Opt-in meaning at casinos

Opt-in meaning: two different decisions

In everyday casino use, opt-in describes an active yes. The opposite, opt-out, means something applies unless you say no. Two very different choices use the same word, and confusing them causes most of the questions we see about it.

How a bonus opt-in works

Many promotions are not applied automatically. The casino needs you to accept the offer, which binds you to its terms: wagering requirement, max bet, bonus expiry and game restrictions. Casumo's welcome match (18+, new customers) states that an opt-in is required: a 50% bonus up to £100 on a first deposit of at least £20, with the bonus wagered 10x within 7 days and a £5 maximum bet. At 10bet, the published terms ask you to choose the casino welcome bonus at sign-up and then make your first deposit within 7 days.

1. Read the significant terms next to the offer before registering.
2. Tick the offer box or choose the bonus at sign-up, as the terms describe.
3. Make the qualifying deposit with an accepted payment method.
4. Check the bonus or promotions area to confirm the offer is attached before you play.
5. If it is missing, contact support before placing bets, since some offers cannot be added afterwards.

Opting in late is a common reason a bonus never appears. Our page on why did my free spins not appear lists the other usual causes.

Choosing not to opt in to a bonus

Saying no is a legitimate choice. Without a bonus, your balance is real money with no play-through and no bonus stake cap, so you can withdraw whenever you like, subject to normal verification. For some players that flexibility is worth more than the extra funds. Our comparison of no wagering and low wagering offers, and the question are free spins worth it, help weigh it up.

Worked example: £20 deposited with Casumo's opt-in adds a £10 bonus, but the £10 then needs £100 of qualifying bets within 7 days, at no more than £5 a bet. Without opting in, the £20 is simply yours to play or withdraw.

Marketing opt-in under the 1 May 2025 rule

Since 1 May 2025, remote casino, betting and bingo operators have had to let customers opt in to direct marketing separately for each product and each channel, with every option off by default. The rule is LCCP 5.1.12 on direct marketing preferences (opens in a new tab). Existing customers were asked to confirm their preferences at their first log-in after it started. Post is not one of the channels covered.

So agreeing to casino emails does not mean agreeing to betting texts. Our page on marketing consent rules explains the background, and opting out of casino marketing shows how to change settings.

When opt-ins stop counting

Consent is not the last word. Under the Commission's remote customer interaction code (opens in a new tab), marketing and new bonus take-up must stop where a customer shows strong indicators of harm, a requirement in force since 12 February 2023. Self-exclusion through GAMSTOP also ends marketing. If messages keep arriving after you have said no, the Commission's page on stopping gambling marketing texts and emails (opens in a new tab) explains what to do. Our customer interaction rules page has the detail.

Glossary terms linked to opt-in

• Qualifying deposit: the payment that, after opting in, triggers the bonus.
• Sticky bonus: a bonus that stays in the account and cannot be withdrawn itself.
• Bonus abuse: what terms call misuse of an offer you opted in to.
• No wagering: offers where opting in adds no play-through.

Browse every entry on the glossary hub.

Offers with simple claim steps

Neither offer below needs a promo code. Coral (18+, new players, 1 October 2026 to 1 February 2027): deposit and bet £10 on slots to get 100 spins at 10p on selected games, then accept them within 48 hours and use them within 7 days; spin winnings have no wagering, and PayPal, Skrill, Neteller, Paysafe, prepaid cards and certain debit cards do not qualify. PlayOJO (18+, new UK customers excluding Northern Ireland): make a first deposit of £10 or more through the designated offer link for 80 spins at 10p on Big Bass Bonanza, with winnings paid as cash; it cannot be combined with other offers. Terms apply.

18+. Gambling should be entertainment that costs money, not a way to make it. Set a deposit limit before you play: how to set deposit limits. Free, confidential help: National Gambling Helpline 0808 8020 133.