Wagering requirements are the single most important factor in determining whether a casino bonus is genuinely valuable or a marketing trap. Yet most players do not fully understand how they work. This guide breaks down everything you need to know.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement (also called a "playthrough" or "rollover") is the number of times you must bet the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit) before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement means you must place a total of $3,000 in bets before cashing out.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The formula is straightforward:
Total Required Bets = Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier
Some casinos apply wagering to the bonus only, while others apply it to the bonus + deposit combined. This distinction is crucial:
- Bonus-only wagering: $100 bonus × 30x = $3,000 total bets required
- Bonus + deposit wagering: ($100 deposit + $100 bonus) × 30x = $6,000 total bets required
Always check whether wagering applies to the bonus alone or to the combined amount.
Game Weighting: The Hidden Factor
Not all games contribute equally toward meeting wagering requirements. This is called "game weighting":
- Slots: Typically 100% (every $1 bet counts as $1 toward wagering)
- Table games (Blackjack, Roulette): Usually 10-20%
- Video Poker: Often 10-25%
- Live Casino: Usually 0-10%
This means that if you play blackjack with a 10% weighting, you would need to bet $30,000 (not $3,000) to meet a 30x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus. This is why most experienced bonus players stick to slots when clearing wagering requirements.
What Is a "Good" Wagering Requirement?
Here is our editorial team's classification:
- Excellent: 1x-15x — Extremely rare and highly valuable
- Good: 16x-30x — Fair and achievable for most players
- Average: 31x-45x — Common industry standard
- Poor: 46x-60x — Difficult to clear profitably
- Avoid: 60x+ — Mathematically near-impossible to profit from
Strategies to Meet Wagering Requirements Faster
- Choose high-RTP slots: Games like Blood Suckers (98%), Starmania (97.87%), or Mega Joker (99%) give you the best statistical odds.
- Manage your bankroll: Bet small (1-2% of your balance per spin) to extend your playtime and reduce variance.
- Avoid progressive jackpot slots: These typically have lower base RTPs and often do not count toward wagering.
- Track your progress: Most casinos show your wagering progress in your account dashboard or bonus section.
Use our Bonus Calculator to instantly calculate the real value of any bonus based on its wagering requirements.
Published by the SpinBonus Editorial Team — April 2026