What Is a Wagering Requirement?
A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough requirement) is a condition attached to casino bonuses that specifies how many times you must bet the bonus amount — or the bonus plus deposit — before you can withdraw any winnings derived from that bonus.
For example, if you receive a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place bets totalling $3,000 before you can cash out any bonus-derived funds.
Why Do Wagering Requirements Exist?
Without wagering requirements, players could simply deposit, claim a bonus, and immediately withdraw the extra funds. Wagering requirements protect operators from this by ensuring players engage with the games before any bonus money becomes withdrawable cash.
Common Types of Bonus Calculations
Not all wagering requirements are calculated the same way. Understanding the difference is crucial:
- Bonus Only (e.g., 30x bonus): You must wager 30 times the bonus amount. On a $100 bonus, that's $3,000 total wagering.
- Bonus + Deposit (e.g., 30x deposit+bonus): You must wager 30 times both your deposit and the bonus. On a $100 deposit + $100 bonus, that's $6,000 total wagering.
Always check which calculation method applies — the second type is significantly more demanding.
Game Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally toward clearing a wagering requirement. Most casinos use a contribution structure like this:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Blackjack | 10%–20% |
| Roulette | 10%–20% |
| Baccarat | 10%–20% |
| Video Poker | 0%–20% |
| Live Casino | 0%–10% |
This is why most wagering requirements are easiest to clear playing slots — but always verify the specific game contributions in the bonus terms.
Other Important Bonus Terms to Check
- Expiry Date: Bonuses have a time limit. If you don't meet the wagering requirement within the window (often 7–30 days), the bonus and any winnings may be forfeited.
- Maximum Bet Restriction: Many bonuses limit how much you can bet per spin or hand while the bonus is active (commonly $5–$10). Exceeding this can void the bonus.
- Maximum Withdrawal Cap: Some bonuses cap the amount you can withdraw from bonus winnings (e.g., 5x the bonus amount).
- Game Restrictions: Certain high-RTP or jackpot games may be excluded from bonus play entirely.
How to Evaluate Whether a Bonus Is Worth Claiming
A useful way to assess a bonus is to estimate its theoretical value:
- Note the wagering requirement and calculate the total amount you need to wager.
- Consider the house edge of the games you'll play to clear it.
- Estimate the expected loss to clear the requirement.
- Compare this against the bonus value to see if it's favourable.
A generous headline bonus with very high wagering requirements and restrictive terms often has less practical value than a smaller bonus with straightforward conditions.
Quick Tips
- Always read the full terms and conditions before claiming any bonus.
- Look for bonuses with wagering requirements of 35x or lower as a general benchmark.
- Check if there are game restrictions that would prevent you from playing your preferred games.
- If terms are unclear, contact customer support for clarification before opting in.