Wagering requirements explained
Wagering requirements are the single most important condition attached to casino bonuses. They decide how much you must bet before bonus money can be withdrawn, and therefore whether an offer has any real value. Operators use different words — rollover, playthrough, turnover — for the same idea. This page explains how wagering works with neutral numbers that apply to any casino.
The basic calculation
The requirement is a multiple. If a bonus of 20 units carries 30x wagering, you must place 600 units in bets. Each bet counts once, regardless of whether it wins. A 1-unit spin adds 1 unit to your progress. When the total reaches 600, the remaining bonus balance converts to real money, subject to any cap.
Watch the base. "30x bonus" means the multiple applies to the bonus alone. "30x deposit plus bonus" applies it to both: with a 20-unit deposit and a 20-unit bonus, that is 1,200 units — twice as much for the same headline multiple.
Game contribution
Not every game counts fully. A typical game contribution table might look like this:
| Game type | Typical contribution | Effect on a 600-unit requirement |
|---|---|---|
| Most slots | 100% | 600 units of bets |
| Table games | 10–20% | 3,000 to 6,000 units of bets |
| Live casino | 0–10% | Often impossible in practice |
| Excluded titles | 0% | No progress, possible voiding |
These are illustrative values, not any operator's figures. The real table is in the bonus terms.
Time limit
Wagering must be completed within a time limit — often between a few days and a month. If time runs out, the remaining bonus and any winnings tied to it are removed. A large requirement with a short window forces a high pace of play, which is worth recognising before you accept.
Bonus balance and real balance
Many casinos keep two balances. Some use your real money first and the bonus balance afterwards; others mix them. If you request a withdrawal before finishing the wagering, the bonus — and sometimes the winnings made with it — may be forfeited. Check the order of play in the terms, especially if you might want to cash out early.
Expected cost of wagering
Every bet has a house edge. On a slot with a 96% return, staking 600 units costs about 24 units on average. If the bonus was 20 units, the expected result is slightly negative before any cap is applied. That is the reason low multiples matter so much. Bonus wagering explained in one sentence: the bonus is only worth something if its size exceeds the expected cost of the required bets.
Related guides: the bonus terms explainer, welcome bonus and free spins. All bonus types are in the bonus hub.