Wagering requirements are the fine print that decides whether a bonus is actually worth claiming. Here is how to read them.
The basic mechanic
A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough requirement) is the amount you must bet before bonus funds, or winnings from bonus funds, can be withdrawn. A 10x wagering requirement on a $50 bonus means you need to place $500 worth of total bets before that bonus becomes withdrawable.
Not every bet counts equally
Games contribute differently toward wagering requirements. Slots usually count 100%, while table games like blackjack and roulette often count at a much lower rate, sometimes 10% or 0%, specifically because their lower house edge makes them easier to grind through a requirement profitably. Always check the games contribution table in the bonus terms, not just the headline percentage.
Bonus vs deposit wagering requirements
| Bonus-only wagering | Only the bonus amount needs to be wagered, e.g. 10x a $50 bonus = $500 to wager |
| Bonus-plus-deposit wagering | The deposit and bonus combined need to be wagered, e.g. 10x on $50 deposit + $50 bonus = $1,000 to wager |
Other terms that matter as much as the multiplier
- Maximum bet size while wagering, exceeding it can void the entire bonus
- Time limit to complete the wagering, commonly 7 to 30 days
- Maximum withdrawal cap on bonus winnings, some bonuses cap what you can actually cash out regardless of how much you win
- Excluded games, some slots or all table games may not count at all
A rough way to judge if an offer is worth it
Lower wagering requirements (10x or under), a longer time window, and a wide range of eligible games generally make a bonus more realistic to actually clear. A large headline bonus with 40x or 50x wagering and a 7-day window is far harder to turn into real, withdrawable money than a smaller bonus with fair terms.
