Wagering Requirements Explained
Wagering requirements tell you how many times you must bet bonus winnings before you can withdraw them as cash. They are also called playthrough or rollover requirements, and they are shown as a multiplier, such as 35x.
Almost every casino bonus has them, including most free spins deals. They are the single biggest factor in whether a bonus is actually worth claiming. Once you understand how they work, you can judge any offer in a few seconds.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The formula is simple:
Total wagering = Bonus amount × Wagering multiplier
For free spins, the bonus amount is what you win from the spins. For a matched deposit bonus, it is the bonus money, or sometimes the deposit plus the bonus.
Example
| Bonus amount | Wagering | Total you must bet |
|---|---|---|
| Free spins winnings – $10 | 35x | $350 |
| Free spins winnings – $10 | 10x | $100 |
| $100 matched bonus (bonus only) | 35x | $3,500 |
| $100 matched bonus (deposit + bonus, $200) | 35x | $7,000 |
Every bet counts towards the total, whether it wins or loses. If you bet $1 per spin, clearing $350 takes 350 spins.
The real cost is the house edge. On a slot with 96% RTP, you lose about 4% of everything you bet on average. Betting $350 costs around $14 in expected losses, which is more than the $10 you started with. That is why high wagering so often leaves players with nothing.
What Is a Good Wagering Requirement?
Lower is always better. The table shows what $10 of free spins winnings is worth on average after wagering on a 96% RTP slot.
| Wagering | Total bets on $10 | Average value left | Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| 0x | $0 | $10 | Excellent |
| 1x–10x | Up to $100 | $6–$10 | Very good |
| 11x–25x | $110–$250 | $0–$6 | Fair |
| 26x–40x | $260–$400 | Close to $0 | Poor |
| 41x+ | $410+ | Close to $0 | Avoid |
These are averages. Some players still cash out from high-wagering offers thanks to lucky wins, but the odds are against it. That is why we rate free spins with zero wagering as the best deals available — see our no wagering free spins picks.
Game Contribution
Not every game counts fully towards wagering. Each game type has a contribution percentage, which decides how much of each bet is counted.
| Game type | Typical contribution | $10 bet counts as |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 100% | $10 |
| Scratch cards and keno | 50%–100% | $5–$10 |
| Roulette | 10%–20% | $1–$2 |
| Blackjack and video poker | 0%–10% | $0–$1 |
| Live casino | 0%–10% | $0–$1 |
Some casinos also exclude specific high-RTP slots from wagering entirely. Always check the list of restricted games in the bonus terms.
Other Wagering Rules to Know
Maximum Bet
While you have an active bonus, most casinos limit your stake, often to $5 per spin or 10% of the bonus. Breaking this rule, even once, can cancel the bonus and any winnings.
Time Limit
Wagering must be completed within a set period, usually 7 to 30 days. Anything left unfinished when the deadline passes is removed from your account.
Maximum Cashout
Some bonuses cap what you can withdraw after wagering, for example $100. This is most common with free sign-up spins, where the casino takes on all the risk.
Order of Funds
At most casinos your real money is used first and bonus funds second. If you withdraw before finishing the wagering, the bonus and any bonus winnings are usually forfeited.
Tips for Clearing Wagering Requirements
- Choose low wagering from the start. The easiest requirement to clear is one you never have to face.
- Check whether wagering applies to the bonus or deposit + bonus. The second doubles the work.
- Play slots that contribute 100%. Table games barely count.
- Pick high-RTP, lower-volatility slots if allowed. They keep your balance steadier while you bet.
- Keep to the maximum bet. One oversized spin can void everything.
- Track your progress. Most casinos show remaining wagering in your account or bonus section.
- Compare offers by value, not size. A small bonus with 10x wagering often beats a large one at 40x. This matters most with deposit spins offers, where headline numbers can be misleading.
Wagering Requirements FAQ
- What does 35x wagering mean?It means you must bet the bonus amount 35 times before you can withdraw. With $10 in free spins winnings, that is $350 in total bets.
- Do free spins have wagering requirements?Most do, but not all. Wager-free offers pay winnings as real cash that you can withdraw immediately.
- Is wagering the same as playthrough or rollover?Yes. Casinos use all three terms for the same thing.
- Can I withdraw before I finish wagering?You can usually withdraw your own deposit, but you will lose the bonus and any winnings made from it.
- What happens if I don't finish wagering in time?The remaining bonus funds and any related winnings are removed from your account when the deadline passes.
- What is a fair wagering requirement?Anything under 20x is fair, and under 10x is very good. Offers above 40x are best avoided.
- Is chasing wagering a good idea?No. Never deposit extra money just to clear a bonus. If you feel pressure to keep playing, take a break and see our responsible gambling advice.
I've been working in online gambling content for about five years. I started out as a writer, picked up SEO along the way, and now build and run my own affiliate sites from the ground up. When I'm not checking bonus terms, I'll happily spin a slot myself or put a bet on the biggest sports events. I've reviewed hundreds of free spins offers and welcome bonuses, so I know exactly which terms are worth reading twice.