What are rakeback and cashback?
Rakeback is a percentage returned on every qualifying wager you place, regardless of the result. It is typically part of a casino’s VIP program and credited continuously or in periodic drops. Operator help pages explain that once you reach entry-level VIP, you start receiving a percentage back on each bet and can claim it via the VIP section.
Cashback (often called “lossback” or “moneyback”) refunds a percentage of your net losses over a set window (for example, daily). Some brands publish an explicit formula using deposits, end-of-day balance, and withdrawals to compute the day’s net loss before applying the cashback rate.
Why crypto players care about the difference
Rakeback smooths results because it pays on volume, while cashback is episodic and depends on whether you finished the period down. New-user reward pages from crypto-friendly operators illustrate both models in practice: continuous rakeback during a welcome window plus separate daily “cash drops,” and, at other brands, a daily moneyback program based on net losses.
Real examples you can check
Stake’s VIP docs describe rakeback on every wager, with weekly boosts and monthly bonuses calculated from your VIP rank, your recent wagering, and the house edge of games played. Rewards are distributed on a weekly/monthly cadence through the channels they specify.
Cloudbet’s welcome materials show 10% rakeback for 30 days after first deposit with daily cash drops and a final “Cash Vault” when you complete the package. A step-by-step article explains how to activate and claim.
mBit documents a Daily MoneyBack program, including the exact net-loss formula, the UTC window used for calculation, and notes that only slots contribute 100% to any wagering attached to the reward.
Bitcasino’s Loyalty pages promote instant rewards with “no wagering requirement,” positioning loyalty payouts as real-money rewards within their program. Their help center details tiers, milestones, and how progress works.
Wager-free or bonus balance?
Some programs pay rewards as cash with no wagering, while others credit a bonus that carries playthrough and game-weighting rules. Advertising and compliance guidance in Great Britain requires that significant conditions (such as wagering, contribution, max bet, expiry, eligibility, and payment-method restrictions) are shown prominently, with other terms at most one click away. Use that standard as your personal checklist when reading any rewards page.
How rewards are calculated behind the scenes
Rakeback rate × total qualified wagers determines your rakeback return for a period. Operator articles note that VIP bonuses and boosts can also factor in your house-edge mix and recent volume. Cashback uses a net-loss formula over a defined window and then applies a published percentage, sometimes with caps or tier multipliers. Always check the time zone the casino uses for “day” or “week,” the eligible games list, and whether rewards are cash or bonus.
Crypto-specific compliance to look for
If a casino pays and rewards in crypto, make sure the regulator explicitly allows virtual assets and requires AML/KYC controls. Malta’s Gaming Authority requires prior approval before a licensee can accept or use DLT assets as payment; the policy and regulator announcement make this clear.
The Isle of Man publishes AML/CFT guidance for gambling licensees, including specific notes on virtual assets and goods.
Curaçao’s reformed framework (LOK), effective December 24, 2024, created the Curaçao Gaming Authority and aims for greater transparency and oversight than the legacy sub-licensing model. If a casino cites Curaçao, look for LOK-era disclosures.
How to pick and use these rewards wisely
Check whether rewards are cash or bonus and whether any wagering applies. If bonus-based, confirm contribution, max bet, and expiry in the T&Cs. UK guidance says these are significant conditions that must be prominent, and operators reiterate claim steps in their own help centers.
Prefer programs that publish clear mechanics and let you self-claim in the account or VIP area. Stake and Cloudbet both document where and when to claim, and mBit explains its calculation window and eligibility.
If a program advertises “no wagering,” verify that the payout is real cash and not converted to a bonus on receipt. Bitcasino’s loyalty pages, for instance, explicitly call out no-wagering loyalty rewards.
Quick FAQ
Do rakeback and cashback change game RTP or the house edge?
No. They are rebates on your activity or losses. Some VIP articles even factor the house edge into bonus calculations, but rewards don’t alter game math.
Where can I find programs with explicit daily calculations?
mBit’s MoneyBack help page publishes the net-loss formula and daily UTC window.
Are there welcome-period rakeback offers?
Yes. Cloudbet’s Welcome Package highlights 10% rakeback within the first 30 days, plus daily cash drops.
What should I check before claiming?
Look for the regulator, whether crypto is explicitly permitted, and whether significant conditions are prominent. UK regulators and the ASA/CAP set out this disclosure standard; use it as a checklist anywhere.
Responsible play
Treat rakeback and cashback as small rebates, not profit centers. Set firm limits, avoid chasing volume to reach a tier, and complete KYC early to prevent withdrawal delays. If terms seem vague, ask support or skip the promo.
