Casino Skills Hub
You see a casino offering a "100% welcome bonus up to 200 euros" and think it sounds amazing. Free money, right? Not exactly. Almost every casino bonus comes with wagering requirements, and if you don't understand them, that "free money" can turn into a frustrating experience.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement is a condition set by the casino that tells you how many times you need to bet the bonus amount (and sometimes your deposit) before you can withdraw any winnings.
They're sometimes called "playthrough requirements" or "rollover requirements." Same thing, different names.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
Let's use a real example:
- You deposit 50 euros
- The casino gives you a 100% bonus = 50 euros
- The wagering requirement is 30x the bonus
Calculation: 50 (bonus) x 30 = 1,500 euros in total bets before you can withdraw.
That doesn't mean you need to lose 1,500 euros. It means you need to place 1,500 euros worth of bets. With an RTP of 96%, you'd theoretically have about 60 euros left after wagering that amount.
Bonus Only vs. Deposit + Bonus
This distinction matters enormously:
- Bonus only (30x): You wager 30 times the bonus amount. Example: 50 x 30 = 1,500 euros
- Deposit + Bonus (30x): You wager 30 times both your deposit AND the bonus. Example: (50 + 50) x 30 = 3,000 euros
Always check which type applies. "Deposit + Bonus" requirements are twice as demanding.
What's a Fair Wagering Requirement?
- 0x to 10x — Excellent. Rare, but genuinely player-friendly.
- 10x to 25x — Good. Reasonable and achievable.
- 25x to 40x — Average. Standard across the industry.
- 40x to 60x — High. Think carefully before accepting.
- Above 60x — Very high. Often not worth the effort.
Game Weighting: The Hidden Detail
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Most casinos use a game weighting system:
- Slots — Usually 100% contribution
- Table games (blackjack, roulette) — Often 10-20% contribution
- Live dealer games — Sometimes 0-10% contribution
If you play blackjack with a 10% weighting and need to clear 1,500 euros in wagering, you'd actually need to bet 15,000 euros at the blackjack table. Always check which games count.
Time Limits
Most bonuses come with a time limit to meet the wagering requirements — typically 7 to 30 days. If you don't complete the requirements in time, the bonus and any winnings from it are usually forfeited.
Maximum Bet Limits
While playing with bonus funds, casinos often impose a maximum bet per spin, usually between 5 and 10 euros. Exceeding this limit can void your bonus entirely.
Should You Take the Bonus?
It depends on your playing style. If you were going to play anyway and the wagering requirements are 30x or below, the bonus gives you extra playtime. If the requirements are 50x+ with tight time limits, you might be better off playing without a bonus.
Some casinos even let you decline the bonus and play with just your deposit — no strings attached.