Promotional Offers: How to Read the Terms
Promotional offers can supercharge your play: extra bankroll, free spins, and special sweepstakes that turn a new account into instant chances at big wins. But the value of any bonus lives in the terms. Learn the core points that decide whether an offer is worth chasing — and how to avoid surprises that cut your payout or lock your funds.
What type of bonus are you getting?
Not all bonuses behave the same. For example, a Welcome No Deposit Bonus (Sweepstakes) commonly credited as free Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins can be used immediately without a deposit. That exact type often includes automatic activation on sign-up, and the Sweeps Coins typically carry a low wagering requirement — in one common model you’ll see a 1x playthrough on Sweeps Coins before redemption is allowed. Compare that to deposit match offers (Dollar Mills Casino lists welcome bonuses over 200%), where matched funds may have different playthrough and eligibility rules. Knowing the bonus type tells you how flexible it will be at cashout time.
Wagering and playthrough — the single most important number
Wagering requirements determine how much you must bet before you can cash out bonus-derived funds. A 1x playthrough on Sweeps Coins means you only need to wager the Sweeps balance once — a player-friendly condition that lets you convert bonus currency to withdrawable value quickly. Higher multipliers inflate required bets and can turn a tempting offer into a time sink. Always confirm whether wagering applies to the bonus, to deposits, or both.
Game eligibility and contribution rates matter
Not every game contributes equally to wagering. Slots usually contribute at 100% toward playthrough, which makes them the fastest route to clearing a bonus. Table games and specialty titles often contribute less or not at all. If the promotion is sweepstakes-style, check that eligible games include slots and table games, and whether certain popular titles are excluded. For sample titles from providers like Pragmatic Play and Mascot Gaming — such as Rise of Giza Power Nudge Slots — slots will typically count fully toward playthrough. See the game’s review for specifics on features and what to expect during bonus play.
Cashout rules and minimum redemption thresholds
Promotions may require a minimum redemption before you can convert sweepstakes currency to cash. A common rule is a minimum of 50 Sweeps Coins to request a prize or payout. Some offers impose upper limits or different rules for no-deposit credits versus deposit bonuses — read the section that explains maximum cashout, expiry, and any progressive caps. If you see vague language about “standard sweepstakes redemption policies,” press support for a clear number before you play.
Non-sticky vs. sticky bonuses — know which applies
Non-sticky (separable) bonuses let you separate bonus funds from your deposited cash; once you clear wagering, you can withdraw remaining real-money balance while leaving bonus funds for continued play. Sticky bonuses keep the bonus attached to your account until you meet the conditions, which can restrict early withdrawals. The sweepstakes model frequently uses non-sticky Sweeps Coins, making them redeemable after the stated playthrough — that’s a big advantage for players who want a clear path to cashout.
Activation, crediting and customer support
Check how a bonus is delivered: automatic crediting on registration or login is convenient but means you should read the terms right away. Dollar Mills Casino credits welcome offers and supports players via live chat and email at support@dollarmills.com, and accepts common methods like Apple Pay, MasterCard, PayPal, and Visa. If anything in the T&Cs is unclear, reach out to support before you wager — asking up front prevents headaches later.
Watch for restrictions and abuse policies
Geographic and age limits are non-negotiable. Sweepstakes-style offers often exclude specific states — for example, Washington, Idaho, Nevada, Montana, Connecticut, Delaware, Kentucky, and Michigan — and are only open to players 18 or older. Bonus abuse (multiple accounts, suspicious patterns) can lead to account suspension and forfeiture of winnings. Also check inactivity rules: prizes or Sweeps Coins may expire if the account remains dormant for extended periods.
Fast checks before you opt in
Read the section labeled “Bonus Terms” and look for:
- Exact wagering multiplier and which currency it applies to (Sweeps Coins vs. real money).
- Eligible games and contribution percentages.
- Minimum and maximum cashout or redemption thresholds.
- Crediting method and any required bonus codes.
- Country and age restrictions, plus expiry and inactivity rules.
If a promotion sounds too good to be true, verify the numbers. A 200% welcome match or a no-deposit sweeps credit can be lucrative — but only after you confirm the playthrough, eligible games, and payout rules.
Smart play keeps value high and risk low
When you know how to read promotional terms, you make faster, smarter choices: choose offers with low playthrough, high slot contribution, clear redemption thresholds, and transparent expiry rules. If you want to evaluate a casino as a whole, see the Dollar Mills Casino review for a closer look at their software lineup and bonus structure.
Approach every offer with curiosity and a quick scan of the fine print, and you’ll turn promotional opportunities into real chances at big wins while avoiding the common traps that drain value.

