Deposit bonus

A deposit bonus can look generous and still be a bad deal. The headline usually shouts 100%, 200% or a big package across several deposits. The useful part is quieter: wagering, max bet, eligible games, withdrawal caps, payment rules and how quickly the casino lets you cash out.
I do not judge deposit offers by size alone. A smaller match with clean rules can beat a huge bonus that locks the balance behind awkward wagering and a tiny max bet.

How to read a deposit bonus
Start with the match amount and the cap. A 100% bonus up to $500 means something different from 100% up to $50. Then check whether wagering applies to the bonus only or to bonus plus deposit. That one line can change the real cost of the offer.
The max bet rule matters more than people expect. If the casino caps bonus bets at $5 or less, one accidental larger spin can void winnings at some sites. That is harsh, but it happens, so I check that rule before claiming.

Free spins inside deposit packages
Many deposit bonuses add free spins. Treat those spins as a separate mini-bonus. Check the slot, spin value, expiry, wagering on winnings and max cashout. If the spins arrive in daily drops, make sure missed days are not lost.
A package can be fair when the casino explains each part. It gets suspicious when the match, spins and cashback all have different hidden rules.

Payments, KYC and withdrawals
Before depositing, check whether your payment method can also withdraw. Some casinos allow a card deposit but push withdrawals to bank transfer or crypto. Also look at minimum withdrawal, fees and pending periods.
KYC is normal before cashout, especially after bonus play. A good casino explains the documents early. A weak one waits until you win and then starts asking for surprises.

My quick filter
I would claim a deposit bonus only when the casino shows the full wagering rule, max bet, eligible games, payment limits and withdrawal cap before opt-in. If the offer needs a spreadsheet to understand, I usually skip it.