Understanding Wagering Requirements

One of the most significant yet frequently misunderstood portions of online casino bonuses are the wagering requirements. If you've ever tried to cash out your winnings after claiming a welcome bonus or free spins and had trouble doing so, it was probably because of the wagering requirements. We'll tell you what they are, how they work, and how to handle them well in this tutorial.

What do wagering requirements mean?
You need to bet the bonus amount (or bonus + deposit) a certain number of times before you can take any profits. These are called wagering requirements or playthrough requirements. They are meant to stop players from just collecting a bonus and paying it out right away.

If you get a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, for instance, you will need to bet €3,000 (€100 × 30) before you can take any of your earnings out.

Different Types of Wagering Requirements
Betting just with bonuses: You only need to bet the bonus amount.

Bonus + deposit wagering means you have to bet the total amount of your deposit and the bonus.

Wagering on free spins: You have to bet any money you win from free spins before you can take it out.

Cashback wagering: Some cashback offers ask you to bet on the amount you get back.

Always read the phrases carefully to find out what kind you have.

Percentages of Game Contributions
Not all games help you meet your wagering requirements in the same way. Most casinos use contribution rates like these:

Slots: 100%

Roulette: 5 to 20%

0–10% for blackjack

10–20% for video poker

Live casino: 0% most of the time

If you want to finish your wagering, just play slots unless told otherwise.

How to Handle Wagering Requirements
Read the small print: Always verify the time limit, max bet size, permitted games, and wagering rate.

Don't gamble too much: Many casinos don't allow "bonus abuse" strategies like betting the most on games with low variance.

Keep an eye on your progress: Most casinos let you see how much money you have left to bet on your account dashboard.

Don't seek bonuses that aren't worth it. Sometimes it's better to play without a bonus than to be stuck with requirements that aren't practical.

Last Thoughts
When you know how to handle them, wagering requirements can be fair. Bonuses are a typical feature of online casino promotions, but not all of them are the same. You may enjoy the benefits of bonuses without any bad surprises when it's time to pay out if you know how they work and pick good ones.