Online casino bonuses seem like free money on the surface, but they are often tangled in convoluted rules and hidden conditions. Gamblers try to quickly claim shiny bonus offers, but end up with headaches, wasted time, and a ruined bankroll, because they didn’t read the wagering terms and plan ahead.
This guide explains what wagering requirements are, how to easily calculate them, what the most common factors are to consider when analysing the requirements of a bonus, and how to strategise ahead and successfully avoid common red flags in bonus offers and promotions.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
In online casinos, any bet you make is called a wager. It’s the sum you risk on a single play or during a session, like the money you gamble when you spin the reels, play a hand of cards, or roll the dice.
When you open an account at an online casino or claim a promotion for existing players, you will be offered a range of bonuses. The casino wants you to invest some of your own money instead of taking theirs and leaving without playing the games, so the bonuses often come with conditions.
Wagering requirements are the rules you must fulfil before you can take the money given to you as a bonus out of your account.
More precisely, they tell you how many times you need to bet the bonus amount (and sometimes your deposit amount too) before you can actually take out any winnings made from the bonus.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
Calculating wagering requirements is straightforward once you know the universally used formula.
All you need to do is multiply the bonus amount by the wagering multiplier to find the total amount you must bet. Put simply – (Bonus amount) × (Wagering requirement) = Total bet.
For example, let’s say you deposit $100 and receive a $100 match bonus with a 30x requirement.
($100) x 30 = $3,000.
You should keep in mind that some casinos count your initial deposit as part of the amount you must wager. In that case, add the deposit to the bonus before multiplying.
(Bonus + Deposit) × (Wagering requirement) = Total bet.
Using the same numbers, you get the following formula for bonuses that count your initial deposit as part of the wager: ($100 + $100) x 30 = $200 x 30 = $6000.
Key Factors That Influence Wagering Requirements
Keeping an eye on the specific instructions and rules in a given bonus can save you a lot of headaches. Here are the key factors and definitions to always keep in mind:
- Wagering Multiplier: This is the number itself, which can be 20x, 30x, 40x, 50x, or something else. The higher the number, the more you have to bet.
- What’s Included in the Wagering: Does the requirement apply only to the bonus amount, or does it include your deposit too? Bonuses that require wagering on both the deposit and bonus are much harder to clear.
- Game Contribution Percentages: Not all games count the same towards meeting the wagering requirements. Slots usually count 100%, which is good. But table games like blackjack or roulette might only count 10% or 20%, or sometimes not at all. This means you’d have to bet a lot more on those games to make progress.
- Max Bet Limits: Many bonuses have a maximum bet allowed while the wagering is active. For example, you might only be allowed to bet $5 or $10 per spin. If you go over that limit, the casino can take away the bonus and any winnings. You need to check this carefully.
- Game Exclusions: Some games, like progressive jackpot slots or certain table games, are often excluded from bonus play. You can’t use bonus funds on these if you want the wagering to count.
- Time Limits: Bonuses don’t last forever. You usually have a set period, maybe 7 days or 30 days, to complete the wagering. If you don’t, the bonus and any winnings disappear.
- Sticky vs Non-sticky Bonuses: A cashable bonus becomes real cash after you meet the wagering requirements. A sticky bonus stays in the account and cannot be withdrawn, so the site removes it when you cash out, leaving only your real cash. For example, a $100 sticky bonus at 25x needs 25 × $100 = $2,500. If you finish with €180, the bonus portion may be removed, and you leave with less.
- Maximum Cashout From Bonus Winnings: A maximum cashout clause caps how much you can withdraw from any winnings that originate from a bonus. Even if you meet the wagering requirements, the operator will only pay up to that cap. For example, if you clear a bonus and finish with $500 but the max-cashout is $100, the site will only let you withdraw €100.
Common Bonus Types and Their Wagering Requirements
Different bonuses have different rules — it’s not a one-size-fits-all situation, and some casinos even offer crypto bonuses. Regardless of currency used, you will often see the following types and their respective wagering requirements:
Welcome Bonuses
These are usually the biggest, often a match on your first deposit. They tend to have higher wagering requirements, maybe 30x or 40x the bonus amount, sometimes even including the deposit. So, if you deposit $100 and get a 100% match with 30x wagering on bonus + deposit, you’re looking at wagering $6,000 ($100 deposit + $100 bonus = $200, times 30).
Free Spins
These are great for trying out new slots. The wagering requirement usually applies to the winnings from the free spins, not the value of the spins themselves. So, if you win $20 from free spins and the wagering is 25x, you need to wager $500 ($20 x 25) before you can withdraw that $20.
No-Deposit Bonuses
These are often smaller amounts, like $10 or $20, given just for signing up. Since you receive a bonus upfront without an investment on your part, the wagering requirements can be quite high, sometimes 50x or even more. There might also be a limit on how much you can withdraw from your winnings.
Common Red Flags in Wagering Terms
While most casinos are fair, it’s wise to be aware of offers that might be a bit too good to be true or have hidden catches. Spotting these early can save you a lot of frustration and wasted time.
- Hidden or Unclear Terms – If the bonus terms and conditions are hard to find, buried in tiny print, or confusingly worded, that’s a warning sign. Reputable casinos make their rules clear and accessible.
- Short Expiration Windows – It can be challenging to make use of a bonus if its wagering must be completed within a very short time (hours or a few days). Short time limits, like free spins that expire in 48 hours, encourage unnecessary risk, which can hurt your finances. Stick with bonuses that offer at least 7 days to clear.
- Extremely High Wagering Requirements – Anything above 50x or 60x is generally considered very high and difficult to overcome. If a bonus has such a high requirement, it might not be worth the effort.
- Unrealistic Restrictions – Watch out for bonuses that place very strict limits on your betting, exclude popular games from contributing, or have very low maximum withdrawal caps on the bonus funds. For instance, a bonus that promises unlimited winnings but then caps your withdrawal at $100 can be a disappointing surprise.
- Wagering on Both the Deposit and Bonus – Some offers require you to wager the sum of your deposit and the bonus amount. This effectively doubles the wagering requirement, making it much harder to clear. Always check if the requirement applies only to the bonus or to both.
How to Maximise Chances of Wagering Requirement Fulfilment
One of the most common gambler headaches comes from making an attempt to meet wagering requirements for an unsuitable bonus, realising the tragedy of the situation halfway through, but still wasting too much time and money on the wrong bonus, because “you might as well finish what you started”.
Here are three simple rules to follow that will help you select the best online casino bonuses to pursue:
Choose a Casino With Fair Rules and Low-to-Medium Wagering Multipliers
Wagering rules differ a lot between casinos. Some demand 50x or more, while others ask for less than 30×. You will have a higher chance of meeting wagering requirements with minimal deposits on your part if you pick online casinos that are more lenient in their wagering multipliers. Furthermore, it’s preferable to look for online casinos that are properly licensed, offer clear terms and conditions, and are relatively easy to use.
Carefully Choose the Games You Play
Different games count for wagering requirements in different ways.
Before you play, check the casino’s terms to see which games are eligible and what percentage of your bets counts toward the requirement. Focus on the games that contribute the most so you can clear the playthrough faster. Slots usually count 100% of your wager toward the requirement, so they’re the fastest option for meeting it. Many table and card games often count much less, sometimes around 40% or even lower, so they take longer to move the needle.
Choose Slots Based on RTP and Volatility
Slots can help you meet wagering requirements faster, but not all slots behave the same. Two things to check before you play are RTP (Return to Player) and volatility (also called variance). RTP is the percentage a game pays back over the long run. Volatility describes how often a game pays and how big the wins tend to be.
- High-volatility slots pay out less often but can give much bigger wins.
- Low-volatility slots pay smaller amounts more frequently.
If your aim is to clear wagering requirements quickly, consider starting with higher-volatility slots. Big, infrequent wins can boost your bankroll fast and give you more playroom. Just keep in mind that they are riskier and can also reduce your balance quickly. Low-volatility slots on higher-RTP games may be better if you prefer steadier, smaller wins that help protect your bankroll.
Wrapping Up: Bonus Terms Explained
Understanding wagering requirements turns confusing bonus offers into manageable decisions. Check multipliers, game contribution tables, time limits, and max-cashout caps before accepting any deal. Favour bonuses with low playthroughs, transparent terms, and generous game contributions. When in doubt, skip overly restrictive offers, because your bankroll and peace of mind are worth more than chasing every promotional headline.
Published: Oct 17, 2025 10:04 am