What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) are conditions attached to casino bonuses that require you to bet a certain multiple of the bonus amount — or bonus plus deposit — before you can withdraw any winnings derived from that bonus.
For example: if you receive a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place €3,000 in total bets before any bonus-related winnings become withdrawable.
Why Do Casinos Use Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements prevent players from simply claiming a bonus, withdrawing it immediately, and walking away. They ensure the casino retains business value from the promotional offer. While entirely legitimate, understanding them is essential — a generous-looking bonus with extremely high wagering requirements may offer little real value.
Types of Wagering Requirements
- Bonus-only wagering: The requirement applies only to the bonus amount (e.g., 30x the €100 bonus = €3,000 to wager).
- Bonus + deposit wagering: The requirement applies to both your deposit and bonus (e.g., 30x (€100 deposit + €100 bonus) = €6,000 to wager — much harder to clear).
- Free spins wagering: Winnings from free spins must be wagered a set number of times before withdrawal.
How to Calculate the Real Value of a Bonus
Here's a practical method to assess bonus value:
- Find the wagering requirement (e.g., 40x bonus).
- Multiply the bonus amount by the wagering requirement (e.g., €100 × 40 = €4,000 total bets needed).
- Apply the house edge of the slot you'll play. For a 96% RTP slot, the expected loss rate is 4%.
- Multiply: €4,000 × 4% = €160 expected loss just to clear the bonus.
- Since the bonus is worth €100, the net expected outcome is approximately -€60.
This shows why very high wagering requirements often result in a negative expected value for the player.
What to Look For in a Fair Casino Bonus
| Factor | What to Look For |
|---|---|
| Wagering Requirement | 20x–35x is reasonable; above 50x is very hard to clear |
| Bonus Type | Bonus-only wagering is more favourable than deposit + bonus |
| Game Contributions | Check if slots contribute 100%; table games often contribute 10% or less |
| Time Limit | At least 14–30 days to clear the requirement is fair |
| Max Bet Rule | Most bonuses cap your stake (e.g., €5 per spin) while wagering — exceeding this voids the bonus |
| Max Withdrawal | Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings |
Free Spins Offers: What to Watch
Free spins bonuses often look attractive but come with their own nuances:
- The spin value may be fixed at a low denomination (e.g., €0.10 per spin).
- Winnings are typically credited as bonus cash, subject to wagering requirements.
- Some casinos offer no-wagering free spins — what you win is immediately withdrawable. These are far more valuable.
Key Takeaways
- Always read the full terms before claiming any bonus.
- Lower wagering requirements and bonus-only calculations offer better value.
- No-wagering bonuses are the most player-friendly option available.
- Use the expected-loss calculation to objectively assess any bonus offer.