Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) are the most important casino bonus term to understand. They determine whether a bonus can realistically convert into withdrawable cash.
What is a Wagering Requirement?
A wagering requirement is a multiplier applied to your bonus amount (sometimes bonus + deposit) that you must bet before withdrawing bonus-related funds. Example: €100 bonus with 30x wagering = €3,000 in bets required before withdrawal.
Bonus-Only vs Deposit+Bonus Wagering
This distinction matters significantly. Bonus-only wagering: 30x on a €100 bonus = €3,000. Deposit+bonus wagering: 30x on €100 deposit + €100 bonus = €6,000. Always check whether the requirement applies to the bonus alone or to the combined deposit+bonus amount.
Game Contribution Rates
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Blackjack | 5%–10% (varies) |
| Roulette | 5%–10% |
| Live Casino | 0%–10% |
| Video Poker | 0%–10% |
What Counts as Low, Average, or High Wagering
Under 20x is excellent and uncommon. 20x–30x is good. 30x–40x is average. 40x–60x is high. Over 60x is very high and rarely worth claiming unless the bonus amount is small. Zero-wagering (cashback, real cash) bonuses are the most player-friendly.
The Real Cost of Wagering
At a slot with 96% RTP, the expected loss per €1 wagered is €0.04. To wager €3,000, expected losses = €120. If your bonus was worth €100, you'd expect to lose €20 net on the wagering alone — before considering your own playing variance. Wagering requirements are rarely positive-EV for the player.
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Frequently Asked Questions
35x wagering means you must bet an amount equal to 35 times the bonus before withdrawing. A €100 bonus at 35x = €3,500 in required bets.
Wagering requirements prevent players from depositing, claiming a bonus, and immediately withdrawing. Without them, bonus offers would be free money with no mechanism for the casino to recover the promotional cost.
Yes. Most casinos allow you to forfeit any active bonus and withdraw your deposit (not any bonus funds). Check the specific casino's policy — some apply wagering to the deposit itself in certain scenarios.
A no-wagering bonus credits winnings as real cash, with no playthrough required. Often offered as cashback (% of losses returned). These are significantly more player-friendly than standard bonuses but usually offer smaller amounts.
Wagering Requirement: Worked Examples
| Bonus | Wagering | Total Bets Required | Withdrawal Available After |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 euro bonus | 30x | 1500 euro | Any remaining bonus + winnings |
| 100 euro bonus | 35x | 3500 euro | Any remaining bonus + winnings |
| 20 euro free spins (SNR) | 40x on winnings only | 400 euro if you win 10 euro | Real cash after turnover |
| 200 euro deposit match | 20x deposit+bonus | 6000 euro | After 6k wagered |
| 10 euro no-deposit | 50x | 500 euro | Usually capped at 100 euro max withdrawal |
How Game Contributions Affect Wagering
| Game Type | Typical Wagering Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots (most) | 100% |
| Live Casino (Blackjack, Roulette) | 10% or 0% |
| Video Poker | 10-20% |
| Scratchcards | 50% |
| Sports Betting | Varies; often 25-50% |
Written by Mark Craic, editor at CraicBet. See how we review.