Bet365 gave me $200 - Should I keep it?

[Tailgun]

After reading some positive things here, I chanced a Neteller move today, in this era of US state-sponsored anti-gambling terrorism. I put $750 into a new account with Bet365 and they credited another $200 to the account. I have generally stayed away from bonuses except for Bodog's. Now I'm not sure I should keep this money.

To wit, here are the bonus terms:

a) Qualifying customers will have their account credited with a matched bonus up to a maximum GBP100. 100% match up on your first single deposit/transfer of casino chips.
b) The bonus will only be awarded once you have purchased chips.
c) The bonus may only be redeemed once cumulative wagers totalling not less than 12 times the sum total of your deposit and your bonus have been placed. Bonus funds may not be cashed until this handle has been met.
d) Where a customer makes a withdrawal or transfer out of their casino account prior to the rollover requirement being met, they will lose any bonus or winnings attributable to their bonus .
e) Any Wagers will use your own deposited money before the bonus balance.
f) Only wagers made on real money games will contribute to the wagering requirement.
g) Wagers made on any variation of Roulette, Baccarat, Craps, Sic Bo and Pai Gow Poker games will not contribute to the wagering requirements.
h) Any use of bonus funds to wager on any variation of Roulette, Baccarat, Craps, Sic Bo and Pai Gow Poker games is not permitted and will result in the loss of any bonus and winnings attributable to their bonus.

I have highlighted the three stipulations of particular interest. For one, if I had only deposited $200, the WR requirement wouldn't be so onerous ($4800, $400x12), especially if I followed up the $550 in a second deposit. As of now, am I to understand I must wager $11,400 ($950x12) to clear the bonus?

At least I gather from Section (e) that, unless my account balance falls below the $200 amount, I will not be wagering the actual bonus dollars at any time, thus my winnings ought be fully available. Is this correct?

As it stands, should I opt out of this bonus, or is it wise to keep it?

[KravdraaYvoorg]

$11,400 is a bit steep... you really should've deposited $200 and cleared that bonus... one of the biggest, easiest out there (BJ Switch allowed!)

You're correct about e). As long as your balance is over $200, it's your money that's in play.

Personally, I'd do it by playing $10 hands @ BJ Switch (2x$5). 1140 hands doesn't take all that long on a Playtech.

But if, as I suspect, you intended to play on slots and don't wanna be told when you can withdraw, it's safe to say that you don't wanna be hostage to 000's of unmet WR just for $200.

My (non-cashable) two cents.

[Tailgun]

Actually, I am a blackjack player exclusively - although I've never tried playing Switch. Is it really cool?

In any case, perhaps the WR isn't that bad. Especially if I don't reach it or ever drop down to the bonus balance. My winnings would remain on the positive side of the ledger indefinitely (now THAT'S positive thinking! ).

[SlotsWizard]

The nice thing about Bet365 is that you can play with your own money and withdraw whenever you want, you will just forfeit the bonus if you haven't met WR. The cashier shows you what part is withdrawable and what part is the bonus that cannot be withdrawn yet.

I think they will decline your withdrawal the first time around, but mention in the email that you have the option of forfeiting the bonus, at which point you can write back to them and say that you would like to do that.

If I'm wrong, someone will probably jump in soon and correct me. I shall eat my words if so.

[KravdraaYvoorg]

You *really* gotta try Switch then! Regular BJ seems a bit boring after playing switch.

Check out this page for comprehensive info (and be sure to bookmark the strategy calculator tool to figure out if you should switch or not, although it's usually obvious):

♠Blackjack Switch - Odds and Strategy by The Wizard of Odds

[soflat]

I have highlighted the three stipulations of particular interest. For one, if I had only deposited $200, the WR requirement wouldn't be so onerous ($4800, $400x12), especially if I followed up the $550 in a second deposit. As of now, am I to understand I must wager $11,400 ($950x12) to clear the bonus?

As it stands, should I opt out of this bonus, or is it wise to keep it?

You should first ask the casino if you need to do $4800 or $11400 WR.

Most casinos don't tack on extra WR just because you deposited more.

If they hold you to $11400 then it is still not that much compared to some other BJ WRs, but it depends on your bet size and if you want to play that much

[EasyRhino]

Soflat has the right idea, confirm the WR.

Even them a $200 bonus on a $11400 WR is a 1.75% "edge", so it's still profitiable on blackjack. As long as you want to play a crapload of blackjack.

[Tailgun]

Well, looks like my problem was solved for me. This morning, before I ever got to place a single bet at Bet365, they added themselves to the long list of cowards who couldn't wait to get out of Dodge in advance of a law which hasn't even been signed or had any regulatary guidelines yet:

Thank you for contacting bet365 Live Chat. An advisor will be with you shortly.
info: You are now chatting with Emma F..

Emma F.: Hello, welcome to bet365 Live Chat. How may I help you?

John: I just opened an account and deposited funds yesterday and have yet to play in the casino. Someone just told me you will be locking out US players today. Is this true?

Emma F.: I will be right with you. (5 minute wait)

Emma F.: Thank you for waiting. I'll be with you as soon as possible. (5 minute wait)

John: I'm going to withdraw all funds. I'm not going to wait for this account to be frozen. (begins withdrawal, pauses over final button)

John: Hello?

Emma F.: One moment please. (30 second wait)

Emma F.: We regret to inform you that due to legal developments, bet365 are no longer able to accept customers who are resident in the United States of America

Emma F.: Outstanding balances will be returned to you in the usual manner

John: I have already done so. Thank You. (I process withdrawal back to Neteller)

Emma F.: Is there anything else I can help you with today?

Emma F.: We have not heard from you. Do you wish to continue the chat?

Emma F.: Please note, this chat will be automatically terminated since we have not heard from you.

John: No thank you.

Emma F.: Thank you for contacting bet365 Live Chat. When closing this chat window please rate the service you have received and request a transcript of this chat if required.

What a shame! It looked lke a real good casino. NOW where can I go play? Are there any good casinos left that haven't cravenly run away, cowering with their tales between their legs?