The Most Important Number in Any Casino Bonus
Casino bonuses look attractive at first glance — "Get $200 Free!" or "100 Free Spins on Sign-Up!" — but the real story lies in the wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements). Understanding this number is essential to knowing whether a bonus is genuinely valuable or just a marketing headline.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement specifies how many times you must bet the bonus amount (and sometimes your deposit) before you can withdraw any winnings derived from that bonus. It's expressed as a multiplier:
- 30x on bonus: If you receive a $100 bonus with 30x wagering, you must wager $3,000 before withdrawing.
- 30x on bonus + deposit: If you deposited $100 and received a $100 bonus, you must wager $6,000 — significantly more onerous.
Always check whether the wagering requirement applies to the bonus alone, or the bonus plus deposit combined. This distinction dramatically changes the real value of the offer.
How to Calculate the True Value of a Bonus
Here's a straightforward formula to estimate the expected value of a bonus:
- Multiply the bonus amount by the wagering requirement to get the total amount to wager.
- Multiply that by the house edge of the games you'll play.
- Subtract that cost from the bonus amount — that's your expected net gain (or loss).
Example: $100 bonus at 40x wagering = $4,000 to wager. If you play slots with a 4% house edge: $4,000 × 0.04 = $160 expected loss. In this case, the bonus costs you more than it's worth.
Game Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Most casinos publish a contribution table:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Live Casino Games | 10–20% (or excluded) |
| Blackjack | 10–20% (or excluded) |
| Roulette | 10–20% (or excluded) |
| Video Poker | 10–20% (or excluded) |
| Baccarat | Often excluded |
Because blackjack and table games have a low house edge, casinos often restrict how much they count toward wagering. This is why bonus hunters typically play slots — they clear wagering requirements fastest, albeit at a higher house edge.
Other Key Bonus Terms to Check
- Time limit: Many bonuses expire within 7–30 days. If you don't clear the wagering requirement in time, the bonus (and any winnings) is forfeited.
- Maximum bet restriction: Most bonuses cap the maximum bet per spin/hand while wagering requirements are active — often $5 or less. Exceeding this can void your bonus.
- Maximum cashout: Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings, regardless of how much you win.
- Game restrictions: Certain slots or games may be excluded from bonus play entirely.
What Makes a Good Bonus?
A bonus worth considering generally has:
- Wagering requirements of 35x or lower on the bonus amount only.
- A reasonable time limit of at least 21–30 days.
- No maximum cashout, or a generous one (at least 5x the bonus amount).
- Transparent, accessible terms and conditions.
Free Spins: A Special Case
Free spins are popular bonus offers, but the winnings usually come with their own wagering requirements. Key things to check with free spins bonuses:
- What is the coin value per free spin? (Low values mean less potential winnings.)
- Which slot can you use them on? (Often locked to a single game.)
- What wagering applies to free spin winnings? (20x–40x is common.)
The Bottom Line
Casino bonuses can add genuine value to your play — but only if you read the terms carefully. A bonus with a 20x wagering requirement is fundamentally different from one at 60x, even if the headline numbers look the same. Take five minutes to read the full terms before opting in to any promotion, and use the calculation method above to determine whether it's actually worth pursuing.