What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, a $100 bonus with 35x wagering means you need to place $3,500 in total bets before cashing out.
Wagering requirements exist because casinos offer bonuses as a marketing tool. Without them, players could simply claim the bonus and immediately withdraw it, which would make bonuses unsustainable for operators.
How to Calculate Wagering
The calculation is straightforward: multiply the bonus amount by the wagering multiplier. If the requirement applies to both the bonus and deposit (common with match bonuses), add them together first.
Example: You deposit $50 and receive a 100% match bonus of $50. With a 30x wagering requirement on bonus + deposit, you need to wager ($50 + $50) × 30 = $3,000 before withdrawing.
Game Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Typically, slots count 100%, while table games like blackjack and roulette contribute only 10-20%. Some games may be excluded entirely.
Always check the bonus terms for the game contribution table. Playing a game that contributes 0% means none of your bets on that game count towards clearing the wagering requirement.
Red Flags in Bonus Terms
Watch out for excessively high wagering requirements (above 50x), short time limits to clear the wagering, low maximum bet limits while wagering, and maximum withdrawal caps on bonus winnings.
A fair bonus typically has 25-35x wagering, at least 30 days to clear, and no unreasonable withdrawal limits. Compare offers from multiple casinos to find the best value.