Exactly what does this mean?

[Buccaneer]

From the Empire site:

Bonus Amount will automatically be added to your Bonus Account where it will be held until you play raked hands equal to ten (10) times the Bonus Amount within ten (10) days of making your deposit (the "Release Requirements").

So does this mean you have to go to showdown or just be in a hand? At what amount does rake begin?

[NateDog]

You have to be dealt into the hand. Rake begins at $5 pot.

[froggy527]

And if your a new player you can play the new player tables.
You can play micro tables where the rake qualifies at two
dollar pots.