Refer a friend: what you are really signing up for

Many online casinos reward players who bring in friends. You get a link or a code, and when your friend registers and deposits, you both receive a bonus. It feels harmless. But a referral reward makes you part of the operator's marketing, and that has consequences worth knowing.

How schemes usually work

The reward typically triggers only after your friend deposits, and often only after they have wagered a certain amount. It usually arrives as bonus funds with wagering requirements rather than cash. Whether Duell runs such a scheme, and on what terms, is on the operator's site.

Amounts, percentages, requirements and deadlines are set by the operator and can change — the bonus terms on the operator's site are what apply.

Advertising rules can apply to you

In some countries, promoting gambling that is not licensed there is itself prohibited, and regulators have treated sharing links to such operators on social media as advertising — sometimes regardless of whether anyone was paid. If you share a referral link publicly, check the rules where you live. This site gives no legal assessment of individual cases.

Pressure inside a friendship

A referral bonus rewards you for someone else starting to gamble. That makes it harder to be honest about the risks and harder for your friend to say no. If you have noticed gambling taking up space in your own life, it is a good reason not to recruit others. And if someone you know struggles with gambling, a link from you may be the last thing they need.

Worked example

Suppose you both receive 20 in bonus funds at 30x wagering once your friend deposits 50. Each of you must stake 600 before the bonus can be withdrawn. At a 4% house edge the expected loss is about 24 each — more than the bonus. Your friend has also deposited 50 of their own money. The numbers are an example; the operator's terms apply.

Go to the offer

A better conversation

If you want to talk about gambling with friends, talk about what actually helps: limits, breaks and where to get support. Gambling Therapy offers free online help in many languages — see responsible gambling.

Frequently asked questions

When is a referral reward paid?

Usually after the friend registers and deposits, sometimes only after they have wagered a set amount. The operator's terms decide.

Can sharing a referral link be against the rules?

In some countries promoting unlicensed gambling is prohibited, and sharing links can count as advertising. Check the rules where you live.

Is the referral reward cash?

Often not. It usually arrives as bonus funds with wagering requirements.