What Are Wagering Requirements?
When a casino offers you a bonus — whether it's a matched deposit, free spins, or a welcome package — they almost always attach wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements). These are conditions that require you to bet a certain total amount before you can withdraw any winnings derived from the bonus.
For example, if you receive a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place bets totalling €3,000 (€100 × 30) before any bonus-derived winnings become withdrawable cash.
How Wagering Requirements Are Applied
The exact calculation varies between casinos. There are two main structures:
- Bonus only: The wagering requirement applies only to the bonus amount. (e.g., 30x on €100 bonus = €3,000 total wagering needed)
- Bonus + Deposit: The requirement applies to both your deposit and the bonus. (e.g., 30x on €100 deposit + €100 bonus = €6,000 total wagering needed)
Always read the bonus terms carefully to understand which structure applies — the difference is enormous.
Game Contributions to Wagering
Not all casino games contribute equally toward clearing wagering requirements. Typical contribution rates look like this:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Video Slots | 100% |
| Classic Slots | 50–100% |
| Table Games (Blackjack, Roulette) | 10–20% |
| Live Casino Games | 0–10% |
| Video Poker | 10–20% |
This is why most bonuses are far more practical to clear using slot games — they contribute 100% in most cases.
What Is a "Good" Wagering Requirement?
- Under 20x — Very generous. These bonuses offer genuine value.
- 20x – 35x — Fair. Achievable with a reasonable session of play.
- 35x – 50x — High. Requires careful bankroll management to clear.
- Above 50x — Very restrictive. The bonus may be difficult to clear profitably.
Other Key Bonus Terms to Check
Wagering requirements aren't the only term that matters. Watch for:
- Time limits: Many bonuses must be claimed and cleared within 7–30 days.
- Maximum bet restriction: Most bonuses limit your maximum bet while wagering (often €5 per spin).
- Game restrictions: Certain high-RTP games may be excluded from bonus play entirely.
- Maximum win cap: Some bonuses cap how much you can win from them (e.g., max €100 withdrawal from free spins).
- Withdrawal limits: Check if there are overall withdrawal caps tied to the bonus.
Free Spins Bonuses: Special Considerations
Free spins offers are common but often misunderstood. Key points:
- The winnings from free spins (not the spins themselves) are usually subject to wagering requirements.
- Free spin wins are often converted to bonus money with wagering requirements attached.
- The value of free spins depends heavily on the spin value (e.g., €0.10 per spin × 50 spins = €5 total potential) and the wagering multiplier applied to winnings.
Key Takeaway
A casino bonus is only as valuable as its terms allow. A large bonus number means little if the wagering requirements are prohibitively high. Always calculate the actual wagering obligation in euros before accepting a bonus, and read every condition carefully. An informed decision is always better than a flashy headline figure.