When you play at an online casino, bonuses like “100% deposit match” or “50 free spins” sound amazing—but there’s often a catch called wagering requirements. If you’ve ever wondered “Why can’t I withdraw my bonus winnings right away?” — this guide is for you.
🔍 What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) tell you how many times you need to bet the bonus (or bonus + deposit) before you can cash out any winnings.
✅ Example: If you get a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must bet $3,000 total ($100 x 30) before you can withdraw anything from that bonus.
Sounds like a lot? Sometimes it is—so it’s important to know before you accept.
🎁 What Bonuses Have Wagering Requirements?
Most common bonuses come with wagering rules:
•Deposit Match Bonus – Most have 20x–40x playthrough
•Free Spins – Your winnings from spins often have wagering attached
•No-Deposit Bonus – Sounds free, but usually has high wagering
•Cashback – Often has no or very low wagering (a great deal!)
🧮 How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
Let’s say:
– You deposit $50
– You get a 100% bonus ($50 more)
– Wagering is 30x on the bonus
👉 30 x $50 = $1,500 worth of bets before you can cash out
Some casinos apply wagering to the bonus + deposit, which would be:
👉 30 x ($50 + $50) = $3,000
🎮 Which Games Help You Clear Wagering Faster?
Not all games count the same toward wagering!
| Game Type | Contribution to Wagering |
|---|---|
| 🎰 Slots | 100% (best for clearing fast) |
| 🃏 Blackjack | 10%–20% (varies) |
| 🎲 Roulette | Often 0%–10% |
| ♠️ Video Poker | 10% or less |
~Tip: High RTP slots (like Starburst or Book of Dead) are player-friendly and contribute fully to wagering.
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
❌ Ignoring the wagering rules before accepting a bonus
❌ Playing low-contribution games
❌ Exceeding the max bet limit (some casinos void bonuses for this)
❌ Withdrawing too early—before meeting the requirement
🤔 Are No-Wagering Bonuses Better?
Yes—no-wager bonuses let you keep your winnings right away, no strings attached. But they’re usually smaller or come with tighter limits.
Still, for casual players or those who hate jumping through hoops, these are worth looking for.
🧠 Smart Tips for Beating Wagering Requirements
✅ Choose bonuses with 20x–30x wagering or lower
✅ Play high-contribution games
✅ Set a budget—don’t chase bonuses if it stresses you
✅ Read the terms before clicking “claim”
🧾 Final Thoughts
Wagering requirements can feel confusing at first, but once you understand how they work, you’ll be better equipped to spot good bonuses—and avoid ones that waste your time.
🎯 Play smart, know the terms, and always treat casino games as entertainment—not a way to get rich.