Excluded games – why not every game suits a bonus
When you activate a bonus at a casino, you cannot play just anything with the bonus money. Almost every bonus's terms include a list of excluded games – games that may not be played with an active bonus, or whose bets do not count when meeting the wagering requirement. For an Estonian player this is one of the most important and at the same time most frequently overlooked terms, because breaching it can cost the entire bonus and all winnings made with it.
There are essentially two kinds of excluded games. The first group consists of games with a 0% contribution to wagering – you may play them, but the requirement does not move forward. The second group consists of games that are completely prohibited with bonus money – playing them is a breach of the terms. The difference is big: in the first case you simply waste time, in the second the casino may cancel the bonus. That is why it pays to read exactly which wording the terms use.
Casinos usually exclude games where their edge is small or where the player can reduce risk – such as certain table games – as well as games whose maths would make wagering too easy, like some high-RTP or low-volatility slots. Progressive jackpot games are often on the list too. The list can be long and differ between offers, so reading the general terms alone is not enough.
In Estonia, bonuses may only be offered by casinos licensed by the Estonian Tax and Customs Board (EMTA), and their terms must be clearly available to the player. Good practice is for the casino to mark excluded games in the game lobby or block them during a bonus, but not all casinos do so. If you are unsure whether a game is allowed, ask customer support before playing and keep the answer.
Remember that a bonus is an add-on to entertainment, not a source of income. Casino games in Estonia are only allowed for people aged 21 and over. Play within your limits, and if gambling starts to worry you, help is available at peaasi.ee and tai.ee.