What Is a Wagering Requirement?
A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough requirement) is a condition attached to most casino bonuses. It specifies how many times you must wager the bonus amount (and sometimes your deposit) before any winnings from that bonus can be withdrawn as real cash.
For example: If you receive a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place bets totalling €3,000 before you can withdraw any bonus-derived winnings.
Bonus + Deposit vs. Bonus Only
This distinction is crucial. Some casinos apply the wagering requirement to the bonus amount only, while others apply it to the bonus plus your deposit. The difference is significant:
- Bonus only (30x on €100 bonus): You need to wager €3,000.
- Bonus + deposit (30x on €100 deposit + €100 bonus): You need to wager €6,000.
Always check which formula a casino uses before accepting a bonus offer.
Game Contribution Percentages
Not all games count equally towards clearing a wagering requirement. A typical contribution structure looks like this:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Live Casino Games | 10–20% |
| Blackjack | 5–10% |
| Roulette | 5–10% |
| Baccarat | 0–10% |
| Video Poker | 0–20% |
If you plan to clear a bonus primarily by playing blackjack, a 5% contribution means €100 in bets only counts as €5 toward your requirement — making it 20 times harder than playing slots.
Time Limits
Bonuses almost always come with an expiry window — typically between 7 and 30 days. If you don't meet the wagering requirement within this period, both the bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited. This is one of the most common ways players lose out on bonus value.
Maximum Bet Rules
When playing with an active bonus, casinos typically impose a maximum bet per spin or hand (commonly €5–€10). Exceeding this limit while wagering bonus funds can result in the bonus being voided — even if you've nearly completed the requirement. Always read this rule carefully.
How to Evaluate a Bonus Offer
- Calculate the total wagering amount: Multiply the bonus (and deposit if applicable) by the wagering multiplier.
- Check game contributions: Confirm your preferred games are listed and their contribution percentage.
- Check the time limit: Ensure it's realistic given your play style.
- Look for maximum win caps: Some bonuses cap how much you can win from bonus funds.
- Read the maximum bet rule: Ensure you can play within the limit comfortably.
Are No-Wagering Bonuses Better?
Some casinos now offer no-wagering bonuses — typically in the form of free spins where winnings are credited as real cash instantly. While the headline value may be smaller, what you win is genuinely yours. For many players, these represent better practical value than large but heavily restricted traditional bonuses.
The key takeaway: a bonus is only as good as its terms. Spend five minutes reading the conditions and you'll make far better decisions about which offers are worth taking.