1 What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement is a term used by online casinos to denote how many times a player must bet on the casino games using the bonus funds before they can withdraw any winnings from those bonus funds.
These conditions are a means of preventing players from simply taking the bonus money, withdrawing it, and walking away from the casino.
Wagering requirements are displayed as a multiplier next to the bonus amount, such as 30x, 40x, or 50x. The higher the number, the greater the amount of money that must be wagered before bonus winnings can be withdrawn.
Quick definition: For instance, a 30x requirement on a $100 bonus means the player must wager $3,000 before they are allowed to withdraw any winnings from the bonus.
Wagering requirements are also referred to as playthrough requirements or rollover requirements. They are most commonly attached to welcome offers - the deposit match bonuses and free spins given to new players.
2 How Wagering Requirements Work When You Calculate Them
To calculate the requirement, the bonus amount must be multiplied by the wagering requirement.
Bonus-only formula
Bonus amount x wagering multiplier = total you must wager
Example: $100 bonus x 30x = $3,000 total wagering required
In some instances, the wagering requirement is calculated by multiplying the bonus amount by the wagering requirement and the player's initial deposit amount.
Deposit + bonus formula
(Deposit + bonus) x wagering multiplier = total you must wager
Example: ($100 deposit + $100 bonus) x 30x = $6,000 total wagering required
The player will have to wager double the amount of money with a 30x requirement compared to if only the bonus amount was to be wagered.
Why casinos set multipliers between 25x and 40x
The wagering requirement is often linked to the house edge of the casino. For slots, the house edge is typically between 3% and 5%.
For example, a $10 bonus with a 3% house margin will require the player to wager close to $333 to even cover the amount of money that the casino initially paid out to the player. A 35x requirement on a $10 bonus means the player must wager $350, which is close to the amount of $333 required to even cover the cost of the bonus that was offered. This is why most slot bonus requirements are between 25x and 40x.
Requirements of 10x or less are considered generous, whereas requirements of 60x or more are considered high and difficult to fulfill with any winnings from the bonus.
3 Types of Wagering Requirements
Some bonuses have wagering requirements that are linked to different types of games.
Bonus Only
The multiplier applies only to the bonus amount. This is the most player-friendly calculation method.
Deposit + Bonus
The multiplier applies to your deposit and your bonus added together. This roughly doubles your required wagering total.
No Wagering
No playthrough is required. Any winnings can be withdrawn immediately, though bonus amounts or withdrawal limits may be lower.
Free spins wagering
Bonuses offered for free spins will typically not require the player to wager on the value of the spins that are offered. Instead, the winnings that are earned from the spins will be subject to a wagering requirement.
For example, if a player is awarded 50 free spins that will pay out $20 and the bonus has a 30x wagering requirement, the player will have to wager $600 before they are allowed to withdraw any winnings.
No deposit bonus wagering
No deposit bonuses will always include a wagering requirement. In most cases, the requirement will be higher than for a bonus that is linked to a deposit; the casino covers the bonus with no deposit from the player.
4 Game Contribution Rates for Wagering Requirements
Not all bets contribute to the wagering requirement of a bonus.
For example, if a player places a $100 bet on a game that has a 10% contribution rate towards the bonus wagering requirement, the player has only contributed $10 to the bonus requirement. The player will have to place 10 times more bets on this game relative to slots to fulfill the bonus condition.
These rates can vary between each casino.
Common mistake: For instance, if a player is fulfilling a bonus requirement for slots, they may be required to place bets on slots games. However, if they happen to play blackjack or live games with the bonus funds, they could find themselves needing to place $1,000 on the blackjack game to fulfill the same wagering requirement as a player placing $100 on a slot game.
Why low-house-edge games have lower contributions
Blackjack and live games may have very low contribution rates, perhaps with a house edge of 1% or less. If a player clears their bonus requirement on a 1% house edge game, the player may not return the casino's initial bonus amount. The contribution rates are established to protect the house and the casino's mathematical advantage over the player. The same is true for slots with a 3% to 5% mathematical advantage.
5 Other Wagering Rules That Affect Your Bonus
Along with the wagering requirement for bonus funds are several other conditions for bonuses.
Time limits
Most bonuses have an expiry date for the player to fulfill the wagering requirement. During this period, the player has between 7 and 30 days to meet the requirement. If the bonus expires, the bonus and any winnings will be removed for the player.
Maximum bet limits
Each casino will also have a maximum bet that a player can place when using bonus funds. The maximum bet is typically between $5 and $10 per spin. If a player bets more than this amount, they may void the bonus.
By placing large bets with a high wagering requirement, a player can potentially win a massive amount of money from the casino. The casino may not have time to recover their bonus amount before the player leaves the casino.
Game restrictions
Some games may be entirely blocked with bonus funds or they may contribute 0% to the bonus wagering progress. Some bonuses may exclude specific slots games from being playable with the bonus; perhaps they have a high RTP rate or bonus features that offer players extended free play with the bonus.
Maximum cashout limits
The winnings from the bonus may have a withdrawal limit. For example, a bonus may only pay out $50 even if the bonus games are played to $500 in winnings.
Pending balance
Any winnings that are earned while fulfilling the bonus wagering requirement will remain in a pending bonus wallet. The player will not be able to withdraw from this balance until the bonus requirement is fulfilled.
6 How to Meet Wagering Requirements Efficiently
There is no surefire strategy for fulfilling the bonus requirement and still making money. Due to the high house edge on each game, a player will eventually lose all their money over time. However, there are steps that a player can take to ensure they get the most out of their bonus.
Play slots first
Slots contribute 100% in most casinos. Choose slots for clearing wagering unless the terms say otherwise.
Note the expiry date
Check how many days you have before the bonus expires. Plan your sessions to finish before the deadline.
Calculate your total first
Work out the exact wagering amount before you start. Multiply the bonus (and deposit if applicable) by the multiplier.
Stay under the max bet limit
Betting above the per-spin cap can void your bonus. Keep your stake below the limit stated in the terms.
Track your progress
Most casinos show your remaining wagering balance in your account. Check it regularly so you know where you stand.
Read the full terms
Game exclusions, cashout caps, and bonus forfeiture rules are all in the fine print. Read them before you claim.
Consider opting out
It is possible to opt out of a bonus that a player has seen on a casino's website. Some casinos will allow a player to opt out directly in their account settings. In other cases, the player may have to reach out to customer support for the casino to remove the bonus that has been offered.
Keep in mind: No bonus strategy removes the house edge. The purpose of wagering is to let the casino's mathematical margin play out on the bonus funds. Meeting requirements means you have played enough for that to happen - not that you will profit.
7 What Makes a Fair Wagering Requirement?
There are various wagering requirements for different types of bonuses at each casino.
For example, a 30x requirement for a bonus only will have different requirements for a 30x requirement for both the bonus and deposit amount.
Other things to check in bonus terms
- Is the wagering requirement for the bonus only, or for both the deposit and bonus amounts?
- Which games contribute 100%, and which are excluded?
- What is the maximum cashout from bonus winnings?
- What is the maximum bet per spin while the bonus is active?
- How many days do you have to clear the wagering?
- Does claiming the bonus void any pending withdrawal?
For a plain-language explanation of each of these terms, our guide to reading casino bonus terms covers what each clause means in practice.
Wagering Multiplier Assessment
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 40x wagering requirement mean?
A 40x requirement means the player must wager 40 times the amount of the bonus. If the bonus amount is $50, the player must wager $2,000.
If the 40x is for the deposit and bonus amounts, then a $50 deposit and a $50 bonus will require the player to wager $4,000 in total.
How do wagering requirements work for free spins?
The winnings from the free spins will be subject to the bonus wagering requirement; the amount won will simply be multiplied by the requirement.
For example, if a player is awarded 20 free spins that will pay out $10 in winnings, and the bonus has a 30x wagering requirement, the player will have to wager $300 to withdraw the winnings.
Can I withdraw my deposit while wagering requirements are active?
In most cases, yes. The player may request a withdrawal of their original deposit at any time. However, requesting a withdrawal while the bonus is active may void the bonus and winnings.
The terms of the bonus should be checked before requesting any withdrawals.
Why do casinos have wagering requirements at all?
The purpose of bonuses is to attract new players and retain existing ones. If there were no wagering requirements, a player would simply take the bonus funds, withdraw the money, and leave the casino without providing anything of value to the casino.
The wagering requirement for bonus funds ensures that the player uses those bonus funds to play games at the online casino. This enables the casino to utilize its mathematical advantage over the player to recover the amount of money that it paid to the player as a bonus.
What happens if I do not meet the wagering requirement in time?
When the bonus expires, the remaining balance in the bonus account and any pending winnings from that bonus will be removed from the player's account. The player's real money is not affected.
Some casinos may send a reminder email to the player before the bonus expires. However, it is best for the player to check the expiry date themselves when they claim the bonus.
Do all games count toward wagering requirements?
No. Most casinos will have a contribution rate of 100% for slots, but much lower contribution rates for games like blackjack or roulette. Live games may be excluded entirely from the bonus.
Some specific slot games may be excluded from bonus play.
Is a no-wagering bonus always better?
No. A no-wagering bonus will allow winnings to be withdrawn immediately. However, no-wagering bonuses are typically of lower amounts and with lower maximum cashout limits.
In some instances, a no-wagering bonus of $50 cashout may not offer the same value as a 20x wagering bonus of a higher amount.
Our no wagering casino comparison lists the operators currently offering wager-free bonuses.
How do I check my wagering progress?
Most online casinos will display the player's remaining wagering requirement within their account.
If the player cannot locate this within their account, they may have to contact customer support for the online casino.
Written by
Aiden Rawlings
Aiden is the founder of the website that covers the best crypto casinos for Australian players. He has researched the 30+ casinos on this site to compare their processes for signing up, depositing and withdrawing winnings from their accounts. His goal is to provide Australian players with a clear picture of all the documentation that is required of them during the process - and at what times - in order to make their experience with these casinos as enjoyable as possible.
Responsible Gambling
Online casino bonuses are only available to players aged 18 and over. Wagering requirements are designed to be cleared through normal play - they should never prompt you to bet more than you planned or to chase losses.
If you feel that bonus terms or wagering requirements are influencing how much you bet, take a step back. Forfeiting a bonus is always an option, and it costs you nothing except the bonus itself. Your bankroll and wellbeing are more important than any promotional offer.
Support is available if you need it. The services below offer free, confidential help for anyone in Australia or internationally:
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