Every casino bonus comes with a catch, and that catch is almost always the wagering requirement. It decides whether a 400% bonus is a great deal or an impossible grind. Yet most players claim bonuses without ever doing the maths.
This guide gives you wagering requirements explained in plain English. It covers what the numbers mean, the formula for working out your playthrough, the hidden rules that change the result, and worked examples using bonus sizes you'll see at Platinum Reels, Diamond Reels and Vegas2Web.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement (also called playthrough or rollover) is the total amount you must bet before bonus money, and any winnings from it, can be withdrawn.
It's written as a multiplier, such as 30x. That means you must place bets worth 30 times a certain amount. The key question is: 30 times what?
Wagering Requirements Explained: The Two Ways They're Calculated
1. Bonus-only wagering
You multiply the bonus amount by the requirement.
Formula: Bonus × Wagering multiplier = Total wagering
2. Deposit + bonus wagering
You multiply the deposit plus the bonus by the requirement. This is common at RTG-style casinos, and it makes the total much larger.
Formula: (Deposit + Bonus) × Wagering multiplier = Total wagering
Our Vegas2Web review, for example, notes wagering of roughly 30–45x on the deposit plus the bonus.
Worked Examples
All examples assume a $100 deposit. The figures are illustrations, so always check the current terms of any offer you claim.
| Bonus | Bonus funds | Wagering | Calculated on | Total you must bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 250% match | $250 | 30x | Bonus only | $7,500 |
| 250% match | $250 | 30x | Deposit + bonus ($350) | $10,500 |
| 350% match | $350 | 30x | Deposit + bonus ($450) | $13,500 |
| 400% match | $400 | 35x | Deposit + bonus ($500) | $17,500 |
| 400% match | $400 | 45x | Deposit + bonus ($500) | $22,500 |
The same $100 deposit can lead to anything from $7,500 to $22,500 of required play. Bigger percentages don't always mean better value. A smaller bonus with lower wagering can be easier to clear, which is why Platinum Reels promotes its welcome pack as having lower wagering.
How long does that take?
If you play slots at $1 a spin, clearing $10,500 of wagering means about 10,500 spins. At roughly 600 spins an hour, that's more than 17 hours of play. Thinking in spins and hours, not dollars, makes the real commitment much clearer.
Game Contribution: The Hidden Multiplier
Not every bet counts equally. Casinos assign a game contribution percentage to each type of game.
| Game type | Typical contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Keno / scratch cards | Often 100% |
| Video poker | Often low (around 10–30%) or excluded |
| Blackjack, roulette, baccarat | Often low (around 5–20%) or excluded |
If table games contribute 10%, a $10 blackjack bet only counts as $1 toward your wagering. That's why most bonus players stick to slots. For tips on choosing slots, see our slot strategies for 2026.
Other Bonus Rules That Affect Wagering
Maximum bet
While a bonus is active, there's usually a maximum bet per spin or hand, often around $10. Going over it, even once, can void the bonus and its winnings.
Sticky vs non-sticky bonuses
- Sticky (non-cashable) bonus: The bonus amount itself can never be withdrawn. It's removed when you cash out, and only your winnings above it are paid.
- Non-sticky (cashable) bonus: You play with your real money first. If you win before touching the bonus, you can often forfeit the bonus and withdraw.
Many RTG-style casinos use sticky bonuses, so it's worth checking which one you're claiming.
Max cashout
Some bonuses, especially no deposit offers, cap how much you can withdraw from them. Read more in no deposit bonus max cashout explained.
Time limits
Wagering may need to be finished within a set number of days, or the bonus expires.
How to Check a Bonus Before You Claim It
Use this five-step check:
- Find the multiplier. Is it 25x, 30x, 40x or more?
- Find the base. Is it the bonus only, or deposit plus bonus?
- Calculate the total. Use the formulas above.
- Check the restrictions. Look at the max bet, game contributions, max cashout and time limit.
- Decide honestly. Can you comfortably play through that amount within your budget? If not, you can usually decline the bonus and play with cash only.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 30x wagering mean?
It means you must place bets totalling 30 times the bonus amount (or the deposit plus bonus, depending on the terms) before you can withdraw bonus-related winnings. A $100 bonus at 30x bonus-only wagering requires $3,000 in total bets.
What is a good wagering requirement?
As a general guide, anything at or below 30x is considered reasonable at offshore casinos, while 40x and above is demanding. Also check whether wagering is on the bonus only or the deposit plus bonus. That one detail can double the total.
Do table games count toward wagering requirements?
Often only partially. Table games and video poker commonly contribute a small percentage, or nothing, while slots usually count 100%. Always check the bonus terms.
Can I withdraw before finishing wagering?
Usually not, if you have an active bonus. Some casinos let you cancel the bonus to withdraw your remaining real-money balance, but you'll lose the bonus and any winnings from it.
Are no-wagering bonuses real?
Yes, but they're rare and usually smaller, such as cashback or loyalty gifts. Vegas2Web players, for example, have reported birthday chips with no wagering attached.
The Bottom Line
With wagering requirements explained, a bonus headline becomes a real, measurable cost. Work out the total amount you'll need to bet, think about it in spins and hours, and check the rules for max bet and game contribution. Then pick the offer that fits your budget, not just the biggest percentage.
Compare current welcome offers on our deposit bonuses page, or see how our top three casinos compare in Platinum Reels vs Diamond Reels vs Vegas2Web.
18+ · Gamble responsibly. Bonuses are entertainment, not a way to make money. Online gambling laws vary by state; check yours before playing. If gambling stops being fun, call 1-800-GAMBLER.
