Bonus money vs real money: which balance you can withdraw
British online casinos split the balance into bonus and real money. The former is tied to play through rules and converted to real money only if the rules are satisfied. The latter is withdrawable at any time.
By Gareth Llewellyn · Updated 14 October 2026
18+. Figures from each casino's own published terms, 14 October 2026.
- Real money: deposit
- Yes, any time
- Real money: its winnings
- Yes
- Bonus money
- After wagering
- Bonus winnings
- After wagering
- Cash spin winnings
- Yes
Under UK fair terms guidance. Each casino's terms add the details.
Bonus money vs real money: the two balances
British online casinos are required to show the balances separately and not combine them into one.
- Real money
- Cash balance. Real money that is deposited and/or won. Withdrawable at any time.
- Bonus money
- Bonus balance. Money added by the casino, for example a 50% match. Withdrawable only upon satisfaction of the wagering requirements.
- Bonus winnings
- Winnings from bonus balance.
- Cash spin winnings
- Cash spins: winnings are added to real money balance.
Per the Gambling Commission's guidance, a player's cash balance is withdrawable at any time and there should be no wagering requirements to play with it. A player should be notified when playing with restricted funds.
Which balance your bets use first
Three examples, from UK casinos' terms and conditions.
- Real money first
LuckyMate and Grosvenor take bets from your cash, then from the bonus once the cash is gone.
- Both in proportion
Casumo applies the two balances rule and takes each bet partly from cash and partly from bonus.
- Bonus doesn't count
BetMGM's qualifying wagering counts real money only: "Bonus funds are excluded from the wagering requirement."
Real money first promotions mean that players have a chance to win with their own money before playing with the house money. See sticky vs. non-sticky promotions for details.
When bonus money becomes real money
Finish the wagering and the bonus balance moves across.
A £10 bonus at 10x
Everything left in the bonus after fulfilment becomes cash. However, this cash may be subject to a cash-out limit.
Some bonuses cap what can be cashed out. Grosvenor’s spin offers cap conversion of winnings to cash at £100 and LuckyMate’s spin bonus offers cap cash-out at £100.
The bonus balance is removed if the wagering requirement is not fulfilled in time.
Withdrawing real money while bonus money is active
Allowed, but usually at the cost of the bonus.
| Casino | Withdraw real money | What happens to bonus money |
|---|---|---|
| LuckyMate | Any time | Bonus and its winnings forfeited |
| Grosvenor | Any time | Unwagered bonus funds forfeited |
| Casumo | Any time | Bonus and its winnings forfeited |
| BetMGM | Any time | Reward kept |
From each casino's UK terms, 14 October 2026.
Full details in withdrawing your deposit with an active bonus.
How to keep bonus money and real money apart
Several checks to avoid disputes.
- Read the two figures
The cashier and/or account page shows cash and bonus funds separately. Check both before each session.
- Know which one you are betting
If bets come from cash first, the bet is settled and the winnings are cash. If proportional, it is split.
- Bonus rules follow bonus money
While bonus money is in play, max bets, game weighting and time limitations are in effect.
- Ask for the term
If bonus money is removed, UK regulatory agencies state the casino must state which term was broken.
The rules attached to bonus money are explained in casino bonus terms. Alternatively, avoid bonus money and find offers that pay cash: see low wagering casinos.
Bonus money and real money questions
What is the difference between bonus money and real money?
Which is used first, bonus money or real money?
Can I withdraw bonus money?
Do winnings from bonus money count as real money?
Does losing real money count towards wagering?
Written by
Gareth illustrates how UK casinos separate real money from bonus money because that's the line that defines what you can take home.
Play safe
18+. Gambling should stay fun. If you’re spending more than you can afford, or if it’s affecting your life in any other way, you can block all UK casinos instantly with GAMSTOP or call the National Gambling Helpline free on 0808 8020 133, any time.
You can set a limit on how much you deposit before you play. More info on our Responsible Gambling page.