Every gambler has seen it: a bonus balance shows real winnings, but the withdrawal button is greyed out. To new players, this feels confusing or even unfair. If the money was won legitimately, why can’t it be cashed out instantly? The answer lies in the rules, compliance requirements, and fraud prevention systems that regulate online casinos. Locked balances are not a glitch – they are part of how bonuses are designed, and understanding the reason can prevent frustration later.
Why Bonuses Come With Conditions
Gokong Casino bonus is a promotional tool with restrictions that protect operators from abuse. If players could deposit €10, receive €100 in bonus credit, win €200, and withdraw everything immediately, casinos would collapse overnight. To prevent that, operators use wagering requirements, maximum bet limits, game restrictions, and bonus contribution percentages.
These conditions are not hidden – they are outlined in the bonus terms. The problem is that many players skip reading them.
What Locked Balances Actually Mean
A “locked” bonus balance usually represents winnings made with bonus funds that have not met the wagering requirement. Even if the player sees real money in the account, the system won’t release it until conditions are satisfied.
Common Reasons Bonus Winnings Are Locked
Before diving into deeper explanations, here is a clear breakdown of why withdrawals may be blocked:
| Rule Type | What It Means | Example | Result |
| Wagering Requirement | Must bet bonus amount X times | 30x on €20 bonus = €600 turnover | Withdrawal blocked until completed |
| Max Bet Rule | Limit on bet size during bonus | €5 max per spin | Larger bets void winnings |
| Game Contribution | Not all games count equally | Slots 100%, Blackjack 10% | Bonus clears slowly |
| Withdrawal Disqualification | Early withdrawal cancels bonus | Cashout before wagering | Bonus balance removed |
These rules stop players from “bonus hopping,” a form of exploitation where users only chase promotions.
Why Casinos Must Lock Bonus Winnings Legally
Regulated casinos are required to ensure that promotions are used fairly and transparently. Anti-money laundering laws also play a role: some players try to use bonuses to clean funds through rapid small bets. Locked balances give casinos time to verify payment ownership and identity before releasing large sums.
Before listing the legal reasons, it helps to understand the industry’s biggest concern – fraud rings that sign up hundreds of fake accounts to drain bonuses.
Legal Reasons Bonuses Are Locked
- Anti-fraud and anti-abuse requirements
- Payment ownership checks
- National AML and KYC laws
- Responsible gambling regulations
- Audit requirements for licensed casinos
Reputable operators are forced to follow these rules to keep their licences.
Why Game Restrictions Slow Down Withdrawals
Many players assume wagering happens naturally, but game contribution percentages can slow progress dramatically. Slots often count 100%, while table games contribute little or nothing. That means playing entirely on blackjack could take 10 times longer than spinning slots.
Before showing the typical contribution rates, it is worth noting why casinos use them: table games have a lower house edge and higher win stability, making bonus abuse easier.
Common Game Contribution Rates
| Game Type | Contribution to Wagering |
| Most Slots | 100% |
| High-variance slots | 50%–80% |
| Roulette | 10%–20% |
| Blackjack | 0%–10% |
| Live Dealer Games | 0%–10% |
Players clear bonuses much faster when choosing games with full contribution.
How Players Can Avoid Locked Balances
Locked winnings feel frustrating, but the solution is simple: read the terms before accepting bonuses. Many players skip them, then complain when a balance does not unlock immediately. Smart gamblers only claim promotions they are willing to play through correctly.
To keep withdrawals smooth, players can:
- Check the wagering requirement size
- Avoid placing bets above the max limit
- Use games with 100% contribution
- Wait to withdraw until wagering is complete
- Track progress in the bonus dashboard
These steps save headaches later.
When Casinos Release Bonus Winnings Instantly
Some casinos use “no wagering” bonuses. In these cases, winnings are real money from the first spin. These offers are less generous, but much simpler. Regulators are pushing for more transparent promotions, so no-wagering bonuses may become more common in 2026.
Locked balances exist for financial, legal, and anti-fraud reasons. While they can be annoying, the system protects casinos from being drained and ensures that promotions stay fair for regular users. Players who understand the rules have no trouble withdrawing. Those who want instant payouts should look for no-wagering bonuses or VIP accounts with faster release rules. Either way, the key is the same: informed players lose less time, reduce frustration, and cash out with fewer surprises.