18+ Responsible gaming Addiction help Gambling Therapy

Guide · Basics Updated 6 Nov 2026

Terms and conditions at new online casinos

The terms decide what happens to your money, so read four parts before your first deposit: withdrawals, bonuses, account closure and dormancy. Everything else can wait until you need it.

At an offshore casino the terms are also your main protection. Local consumer law offers little help with a casino licensed elsewhere, so what the terms say is what you can rely on.

By Thando Dlamini | Guides

The sections that matter

SectionWhat to look for
AccountOne account per person and household, verification rules, closure rights
Deposits and withdrawalsLimits per week or month, fees, processing times, same-method rule
BonusesWagering, max bet, game weighting, expiry, win caps
Fair playWhich testing lab certifies the games, what counts as abuse
DormancyFees on inactive accounts and when they start
Responsible gamingLimits, time-outs and self-exclusion on offer

How to read them quickly

  1. Open the terms in a desktop browser and use Ctrl+F (Cmd+F on a Mac).
  2. Search for "maximum", "limit", "fee", "inactive" and "void".
  3. Read the withdrawal section in full.
  4. Save a PDF or screenshot with the date, in case the terms change.

Red flags

  • Withdrawal limits so low that a big win takes years to pay out.
  • A right to void winnings for vague reasons such as "irregular play".
  • Fees on withdrawals or inactive accounts not shown at the cashier.
  • Terms that can change without notice to players.
  • No named licence holder or regulator anywhere in the document.

Why the licence matters here

The regulator behind the licence sets the minimum rules a casino's terms must follow, and handles complaints when a casino breaks its own terms. Look for the regulator named in the terms and check the casino on its register.

Questions

Terms and conditions: questions

Which part of the terms should I read first?

Withdrawals, then the rules of any bonus you plan to claim.

Can a casino change its terms?

Usually yes, with notice. Keep a dated copy of the terms you signed up under.

What is a dormancy fee?

A charge on accounts with no activity for a set period, often 12 months. Withdraw your balance before you stop playing.

What can I do if a casino breaks its terms?

Use its complaints procedure, then go to the regulator that licenses it.

Responsible gaming

Play only if you are 18+ and it stays fun

These rules apply on every page of this site. A young casino has less history to judge it by, so the limits matter more.

18+ only

Adults only, everywhere

You must be 18 or older, and older in some countries. A casino can ask for ID before your first withdrawal, and new casinos often do.

Responsible gaming
New brands

Start small with an unknown casino

Deposit an amount you would accept losing to a failed withdrawal, and request a small cash-out early to see how the casino handles it.

How we review new casinos
Limits

Set limits before the welcome offer

Bonus wagering keeps you playing longer. Set a deposit limit and a time limit in the account before you claim.

Set your limits
Help

Free, confidential support

If playing stops being fun, talk to someone. Gambling Therapy offers free support in many languages.

Gambling Therapy · Addiction help