Some sites use unlock systems or Free Play wording. The result is the same. You keep betting while the finish line moves. See our earlier post The Worst Crypto Casino Bonus Terms We’ve Seen for the base math and our guide How We Grade Bonuses for the scoring logic behind this article.
Type 1 — The Double Rollover Illusion (Housebets, Boomerang)
The listed number looks fine but the rule is deposit + bonus. A “35x” becomes 70x on your deposit.
Example: Housebets lists 35x. Because it is on deposit + bonus, a $100 deposit needs $7,000 in bets. Boomerang uses the same pattern and adds a short expiry. If you see “deposit + bonus” in the rollover line, treat it as a silent double.
Type 2 — The Endless Unlock System (MegaDice, Betswap)
Modern schemes release the bonus in pieces. Progress bars look good but the math does not.
MegaDice releases 10% after you wager your deposit 6x. Full release needs 60x deposit wagering, then another 35x on the unlocked bonus. Effective total is about 80x.
Betswap (BOO!) unlocks at roughly 0.3% of each wager which equals about 333x on the bonus amount. That is not a bonus. It is a mirage.
You can replicate this analysis with the prompt in Become a Pro: Use AI to Grade Crypto Casino Bonuses. Ask AI for the effective rollover on a $100 deposit.
Type 3 — The Free Play Loop (MyBookie and similar sportsbooks)
Free Play credit is not cash. Winnings from it must be wagered again.
MyBookie applies 10x to deposit + bonus + winnings. That is about 22.5x on your deposit. Even if you win first, the winnings drop back into rollover. It is a rolling loop. 22.5x is still not terrible, but it is not ideal for a sports bonus.
How to Detect a Loop Before You Deposit
- Look for “deposit + bonus” wording
- Avoid unlock or progress systems
- Avoid Free Play that forces rollover on winnings
- Check expiry. Under 10 days with 30x or more is a pass
- Check max bet and max win caps that suppress variance
If two items are red flags, skip the offer.
Why Casinos Use It
The loop increases wagering volume while paying fewer real rewards. Players feel active and close to release while RTP drains the balance. Operators call this gamified engagement. It is a math edge.
Honest Alternatives
Some brands are moving to cleaner terms.
- BetNow EU’s PROMOCRYPTO cut effective rollover to about 27x from roughly 54x
- Straight cashback or rakeback that pays in withdrawable crypto without rollover is better for most players. For positive examples check out: Rakebit, Gamegram, Metaspins
If you can clear a bonus through normal play within a few sessions, it is fair. If you need a calculator, walk away.
The FreeCryptoBonus Method
Our AI grading at FreeCryptoBonus.com penalizes loop structures by design.
- Deposit + Bonus rollover scores poorly under Rollover Requirement
- Unlock systems are deducted under Hidden Restrictions
- Short expiries lose points under Expiry Date
See the weights and examples on How We Grade Bonuses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is a bonus loop?
A structure that applies wagering across deposit, bonus, or winnings so completion keeps resetting.
Why do casinos use it?
It raises play volume and reduces payout rates while banners look generous.
Can I beat a loop?
Rarely. On a 96% RTP slot the expected loss over long rollovers usually wipes the balance before clearance.
What is a fair rollover?
Under 30x on the bonus only, at least 14 days to finish, wide game eligibility, no unlocks, no max win traps.
Author: Balazs Pal
Balazs is a co-founder of FreeCryptoBonus and a seasoned sports betting analyst with over a decade of experience in the NBA and MLB betting markets.
Having worked on both the sportsbook and affiliate sides of the iGaming industry, he brings deep market expertise and a no-nonsense approach to evaluating crypto betting bonuses. You can learn about his process in our bonus review methodology.
Outside of FreeCryptoBonus, Balazs also runs CoinBettors along with several niche tipster and non-English affiliate sites.
