Casino bonuses may look like free money — they’re not. The value you get depends on how you play.
True +EV (expected value) bonuses are rare in today’s strict online casino environment, but you can still make the most of the promotions you find. This guide covers practical strategies to increase your expected value (EV) from normal bonuses, non-sticky bonuses, and free spins.
We skip complicated math and focus on attack and grind phase, plus which slots work best in each phase.
Even with a disciplined strategy, losses will happen, as outcomes are ultimately random. The goal is smart, strategic play that maximizes the value from available bonuses.
Bonus Info: What to Look For
Before you start using any strategy, it’s important to understand how casino bonuses actually work.
Terms and conditions can make or break the value of a promotion.
The best offers are usually 100% deposit bonuses with a 35× wagering requirement (35× bonus only, not 35× deposit+bonus).
A 100% bonus with 35× (deposit+bonus) wagering requirement is still better than no bonus at all.
Lower wagering requirements make it easier to clear, while higher bonus percentages give more expected value (EV).
Always check T&Cs such as eligible slots, max stake, wagering requirement.
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Step-by-Step Formula for Normal Casino Bonuses
Bonus with wagering requirement
Step 1 — Small Deposit
Deposit €20–€50 (not the full bonus limit, even if €100+ is offered).
A smaller deposit makes the wagering requirement more manageable.
Once your deposit is in, move to step 2 - the Attack Phase.
Step 2 — Attack Phase (High Volatility)
This is where you aim for a big bankroll boost before grinding out the wagering.
Bet 60–100% of the maximum bet allowed for your bonus per spin to maximize potential wins during this phase.
Focus on high-volatility slots for a chance at a big win.
Stay in this phase until your balance is either:
€0 → If you bust, stop here. Only consider a new bonus if your bankroll comfortably allows it — never chase losses.
€500+ → If you reach €500+, move to Step 3, the Grind Phase.
Reality check: 8–9 out of 10 times, you’ll lose your deposit in the Attack Phase.
Jack and the Beanstalk — High Volatility, 96.3% RTP
Book of Dead — High Volatility, 96.21% RTP
Bonanza — High Volatility, 96.0% RTP
Dead or Alive II — Very High Volatility, 96.8% RTP
Step 3 — Grind Phase (Low Volatility)
Now that you’ve reached the Grind Phase, the focus shifts to low-volatility, high-RTP slots.
The goal is to clear wagering requirements without big swings.
Some casinos bonus rules prevent reducing your stake after a win. To stay safe, I always continue using the same stake I had in the Attack Phase throughout the Grind Phase.
Most of the time, you’ll be able to grind out the wagering requirement, but not always. Good luck!
Non-Sticky Bonuses
Non-sticky bonuses allow you to forfeit the bonus and withdraw your real money.
With a non-sticky bonus, you always play your real money first.
Key Difference:
If you hit a win with real money in the attack phase, you can forfeit the bonus and withdraw your real money.
Free Spin Bonuses
Free Spin Bonuses work very similarly to non-sticky bonuses.
The essential rule is: always play your real money first before using free spins.
This way, if you hit a win with your real money, you can withdraw your winnings.
Key Difference:
The essential rule to increase your EV is: always play your real money first before using free spins.
If you hit a win with real money in the attack phase, you can forfeit the freespins and withdraw your winnings.
Slot Selection for Maximum Bonus EV
Phase
Slot
Vola
RTP
Notes / Bonus T&C
Slots for attack Phase
Attack
Jack and the Beanstalk
High
96.3%
Usually allowed in bonus play; great early win potential
Attack
Book of Dead
High
96.21%
Popular, high volatility; often included in bonuses
Attack
Bonanza
High
96.0%
Strong swing potential, check bonus T&C
Attack
Dead or Alive II
Very High
96.8%
Explosive hit potential; often excluded in bonuses
Attack
Legacy of Dead
High
96.5%
High volatility; check bonus terms
Attack
Money Train 2/3
High
96.4%
High volatility; often bonus-compatible
Attack
Jammin’ Jars
High
96.8%
Cluster wins; often bonus-compatible
Attack
Sweet Bonanza
High
96.5%
High volatility; often bonus-compatible
Slots for grind Phase
Grind
Secrets of Atlantis
Low
96.3%
Stable, consistent hits; usually bonus-eligible
Grind
Starburst
Low
96.1%
Classic, low variance; great for clearing wagering
Grind
Twin Spin
Medium
96.6%
Steady wins; often bonus-compatible
Grind
Immortal Romance
Low
96.86%
Often bonus-compatible, consistent payouts
Grind
Thunderstruck II
Low
96.65%
Low volatility; often bonus-compatible
Grind
Fruit Shop
Low
96.7%
Low variance; usually allowed in bonus play
Important Note on Strategy Outcomes
Using this bonus-based strategy will typically result in many small losses and occasional medium to large wins. These wins may more than compensate for the smaller losses, but there is no guarantee of profit, as outcomes are random and dependent on luck. Always play responsibly and never risk more than you can afford to lose.
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