What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) specify how many times you must bet a bonus amount before any winnings derived from it can be withdrawn as real money. They exist to prevent players from depositing, claiming a bonus, and immediately withdrawing it.
Understanding how they work is essential — a large bonus with harsh wagering terms can be effectively impossible to convert into real cash.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The formula is straightforward:
Amount to Wager = Bonus Amount × Wagering Requirement
For example:
- You receive a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement
- You must wager: €100 × 30 = €3,000 before withdrawing
Some casinos apply wagering requirements to the deposit + bonus combined, making the requirement even higher:
- €100 deposit + €100 bonus = €200 × 30x = €6,000 to wager
Always check which calculation method applies.
What's a Fair Wagering Requirement?
| Wagering Requirement | Rating |
|---|---|
| 10x–20x | Excellent — very achievable |
| 21x–35x | Fair — reasonable for most players |
| 36x–50x | High — read terms carefully |
| 50x+ | Very high — bonus value is largely theoretical |
Game Contribution Percentages
Not all games count equally toward clearing a wagering requirement. Casinos typically apply contribution percentages:
- Slots: Usually 100% contribution — the most efficient way to clear bonuses
- Blackjack / Video Poker: Often 10%–20% contribution, or sometimes excluded entirely
- Roulette: Varies widely — often 20%–50%
- Live Casino Games: Frequently excluded from wagering contribution
This is why bonus terms can favour slot players over table game enthusiasts. Always check the contribution table before choosing which games to play with a bonus.
Other Bonus Terms to Watch
Wagering requirements are just one piece of the puzzle. Be sure to also check:
- Expiry date: Most bonuses expire within 7–30 days. Unused bonuses and associated winnings are forfeited.
- Maximum bet limit: Most casinos cap bets made with an active bonus at €5–€10 per spin or hand. Exceeding this can void your bonus.
- Maximum withdrawal: Some bonuses cap how much you can actually withdraw from bonus winnings (e.g., "maximum withdrawal from this bonus is 5x the bonus amount").
- Eligible games: Bonus funds may only be usable on specific games.
Types of Casino Bonuses Compared
- Welcome/Deposit Bonus: Matched percentage of your first deposit. Most common type.
- No Deposit Bonus: Small bonus without requiring a deposit. Usually comes with very strict terms.
- Free Spins: Spins on designated slots. Winnings typically come as bonus funds with wagering requirements.
- Cashback Bonus: A percentage of losses returned. Often has lower or no wagering requirements.
- Reload Bonus: Offered to existing players on subsequent deposits.
A Simple Framework for Evaluating Any Bonus
- Calculate the total wagering amount required
- Check what games contribute — and how much
- Verify the expiry date is realistic for your play style
- Check for maximum bet restrictions
- Look for maximum cashout limits
- Decide if the bonus genuinely adds value — or if playing without it is simpler
Sometimes the best bonus is no bonus at all. Playing with real money only means no restrictions on bets, games, or withdrawals. Make the choice that matches your goals.