What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) are conditions attached to most casino bonuses. They specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount — or the bonus plus deposit — before you can withdraw any winnings derived from that bonus. They exist to prevent players from simply withdrawing bonus funds as cash immediately.
How to Calculate What You Actually Need to Wager
The formula is straightforward:
Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier = Total Wager Required
Example: You receive a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement. You must wager $100 × 30 = $3,000 before withdrawing. Some casinos apply the requirement to both deposit and bonus: if you deposited $100 and received $100 bonus, a 30x requirement on both means $100 + $100 × 30 = $6,000.
Always check whether the requirement applies to the bonus only or bonus + deposit.
Types of Casino Bonuses and Their Typical Structures
| Bonus Type | How It Works | Common Wagering Range |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome/Match Bonus | Casino matches your deposit by a set % | 20x – 50x |
| No-Deposit Bonus | Free credits with no deposit required | 30x – 60x |
| Free Spins | Set number of spins on specified slots | 20x – 40x on winnings |
| Cashback Bonus | % of losses returned as bonus cash | Often 1x – 10x |
| Reload Bonus | Bonus on subsequent deposits | 20x – 40x |
| VIP/Loyalty Rewards | Points or cash for regular play | Varies widely |
Game Contribution Percentages
Not all games contribute equally to clearing a wagering requirement. Casinos typically use a contribution structure like this:
- Slots: 100% — every dollar bet counts fully toward the wagering requirement.
- Blackjack / Baccarat: Often 10%–20% — a $10 bet only clears $1–$2 of the requirement.
- Roulette: Often 20%–50% — varies significantly by casino.
- Live Casino Games: Frequently excluded or very low contribution (0–10%).
- Video Poker: Usually low contribution (10%–20%).
This is why bonuses often feel harder to clear when playing table games — your effective wagering requirement becomes much higher.
Other Terms to Watch
Time Limits
Most bonuses expire within 7–30 days. If you don't clear the wagering requirement in time, the bonus and any winnings from it are forfeited. Check the expiry date before accepting.
Maximum Bet Restrictions
Many casinos cap bets while playing with an active bonus (commonly $5–$10 per round). Exceeding this can void the bonus entirely — even if you've already started wagering.
Maximum Withdrawal Caps
Some no-deposit or free spin bonuses cap the maximum amount you can withdraw, regardless of how much you win. A bonus may say "maximum cashout: $100," meaning winnings above that are forfeited upon withdrawal.
How to Evaluate Whether a Bonus Is Worth Taking
- Calculate the total amount you need to wager.
- Consider how long it will realistically take to clear given your usual bet sizes.
- Check whether your preferred games contribute 100% or are excluded.
- Look for any maximum cashout limits.
- Compare the wagering requirement to the actual bonus value — a smaller bonus with lower wagering may be more valuable.
The Takeaway
Bonuses can add genuine value to your play, but only if you fully understand the conditions attached. A high wagering requirement isn't automatically a dealbreaker, but it does mean you should plan your play accordingly and avoid accepting bonuses you have no realistic path to clearing.