How wagering requirements work, how to calculate them, and how to avoid losing your bonus winnings.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement (also called “playthrough”) is the number of times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings from it. It’s the casino’s way of preventing you from simply depositing, claiming a bonus, and immediately cashing out.
How to Calculate
Formula: Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier = Amount You Must Wager
Example:
- You deposit $100 and receive a 100% matched bonus of $100
- The wagering requirement is 35x
- You must wager: $100 × 35 = $3,500 before withdrawing bonus winnings
Note: Some casinos apply the wagering requirement to the bonus only, while others apply it to the bonus + deposit combined. The difference is huge — always check.
Wagering Requirement Ratings
| Multiplier | Rating | Verdict |
|---|---|---|
| 1x-20x | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Excellent — easy to clear |
| 21x-35x | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ | Good — reasonable for most players |
| 36x-45x | ⭐⭐⭐ | Average — requires committed play |
| 46x-60x | ⭐⭐ | Poor — hard to meet |
| 60x+ | ⭐ | Avoid — virtually impossible |
Game Contributions
Not all games contribute equally toward meeting wagering requirements:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Scratch Cards | 100% |
| Blackjack | 10-20% |
| Roulette | 10-20% |
| Video Poker | 10-15% |
| Live Dealer | 5-10% |
| Baccarat | 5% |
This means if you play blackjack with a $100 bonus at 10% contribution, you’d need to wager $35,000 instead of $3,500 to clear a 35x requirement.
Tips for Meeting Wagering Requirements
- Stick to slots — they count 100% toward the requirement
- Choose low-volatility slots — they pay out more frequently, keeping your balance alive longer
- Read the terms — check the time limit (usually 7-30 days to clear)
- Avoid bonus traps — if the terms seem too strict, skip the bonus entirely
- Some casinos let you refuse the bonus — deposit without a bonus for no strings attached