Bonus money and real money represent two separate balance types commonly used on online casino platforms. This page provides an informational explanation of how these balances differ, without promoting gambling activity.
What real money means
Real money refers to funds deposited by a user or obtained without bonus-related restrictions. These funds are subject to standard platform rules and, once applicable verification and compliance checks are completed, may be eligible for withdrawal according to platform policies.
Real money is typically used to:
- Participate in gameplay without promotional conditions
- Withdraw eligible balances after verification
- Interact with platform features under standard rules
What bonus money means
Bonus money is promotional credit provided by a platform as part of a bonus offer. This balance is governed by additional rules defined in the bonus terms and conditions.
Bonus money is commonly subject to:
- Wagering or playthrough requirements
- Eligible or excluded game lists
- Maximum bet limits during bonus play
- Maximum withdrawal or conversion caps
- Time limits or expiry rules
Bonus money is not immediately withdrawable.
How platforms manage separate balances
To ensure correct application of promotional rules, platforms typically track bonus money and real money as separate balances. This separation allows systems to apply different conditions to each balance type.
Balance management may involve:
- Separate tracking of real and bonus funds
- Defined order of balance usage during gameplay
- Automatic conversion of bonus funds after conditions are met
- Removal of bonus balances if conditions are not satisfied
The specific handling rules depend on platform configuration.
Order of balance usage
Platforms usually define which balance is used first during gameplay when both real money and bonus money are present. This order is specified in bonus terms and platform rules.
Common balance usage models include:
- Bonus balance used before real money
- Real money used first, with bonus locked
- Mixed usage based on game or promotion type
The usage order affects how conditions are applied, not how games function.
Relationship to game mechanics
The distinction between bonus money and real money relates to account and promotional systems rather than game mechanics.
What balance type does not affect:
- Random number generation (RNG)
- RTP, volatility, or hit frequency
- Paytables and symbol probabilities
- Feature trigger behaviour
Game outcomes are generated independently of balance type.
Balance comparison overview
| Aspect | Real money | Bonus money |
|---|---|---|
| Source | User deposits or unrestricted wins | Promotional credit |
| Withdrawable | Yes, after verification | No, until conditions met |
| Subject to wagering | No | Yes |
| Bet limits applied | Standard | Often restricted |
| Expiry rules | Usually none | Common |
What you can do next
- Learn how wagering requirements apply to bonus balances
- Read about bonus withdrawal rules
- Explore how bonus terms define balance usage
- Return to the bonuses section for more informational content
Informational disclaimer
PokiesHub Australia does not offer bonuses, does not operate online casinos, and does not provide gambling services. This information is presented for educational purposes only.
The content is intended to help readers understand how bonus and real money balances are structured and managed within online casino platforms.