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many times you must bet the bonus amount — or bonus plus deposit — before any winnings derived from that bonus can be withdrawn as real cash. It is one of the most important terms to read and understand before claiming any casino promotion.
How to Calculate a Wagering Requirement
The formula is straightforward:
Wagering Requirement = Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier
Example: You receive a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement.
- €100 × 30 = €3,000 total you must wager before withdrawing bonus-derived winnings.
Some casinos apply the multiplier to bonus + deposit rather than just the bonus:
- €100 deposit + €100 bonus × 30x = €6,000 total wagering required — a significantly higher bar.
Always check which formula applies before accepting a bonus.
Common Types of Casino Bonuses and Their Typical Structures
| Bonus Type | How It Works | Typical Wagering Requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome / Match Bonus | Casino matches a % of your first deposit | 20x–50x |
| No Deposit Bonus | Free credit given without any deposit | 30x–60x (often higher) |
| Free Spins | Fixed number of spins on specified games | 20x–40x on winnings |
| Reload Bonus | Match bonus on subsequent deposits | 20x–40x |
| Cashback Bonus | % of losses returned as bonus credit | Often 0x–10x (lower) |
Game Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally towards clearing a wagering requirement. Casinos assign contribution percentages to different game types:
- Slots: Typically 100% contribution — most efficient for clearing bonuses.
- Table games (blackjack, roulette): Often 10%–20% contribution, or excluded entirely.
- Live casino games: Usually low contribution (0%–20%) or excluded.
- Video poker: Varies widely; often low or excluded.
This is why slot games are commonly the fastest route to clearing a wagering requirement, but it also means the house edge of the slot applies throughout that process.
Key Bonus Terms Beyond Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements are just one factor. Other terms that affect the value of a bonus include:
- Expiry date: Most bonuses must be used within a set timeframe (e.g., 7–30 days). If not cleared in time, the bonus and associated winnings are forfeited.
- Maximum bet restriction: Many bonuses impose a maximum stake per spin while the bonus is active (commonly €5 per spin). Exceeding this can void the bonus.
- Maximum withdrawal cap: No-deposit and free spin bonuses often cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings (e.g., 5x the bonus value).
- Game restrictions: Certain slots or game titles may be excluded from bonus play entirely.
How to Evaluate Whether a Bonus Is Worth Taking
A bonus with a lower face value but reasonable terms can be more valuable than a large bonus with restrictive conditions. Before claiming, ask:
- What is the total wagering amount I need to complete?
- How long do I have to complete it?
- Which games count toward the requirement?
- Is there a maximum bet per spin while bonus is active?
- Is there a withdrawal cap on bonus winnings?
Reading the full terms and conditions of any bonus before claiming it is always the informed approach. Many casinos now present a clear bonus summary alongside full T&Cs — take the time to read both.