Not all games have the same impact on your casino bonus when you enrol. Quite a few players are unaware that casinos secretly hide certain games. They employ filters to exclude these games from the bonus play. It is that players frequently assume they can use their bonus to play any game. After that, they discover that some games are non-counting. This may infuriate the players.
Why Casinos Filter Games from Bonus Lists
Casinos don’t want to lose money. That is the main reason they filter games. Some games give players a better chance to win. These games have a low house edge. This means the casino makes less money from them.
When a casino gives you a bonus, they want you to play games where they have a better edge. They use filters to hide the games that might cost them money. This is a way for them to control their risk.
Most online operators like RichRoyal Casino today use smart software. This software can show or hide games based on if you have an active bonus. The filters work in the background. You may not even know they are there.
Types of Games Often Filtered Out
Not all games get filtered the same way. Here are the most common types that casinos hide from bonus play:
- High RTP slot games (96% or higher)
- Table games like blackjack and baccarat
- Video poker machines
- Live dealer games
- Progressive jackpot slots
These games often give players better odds. That is why casinos don’t want you to use bonus money on them.
How Bonus Filters Work in Casino Software
The filters work in a few ways. Some casinos make filtered games invisible when you have an active bonus. Others show all games but won’t let you open filtered ones. Some even let you play the games but don’t count your wagers toward the bonus.
Most modern casino platforms use tags in their game database. Each game gets tags like “bonus eligible” or “excluded from bonuses.” The casino website reads these tags. Then it shows or hides games based on your account status.
Technology Behind Game Filtering
Casino sites use complex systems to filter games. Here is what happens behind the scenes:
- The casino assigns each game a bonus eligibility status
- When you log in with an active bonus, the system checks your account
- The filter activates and changes what games you see
- The wagering contribution system tracks which games count toward requirements
Many casinos use APIs from game providers. These APIs help control which games show up for bonus players.
Common Filtered Game Categories and Why
Let’s look at the data on which games most often get filtered out and why:
| Game Type | Average RTP | Typical Bonus Contribution | Main Reason for Filtering | Player Impact |
| Blackjack | 99.5% | 0-10% | Near-even odds with strategy | Players can’t use optimal bonus strategy |
| Video Poker | 98-99% | 0-20% | Skill element reduces house edge | Skilled players lose bonus value |
| High RTP Slots | 97%+ | 0-50% | Lower profit margin for casino | Players forced to play lower RTP games |
| Live Dealer Games | 97-99% | 0-20% | Higher operating costs | Players miss interactive experience |
| Progressive Slots | 88-92% | 0-100% | Jackpot contribution from bets | Players can’t chase big wins with bonus |
This data shows why casinos are careful about which games they allow for bonus play. Games with high return to player (RTP) rates cost casinos more money when played with bonus funds.
How to Find Out Which Games Are Eligible
You can learn which games work with bonuses. Just follow these steps:
Read the Bonus Terms Carefully
The terms and conditions tell you which games count. Look for sections called:
- “Eligible Games”
- “Game Contributions”
- “Wagering Requirements”
- “Excluded Games”
These parts list the games you can and cannot play with the bonus.
Check Game Contribution Percentages
Not all games count the same toward wagering requirements. The terms might say:
- Slots: 100% contribution
- Table games: 10% contribution
- Video poker: 5% contribution
This means if you bet $10 on slots, $10 counts toward your wagering. But if you bet $10 on table games, only $1 counts.
Player Strategies to Deal with Filtered Games
Smart players can still make the most of bonuses. Here are some tips:
- Look for casinos with fewer game restrictions.
- Compare the game lists before you take a bonus.
- Use bonuses only for slots if you like table games.
- Take smaller bonuses with better terms instead of big ones with many filters.
- Play your favorite filtered games after you clear the bonus.
These strategies help you get more value from casino bonuses.
Future of Casino Game Filtering
Casino game filtering is changing. More players know about it now. This puts pressure on casinos to be more open. Some newer casinos now offer “all-game” bonuses with no filters.
As gambling laws get stricter, casinos may need to be more clear about game filters. Some countries already require casinos to explain exactly which games work with bonuses.
Players today are smarter about bonuses. They look for fair terms. This might make casinos change how they filter games in the future.
The best way to deal with game filters is to know they exist. Then you can make good choices about which bonuses to take. Always read the terms before you claim a bonus. This helps you avoid surprises when you try to play your favorite games.
