Wagering Requirements Explained: A Player's Guide

Wagering Requirements Explained: A Player's Guide

Wagering requirements — also called playthrough requirements — are one of the most important factors to understand when claiming any online casino bonus. Failing to understand them can lead to frustration and disappointment when you discover you cannot withdraw winnings as freely as you expected.

What Are Wagering Requirements?

A wagering requirement specifies how many times you must wager the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit amount too) before any winnings can be withdrawn. For example, if you receive a £100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place £3,000 in bets before you can withdraw winnings derived from that bonus.

Bonus Only vs. Bonus + Deposit Requirements

There are two common types of wagering requirements. The first type applies only to the bonus amount. The second — and more demanding — type applies to both the bonus and the deposit amount. Always check which type applies before claiming a bonus, as this significantly affects the total playthrough required.

Game Contribution Rates

Most casinos restrict which games contribute toward wagering requirements. Slots typically contribute 100%, but table games like blackjack and roulette often contribute only 10% or less. This means it takes much longer to clear the requirement when playing table games.

How to Calculate the Real Value

To understand the real cost of a wagering requirement, multiply the bonus amount by the requirement multiplier, then multiply that by the house edge of the games you plan to play. This gives you a rough estimate of your expected loss in clearing the requirement.

Finding Low Wagering Bonuses

Look for casinos offering bonuses with wagering requirements of 25-35x. Some casinos now offer no-wagering bonuses, particularly for free spins, where any winnings are paid as real cash with no playthrough attached.