What Is a Wagering Requirement?
A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough requirement) is the number of times you must bet your bonus — or sometimes your bonus plus deposit — before any winnings can be withdrawn. It's the key condition attached to almost every online casino bonus.
Example: You receive a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement. That means you need to place €3,000 in total bets before the bonus converts into withdrawable cash.
How to Calculate Your Wagering Requirement
The formula is straightforward:
Wagering Requirement = Bonus Amount × Multiplier
Some casinos apply the multiplier to bonus + deposit:
Wagering Requirement = (Deposit + Bonus) × Multiplier
This second structure makes the requirement significantly larger. A 20x requirement on €100 deposit + €100 bonus = €4,000 in required bets — not €2,000.
Always check the terms to see which formula applies.
Game Weighting: Not All Bets Count Equally
Most casinos don't let every game contribute 100% toward clearing a wagering requirement. This is called game weighting:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Live Casino Games | 10%–20% |
| Blackjack / Baccarat | 5%–10% |
| Roulette | Varies (often restricted) |
If you plan to use a bonus primarily on table games, a 30x requirement effectively becomes much higher once weighting is applied.
Time Limits
Wagering requirements don't last forever. Most bonuses come with an expiry window — commonly 7 to 30 days — during which the full requirement must be met. If you don't clear the wagering requirement in time, the bonus and any associated winnings are typically forfeited.
Maximum Bet Rules
Many bonuses include a maximum bet clause — for example, you cannot place bets larger than €5 per spin while a bonus is active. Exceeding this limit can result in the bonus being voided. This is one of the most common ways players accidentally lose their bonus funds, so always read this section carefully.
What to Look for in the Terms
- Is the requirement on bonus only, or deposit + bonus?
- What games contribute, and at what percentage?
- How long do you have to complete the requirement?
- Is there a maximum bet while the bonus is active?
- Is there a maximum cashout cap on winnings from the bonus?
Are Lower Wagering Requirements Always Better?
Generally, yes — but context matters. A 10x wagering requirement on a small bonus may be less valuable than a 35x requirement on a large one, depending on your playing style. Focus on the total amount you'll need to wager, not just the multiplier number.
Understanding wagering requirements isn't about finding loopholes — it's about making an informed decision on whether a promotion genuinely suits the way you play.