Understanding Wagering Requirements: The Complete Guide

What Are Wagering Requirements?

A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough requirement) is the number of times you must bet your bonus amount, or sometimes your deposit plus bonus, before any winnings can be withdrawn.

Example: You receive a €100 bonus with a 30× wagering requirement. You must place a total of €3,000 in bets before the bonus converts to withdrawable cash.

Wagering requirements exist because without them, players could claim a bonus, win, and immediately withdraw, leaving the casino out of pocket on every promotional offer.

Bonus Only vs Deposit + Bonus Wagering

This distinction is critical and easy to miss:

• Bonus × wagering: If you deposit €100 and receive a €100 bonus with 30× wagering, you must wager €100 × 30 = €3,000
• (Deposit + Bonus) × wagering: The same offer calculated on deposit plus bonus = (€100 + €100) × 30 = €6,000, which is double the requirement

Always check which method applies. It is buried in the small print but makes an enormous difference.

Game Contribution Rates

Not all games count equally toward your wagering requirement. Standard contribution rates:

• Slots: 100% : the only game type that fully counts
• Live casino / Table games: 0–20% : many casinos exclude these entirely
• Video poker: 10–20%
• Scratch cards / Keno: 50% at some casinos, excluded at others

If you play blackjack at 10% contribution, a €100 bet counts as only €10 toward your wagering requirement. You would need to bet €10,000 to clear what slots players clear in €1,000.

The Maximum Bet Rule

This is one of the most commonly violated rules, and violating it can result in your winnings being voided entirely.

Almost all casinos enforce a maximum bet per spin or round while a bonus is active. This is typically:

• €5 per spin on slots
• €6 per spin/round at some casinos
• Sometimes as low as €2–€3 at stricter operators

Exceeding the maximum bet, even once, gives the casino grounds to void your bonus balance and any associated winnings, regardless of how much wagering you have completed. Always check this limit and never exceed it while bonus funds are active.

Bonus Hunting: What It Is and Why Casinos Ban It

Bonus hunting (also called bonus abuse or bonus whoring) refers to the practice of systematically claiming bonuses across multiple casinos and playing them at the lowest possible variance games to clear wagering requirements as cheaply as possible, then withdrawing and moving on.

Most casinos explicitly prohibit this in their bonus terms. Common clauses you will see:

• "Bonus hunting, arbitrage, or any strategy designed to ensure a mathematically certain profit from a bonus offer is not permitted."
• "The casino reserves the right to void bonuses and winnings if it determines a player is not acting in good faith."

In practice, casinos flag accounts that claim every bonus, play exclusively low volatility games during bonus play, and immediately withdraw. If detected, winnings may be confiscated. Play bonuses as intended, for entertainment value on games you genuinely enjoy.

Restricted Games During Bonus Play

Beyond low contribution rates, some games are completely restricted while a bonus is active. Playing a restricted game while bonus funds are in your balance can invalidate the entire bonus. Common restricted categories:

• Live dealer games
• Table games (blackjack, roulette, baccarat)
• Specific high RTP or low volatility slots
• Jackpot slots (some casinos exclude these from bonus play)

Time Limits

All bonuses expire. Standard time limits range from 7 to 30 days from the date of activation. If you have not cleared the wagering requirement before expiry, the bonus and any bonus derived winnings are forfeited. Only your original deposit (if it remains) is returned.

What Is a Fair Wagering Requirement?

• Excellent: Under 20× (bonus only)
• Good: 20–35× (bonus only)
• Average: 35–50× (bonus only)
• Avoid: Over 50× or deposit + bonus calculation

Checklist Before Claiming Any Bonus

1. What is the wagering requirement : bonus only or deposit + bonus?
2. What is the maximum bet allowed per spin/round?
3. Which games are excluded or restricted?
4. Is bonus hunting or systematic play prohibited?
5. What is the time limit?
6. Is there a maximum withdrawal cap from bonus winnings?