Bonus Truth Table Framework
How to Compare Casino Offers Safely (Without Falling for Hype)
“Up to A$5,000 bonus + free spins!” looks amazing on a banner—but the real value of a casino offer lives in the small print: wagering, game restrictions, max cashout caps, expiry dates and more.
This guide introduces the Bonus Truth Table—a simple, side-by-side framework that lets Australian players compare bonuses using facts, not vibes. You can use it with welcome offers, reloads, and no-deposit deals from any online casino targeting Aussies.
Important: This framework is educational only. It doesn’t tell you which bonus to take or guarantee any outcome. Always cross-check with the casino’s own Terms & Conditions, bonus policy and country-specific rules before you claim anything.
Table of Contents
What Is the Bonus Truth Table?
The Bonus Truth Table is a simple, one-page grid you fill in for each casino offer you’re considering. Instead of remembering vague impressions like “this one seems generous”, you compare seven to ten hard facts for each bonus.
It turns marketing lines like “up to A$5,000” into a clear picture of:
- How much you really need to deposit
- How long wagering will realistically take
- Whether PayID or your method is eligible
- What happens if you win big on a bonus
- Which bonus is less risky for your budget
Good to know: This framework works best when you pair it with payout speed language and our guide on Aussie no-deposit bonuses . You’re basically building your own “terms-first” view of each casino.
How to Build Your Own Bonus Truth Table (Step-by-Step)
You can create a Bonus Truth Table in a notes app, spreadsheet or notebook. All you need is one row per bonus and consistent columns.
Step 1: Choose your columns
Start with 8–10 columns that matter most for safety and clarity:
- • Bonus type (welcome, reload, no-deposit)
- • Match % & max bonus
- • Min deposit
- • Wagering x (and on what)
- • Game contribution %
- • Max bet per spin/hand
- • Max cashout or win cap
- • Expiry (days)
- • Restricted games
- • Your payment method allowed?
Step 2: Fill it using terms, not promos
Ignore the homepage banners at first. Instead:
- • Open the full bonus terms page
- • Look for numbers: x wagering, days, $, %, limits
- • Copy exact wording for any unclear rule
- • If you can’t find a value, write “not clearly stated”
Step 3: Add your own red / amber / green
Once you have the facts, you can colour-code them for yourself:
- • Green = clear, reasonable for your budget
- • Amber = could be ok but needs care
- • Red = vague, harsh or doesn’t fit your style
This is about fit, not judging the casino. A bonus can be “good” on paper and still too aggressive for you.
Red flag when building your table
If you can’t locate basic details like wagering, expiry or max cashout before you register or deposit, treat that bonus as “high risk” and consider skipping it. A good offer doesn’t need to hide key numbers.
Key Bonus Variables Explained (Aussie-Focused)
Here’s how to read each column in your Bonus Truth Table from an Australian point of view.
Bonus type & match %
A 100% match up to A$500 simply means the casino will match your deposit up to that amount. The “type” (welcome, reload, no-deposit) tells you how often you can use it.
Truth table tip: Write exactly “100% up to A$500 – welcome” or “A$20 no-deposit” so you can compare like-for-like.
Minimum deposit (AUD)
The smallest amount you need to deposit to activate the bonus. Sometimes higher for certain payment methods.
Truth table tip: Note if PayID or your chosen method has a different minimum.
Wagering & game contribution
Wagering tells you how many times bonus (and sometimes deposit) must be turned over. Game contribution shows what percentage of each bet counts.
Truth table tip: Write it explicitly: “35x bonus, pokies 100%, roulette 10%”.
Max bet per spin/round (during wagering)
Limits how big each bet can be while a bonus is active. Very easy to accidentally break if you don’t check.
Truth table tip: Anything under A$5 is worth flagging as “high friction” for most players.
Max cashout / max win from bonus
Caps how much you can actually withdraw from the bonus, even if you win more.
Truth table tip: If the cap is a multiple of the bonus (e.g. “5x bonus amount”), write the actual dollar figure you’d face at your deposit size.
Bonus & wagering expiry (days)
How long you have to use the bonus and meet wagering requirements. Common ranges are 3–30 days.
Truth table tip: Compare expiry days against your realistic play schedule, not fantasy sessions.
Restricted / excluded games
Games where bonus play either doesn’t count, or can void the offer. Jackpots and some high-RTP titles are often restricted.
Truth table tip: List specific examples you actually play (e.g. “Big Bass X not allowed”).
Payment-method rules (including PayID)
Some bonuses are excluded for certain methods (e.g. specific e-wallets) or require the same method for deposit and withdrawal.
Truth table tip: Write “PayID allowed: yes/no” and “Can withdraw via PayID?” to link your bonus comparison with payout speed.
Worked Example: Flashy Bonus vs Boring but Fair
Here’s a simplified Bonus Truth Table comparing two fictional offers. The numbers are examples only, but the structure is how you’d fill in your own sheet.
| Row | Column | Bonus A – “Flashy” | Bonus B – “Boring but fair” |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Headline | “200% up to A$2,000 + 100 FS” | “100% up to A$300” |
| 2 | Min deposit | A$50 | A$20 |
| 3 | Wagering | 50x bonus + deposit | 25x bonus |
| 4 | Game contribution | Pokies 100%, tables 0% | Pokies 100%, tables 20% |
| 5 | Max bet | A$5 | A$10 |
| 6 | Max cashout | 5x bonus amount | No specific cap stated |
| 7 | Expiry | 7 days | 30 days |
| 8 | Payment rules | No bonus for PayID deposits | PayID allowed; must withdraw same method |
What the truth table reveals (even though both look “good”)
- • Bonus A looks huge, but has heavy wagering, short expiry, strict max bet and a cashout cap. It also excludes PayID deposits.
- • Bonus B looks smaller, but is easier to clear, has no obvious cap in this example, and allows your preferred payment method.
- • Depending on your budget and play style, Bonus B may be less stressful and more realistic—even though Bonus A looks “bigger” on the homepage.
How to Use the Framework Safely with Real Casinos
The Bonus Truth Table isn’t about hunting for “perfect” offers. It’s about picking bonuses that match your limits, time and risk tolerance, instead of chasing the loudest headline.
Practical ways to use it
- • Fill the table before you register or deposit
- • Compare no more than 3–4 bonuses at a time
- • Cross-check payout terms and your payment method
- • Keep a screenshot or saved copy in case terms change later
- • Use it as reference if you ever need to ask support about a dispute
What not to do with bonus comparisons
- • Don’t chase ever-bigger offers to “make back losses”
- • Don’t gamble more than you planned just to clear wagering faster
- • Don’t ignore caps or expiry because “it probably won’t matter”
- • Don’t assume reviews or forums have the latest terms—always re-check the casino page directly
Questions to copy & paste to support
- • “Can you confirm the wagering requirement and expiry for this bonus for Australian players?”
- • “Which games are restricted or contribute 0% for this promotion?”
- • “Is there any max cashout or win cap related to this bonus?”
- • “Are PayID deposits eligible for this offer, and can I withdraw to PayID after using it?”
Copy-Paste Bonus Truth Table Template
Use this simple layout in a spreadsheet, notes app or on paper. One row per offer. Edit columns if you need to, but keep them consistent so comparison stays honest.
| Column | What to write down |
|---|---|
| Casino & bonus name | Exact name of offer + link to terms page |
| Bonus type & headline | e.g. “Welcome – 100% up to A$300” |
| Min deposit (AUD) | Include any PayID-specific minimums |
| Wagering & on what | e.g. “30x bonus only, pokies 100%, tables 10%” |
| Max bet while wagering | Write the exact dollar value |
| Max cashout / win cap | Note both wording and real AUD cap for your deposit size |
| Expiry (days) | How long you have to use bonus & finish wagering |
| Restricted games | List a few that matter to you, not every single one |
| Payment-method notes (inc. PayID) | Whether your method is eligible and can be used for withdrawal |
| Your colour rating | Green / amber / red, plus a 1–2 word reason (e.g. “short expiry”) |
To cross-check specific casinos and their bonus behaviour, you can also read our detailed Australian casino reviews and payment-focused articles like fast withdrawals and PayID deposits & withdrawals .
Bonus Truth Table Framework – FAQ
Is the biggest headline bonus usually the best?
⌄
Not necessarily. Bigger offers often come with higher wagering, shorter expiry, stricter game restrictions and tougher caps. The Bonus Truth Table helps you see when a “smaller” bonus may actually be easier and less stressful to use.
How many bonuses should I compare at once?
⌄
Realistically, 3–4 at a time is enough. Comparing 10+ offers can become overwhelming and encourage “chasing” instead of making a calm decision that fits your budget and time.
Do I need to use a bonus at all?
⌄
No. Many Australian players prefer to play without bonuses so their withdrawals are less restricted. The Bonus Truth Table can also help you decide when a bonus is simply not worth the friction for your style of play.
What if the casino changes the terms after I fill my table?
⌄
Bonus terms can change. That’s why it helps to save a screenshot or PDF of the terms page before you opt in. If there’s ever a dispute, you can reference the version you saw and ask support to clarify.
Does this framework guarantee I’ll “beat” the bonus?
⌄
No. Casino games are designed with a house edge. The Bonus Truth Table doesn’t change the odds—it simply helps you avoid surprises, unrealistic offers and terms you don’t actually want to play under.
Responsible Gaming & 18+ Disclaimer
Comparing bonuses with a framework like this can reduce nasty surprises, but it doesn’t turn gambling into a money-making plan. Treat all promotions as entertainment with a price tag, not a way to fix financial problems.
Set limits, take breaks, and walk away when it stops feeling fun. No bonus is ever “must-take” or worth chasing if you’re stressed or under pressure.
Safer-play basics
- • Only gamble with money you can afford to lose
- • Decide your max deposit before you log in
- • Avoid gambling when tired, stressed or upset
- • Don’t chase losses or “bonus hunt” across lots of sites
Important disclaimers
- • 18+ only.
- • Information only – not financial, legal or betting advice.
- • Bonus terms, availability and local rules change over time. Always read the current Terms & Conditions on the casino’s website before joining or claiming an offer.
If gambling is causing harm or doesn’t feel under control, consider contacting a local support service in your area for confidential, non-judgemental help.