Online casinos and sportsbooks often lure players with attractive bonuses—free spins, match deposits, or no-deposit cash. However, before you can withdraw those bonus funds (and any winnings they generate), you usually must meet specific wagering requirements. Understanding these conditions is crucial to getting the most value from your bonus and avoiding surprises when you request a withdrawal.

1. What Are Wagering Requirements?

Wagering requirements (also called playthrough or rollover) dictate how many times you must wager the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit) before the funds become withdrawable. They’re typically expressed as multipliers, such as “30× bonus” or “25× (bonus + deposit).”

• Bonus-only requirement (“30× bonus”): You must bet 30 times the bonus amount.

• Deposit + bonus requirement (“25× both”): You must wager the sum of your deposit and bonus 25 times.

2. How Wagering Requirements Work

1. You claim a bonus: E.g., €100 match bonus with a 30× playthrough on the bonus only.

2. Calculate total wagering needed: 30 × €100 bonus = €3,000 in bets.

3. Place bets: Only qualifying bets (see section 3) count toward the €3,000.

4. Clear the requirement: Once you’ve wagered €3,000, both bonus and any bonus-generated winnings become withdrawable.

3. Qualifying Games & Contribution Rates

Not all games count equally toward wagering requirements. Casinos assign contribution percentages based on game type:

• Slots: Often 100% (all bets count).

• Table games (blackjack, roulette): Usually 5–20%.

• Video poker, baccarat: Often 0–10% (some might not count at all).

• Live dealer games: Frequently 0–10%.

Always check the terms to see which games qualify and their contribution rates—betting on a low-contribution game can drastically slow your progress.

4. Time Limits and Maximum Bets

Most bonuses come with a time limit (e.g., 7, 14, or 30 days) to meet wagering requirements. Exceeding this window typically voids any unfulfilled requirements and may forfeit your bonus and winnings.

Casinos also impose maximum bet limits during the playthrough (e.g., €5 per spin). Ignoring these caps can lead to bonus cancellation.

5. Examples in Practice

• Example A: €50 free-spin bonus with 20× playthrough on bonus only. You must spin through €1,000 (€50 × 20) before cashing out.

• Example B: 100% deposit match up to €200 with 30× (deposit + bonus). You deposit €200, receive €200 bonus, and must wager (€200 + €200) × 30 = €12,000.

6. Tips to Maximize Your Bonus Value

1. Choose slot-heavy casinos: With high slot contributions, you’ll clear requirements faster.

2. Avoid low-contribution games: Unless you enjoy them, stick to games that count 100%.

3. Track your progress: Keep a running total of your qualifying bets to know how close you are.

4. Mind time limits: Set calendar reminders to prevent expiration.

5. Read the fine print: Look for hidden clauses—some casinos exclude certain payout methods or cap winnings from bonus bets.

7. Common Pitfalls to Avoid

• Chasing Wagering with High-Risk Bets: Big bets may deplete your bankroll before you meet requirements.

• Forgetting Game Contributions: Playing a game that counts 0% wastes time.

• Overlooking Bonus Expiry: Missing the deadline nullifies both unplayed bonus funds and winnings.

Conclusion

Wagering requirements can seem daunting, but with a clear understanding of how they work—and by choosing the right games and tracking your play—you can turn bonuses into real bankroll boosts. Always read the full terms and stay disciplined in your betting to maximize the value of every offer.