What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) are the conditions attached to most casino bonuses that dictate how many times you must bet the bonus — and sometimes your deposit — before any winnings can be withdrawn. They are the most important number to evaluate when comparing casino offers.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The formula is straightforward:
- Amount to wager = Bonus amount × Wagering multiplier
Example: You claim a €100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement.
- €100 × 35 = €3,500 total must be wagered before you can withdraw.
Some casinos apply the requirement to deposit + bonus. Always check the terms carefully:
- Bonus only (35x): €100 × 35 = €3,500 to wager
- Deposit + Bonus (35x): €200 × 35 = €7,000 to wager
The second scenario is significantly more demanding — double the work for the same bonus amount.
What Counts as a "Good" Wagering Requirement?
| Wagering Multiplier | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 10x–20x | Excellent — very achievable |
| 21x–35x | Good — industry standard |
| 36x–50x | High — proceed with caution |
| 51x and above | Very high — often not worth claiming |
Game Contribution Rates: The Hidden Catch
Not all games contribute equally to clearing your wagering requirement. Most casinos publish a game contribution table — always find it before playing.
- Slots: Typically 100% contribution (most efficient)
- Live casino / Table games: Often only 10%–20% contribution
- Video poker: Sometimes 0%–10%
- Excluded games: Playing these may void your bonus entirely
If you play roulette at 10% contribution with a €3,500 wagering requirement, you effectively need to bet €35,000 at the roulette table — a very different proposition.
The Real Cost of a Bonus
You can estimate the expected cost of clearing any bonus using RTP:
- Expected loss = Wagering amount × House edge
- House edge = 100% − RTP
Example: €3,500 wagering requirement, playing slots with 96% RTP (4% house edge):
- €3,500 × 0.04 = €140 expected statistical cost to clear the bonus
If the bonus itself is €100, this particular offer is statistically unfavourable. However, bonuses with lower wagering multipliers on high-RTP games can still offer positive expected value.
Other Terms to Watch For
- Time limits: Many bonuses expire within 7–30 days. Failing to clear in time forfeits the bonus and any winnings.
- Maximum bet rules: Casinos often cap bets at €5–€10 per spin while a bonus is active. Exceeding this can void your winnings.
- Maximum cashout: Some free spin bonuses cap winnings (e.g. "max withdrawal of €50 from bonus funds").
- Sticky vs. cashable bonuses: Sticky bonuses cannot be withdrawn — only winnings generated from them can. Cashable bonuses can be withdrawn alongside winnings.
Quick Checklist Before Accepting Any Bonus
- ✅ What is the wagering requirement multiplier?
- ✅ Does it apply to bonus only, or deposit + bonus?
- ✅ What is the time limit to clear?
- ✅ Are there maximum bet restrictions?
- ✅ Is there a maximum withdrawal cap?
- ✅ Which games contribute 100% to wagering?
Taking five minutes to read the bonus terms thoroughly is the single most impactful thing you can do before claiming any casino offer.