What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) are conditions attached to casino bonuses that specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount — or the bonus plus deposit — before any winnings can be withdrawn. They exist because without them, players could simply deposit, claim a bonus, and immediately withdraw it as cash.
Wagering requirements are usually expressed as a multiplier, such as 30x, 40x, or 50x.
How to Calculate What You Need to Wager
The formula is simple, but what counts toward the multiplier varies — so read the terms carefully.
Example: Bonus Only
If a casino offers a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement on the bonus amount, you must wager:
€100 × 30 = €3,000 before withdrawing winnings.
Example: Bonus + Deposit
If the same €100 bonus requires 30x on the deposit + bonus, and you deposited €100:
(€100 + €100) × 30 = €6,000 in total wagers required.
The second scenario is significantly less favourable — yet both might be marketed as "30x wagering." Always check what the multiplier applies to.
Game Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally toward clearing wagering requirements. A typical contribution structure might look like this:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution Rate |
|---|---|
| Video Slots | 100% |
| Classic Slots | 50–100% |
| Blackjack | 10–20% |
| Roulette | 10–20% |
| Live Casino Games | 0–10% |
| Video Poker | 0–20% |
If you prefer table games, a bonus that contributes only 10% from blackjack effectively means your wagering requirement is ten times higher than it appears for that game.
Other Important Bonus Terms to Check
- Time limit: Most bonuses expire after 7–30 days. If you don't meet the wagering requirements in time, both the bonus and associated winnings are forfeited.
- Maximum bet rule: Many casinos cap the bet size while playing with bonus funds — often €5 per spin or hand. Exceeding this can void the bonus entirely.
- Maximum withdrawal cap: Some bonuses limit how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings, regardless of how much you've won. A cap of 3x–5x the bonus value is common.
- Excluded games: Certain slots or jackpot games may be excluded from bonus play altogether.
What Makes a Wagering Requirement "Good"?
There's no universal threshold, but as a general guide:
- Under 25x (bonus only): Very player-friendly — relatively easy to complete.
- 25x–40x (bonus only): Average — manageable for regular players.
- Over 50x (bonus only): Demanding — most players will not complete these requirements.
Is It Worth Claiming a Bonus?
The honest answer: it depends on your playing habits and the specific terms. A high-wagering bonus isn't necessarily bad if you were going to play anyway — you're simply playing with extra funds. Where bonuses can cause problems is when the conditions lead you to bet more than you normally would, or to continue playing beyond your intended session to meet requirements. Always read the full terms before accepting any offer, and never let a bonus override your planned budget.