What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements — sometimes called playthrough requirements — are conditions attached to casino bonuses that specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings derived from it. They are the single most important factor when evaluating whether a casino bonus is genuinely valuable.
How Wagering Requirements Are Calculated
The most common format is expressed as a multiplier — for example, 30x or 40x. Here's how it works in practice:
- You receive a $100 welcome bonus with a 35x wagering requirement.
- You must wager $100 × 35 = $3,500 before you can cash out bonus winnings.
- Some casinos apply the requirement to bonus + deposit, making it even higher.
Bonus + Deposit Example
If the requirement is 35x on bonus + deposit: You deposit $100 and receive a $100 bonus. The total requiring wagering is $200 × 35 = $7,000. This is a significantly larger commitment than the bonus-only version.
Game Contribution Percentages
Not all games contribute equally to clearing a wagering requirement. Casinos typically weight contributions like this:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots (most) | 100% |
| Some specialty slots | 50% |
| Table games (blackjack, roulette) | 10%–25% |
| Live casino games | 0%–10% |
| Video poker | 0%–20% |
This is why slots are almost always the fastest way to clear a wagering requirement — they typically contribute 100%.
What Makes a Wagering Requirement "Good" or "Bad"?
- Below 25x: Generally considered favorable — worth pursuing.
- 25x–40x: Average — read the fine print carefully.
- Above 40x: High — the bonus is statistically unlikely to convert to real winnings for most players.
- Above 60x: Very aggressive — often better to skip the bonus entirely.
Other Traps to Watch For
Expiry Dates
Most bonuses come with a time limit — often 7 to 30 days — to complete wagering. If you don't meet requirements in time, the bonus and any winnings are forfeited.
Maximum Bet Restrictions
Many bonuses cap your bet size while playing with bonus funds — often $5 or less per spin. Exceeding this limit can void the bonus entirely.
Maximum Cashout Caps
Some bonuses limit how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings — for example, a maximum of 3x or 5x the bonus amount, regardless of how much you win.
How to Evaluate a Bonus Quickly
- Find the wagering requirement multiplier and whether it applies to bonus only or bonus + deposit.
- Check the game contribution table.
- Note the time limit and maximum bet restriction.
- Check for a maximum cashout cap.
- Calculate total wagering needed and ask: is this realistically achievable with my budget?
A thorough 5-minute review of bonus terms before claiming can save you considerable frustration later.