What is a wagering requirement?
Bob Mitchell
Last Updated:
15 Dec 2024
The number of times you must bet through a bonus before any winnings become withdrawable. A $100 bonus at 30x means placing $3,000 in total bets before you can cash out.
How wagering requirements work
When a casino gives you a bonus, it comes with conditions on how many times that bonus must be played through before you can withdraw. This is the wagering requirement, sometimes called a playthrough requirement.
A $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement means you must place $3,000 in total bets. Some casinos apply the requirement to the bonus amount only; others apply it to the combined total of your deposit and bonus, which makes it considerably harder to clear. Always check which calculation the casino uses.
Game contributions
Not every game counts equally. Slots almost always contribute 100% toward the wagering requirement. Table games and live casino typically contribute far less, sometimes 10% or even zero. If you prefer blackjack or roulette, check the contribution rates before accepting a bonus tied to slot play.
What to look for
Requirements below 30x are reasonable. Above 40x starts to make a bonus difficult to get genuine value from. Most casinos also set a time limit, usually 30 days, to clear the requirement. If it is not cleared in time, the bonus and any winnings generated by it are removed. The wagering requirement is the most important number in any bonus offer.