Wagering requirements, explained with real maths

A wagering requirement, also called a playthrough or rollover, is the amount you have to bet before bonus money turns into money you can withdraw. It exists because otherwise anyone could deposit, take the bonus and walk away with it.

It is usually written as a multiple, like "30x". The question is always: 30 times *what*?

The basic sum

There are two common ways casinos apply the multiple.

On the bonus only: wagering = bonus × multiple.

On deposit plus bonus: wagering = (deposit + bonus) × multiple.

The second version can nearly double the amount you have to play through. Always check which one applies.

Worked examples

All the numbers below are hypothetical examples to show how the maths works. They are not the terms of any casino we cover. Each casino shows its own wagering, contributions and time limits in its bonus rules, in the promotions section and the cashier.

Example 1: a 100% match

You deposit €50 and receive a 100% match, so €50 bonus. Suppose the requirement is 30x the bonus.

• Wagering = €50 × 30 = €1,500 in bets.
• At €1 a spin, that is 1,500 spins.

If the requirement were 30x deposit plus bonus instead: (€50 + €50) × 30 = €3,000.

Example 2: a 300% match

You deposit €50 and receive a 300% match, so €150 bonus. Same 30x on the bonus.

• Wagering = €150 × 30 = €4,500.
• At €1 a spin, 4,500 spins.

The bigger bonus gives you a much bigger balance to play with. It also gives you three times as much to play through. Neither is better in itself; it depends on how much you were going to play anyway.

Example 3: a small free bonus

You receive €5 free with no deposit. Suppose winnings carry a 40x requirement and you win €10 from the €5.

• Wagering = €10 × 40 = €400.
• Free bonuses often come with a cap on how much can be withdrawn. Check it.

Game contribution: the hidden multiplier

Not every bet counts in full. A typical (hypothetical) contribution table looks like this:

So if you need €1,500 of wagering and play live blackjack at a 10% contribution, you would need €15,000 of bets. That is why most players clear bonuses on slots and move to the live casino afterwards with real money.

The other rules that matter

Maximum bet

Many bonuses cap your stake while wagering is active, often expressed as a fixed amount per spin. Bet above it, even once, and the casino may cancel the bonus and any winnings. This is the rule players break most often, usually by accident.

Time limit

Wagering usually has a deadline. A large requirement with a short deadline means long sessions, which is worth knowing before you claim.

Restricted games

Some slots, often bonus buy titles or certain high-return games, may be excluded while you play with bonus funds. The casino's terms list them. Our online slots guide explains bonus buys.

Order of funds

Many casinos use your cash balance first and the bonus second. Others lock both together until wagering is done. This affects whether you can withdraw your own deposit early.

How to judge a bonus in 60 seconds

1. Find the multiple and whether it applies to the bonus or to deposit plus bonus.
2. Work out the total wagering in euros or pounds.
3. Divide by your normal stake. Is that number of spins realistic for you within the time limit?
4. Check the max bet rule.
5. Check whether your favourite games count.

If the answer to step 3 is "no chance", either deposit less, pick a smaller bonus, or play without one.

Applying this to our six casinos

The welcome offers in our lobby are:

The multiples, contributions and time limits are set out by each casino in its own bonus terms, and they can change, so read them on the site before you deposit. What the maths above tells you is how to compare offers once you have those numbers:

• A 300% match (CasinoWinner, WIN300) gives the biggest balance and, at the same multiple, the most wagering.
• A 250% match (ZeSlots ZESLOTS250, YourWin24 YOUR250) sits in between.
• A 100% match (CasinoPurple PURPLE100, Cas2Bet CAS100) is the easiest to clear.
• €5 free with no deposit (LuckySlotPlay LUCK5) costs you nothing, so any wagering is on money you never risked.

Our bonus codes page has each code with claiming steps, and the how to claim a casino bonus guide covers the sign-up order.

Is it ever better to skip the bonus?

Yes, sometimes:

• You want to play live tables mostly, where contribution is low.
• You plan a short session and might want to withdraw quickly.
• The required spins are far beyond what you would play anyway.

There is no shame in playing with cash only. You keep full control and can withdraw whenever you like.

Do not chase the requirement

Wagering can make people play longer than they planned, "to finish the bonus". If you notice that, stop. The bonus is not worth more than your time or budget. Our responsible gambling guide has tools that help.