Understanding Wagering Requirements: The Complete 2025 Guide
Learn everything about wagering requirements and how they affect your casino bonuses. Master the playthrough and maximize your winnings.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) are conditions attached to casino bonuses that specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, a $100 bonus with 20x wagering means you need to place $2,000 in total bets before cashing out.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The calculation is straightforward:
Total Wagering = Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier
Some casinos apply wagering to both the bonus AND your deposit:
Total Wagering = (Deposit + Bonus) × Wagering Multiplier
Example Calculations
- $50 bonus with 30x wagering = $1,500 in bets required
- $100 deposit + $100 bonus with 25x wagering = $5,000 in bets required
What's a Good Wagering Requirement?
| Wagering Level | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 10x or lower | Excellent - very player-friendly |
| 15x - 25x | Good - achievable for most players |
| 30x - 40x | Average - standard industry practice |
| 45x - 60x | High - challenging to complete |
| 60x+ | Very High - proceed with caution |
Game Contributions to Wagering
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements:
- Slots: Usually 100% contribution
- Video Poker: 10-20% contribution
- Blackjack: 10-20% contribution
- Roulette: 20-50% contribution
- Baccarat: 10-15% contribution
- Live Dealer: 0-10% contribution
Tips for Meeting Wagering Requirements
- Play games with 100% contribution (usually slots)
- Choose slots with high RTP (96%+)
- Avoid high-variance games that can drain your bankroll quickly
- Track your progress - most casinos show this in your account
- Consider lower-value bonuses with better wagering terms
Red Flags to Watch For
- Wagering requirements over 60x
- Short time limits (less than 7 days)
- Maximum bet limits that are very low
- Extensive game restrictions
- Low maximum withdrawal caps
Conclusion
Understanding wagering requirements is crucial for making the most of casino bonuses. Always read the terms carefully, do the math before claiming, and focus on bonuses with fair playthrough conditions.