What Are Wagering Requirements?
Every online casino bonus comes with specific wagering requirements. These are conditions that players must meet in order to convert the bonus money into real, withdrawable cash. The details of these requirements vary depending on the type of bonus and the rules of the specific online casino.
At their core, wagering requirements dictate how many times you must ‘play through’ the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit) before you can withdraw it. For example, a 30x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus means you must wager $3,000 before you can cash out the bonus.
It’s important to understand that no casino gives away bonuses for free. There are always strings attached. If you don’t meet the requirements, the bonus remains locked as casino credit — not real money.
Why do online casinos have wagering requirements?
Bonuses and promotions are designed to attract players and encourage active play. Offers like “100% deposit match bonus up to $100″ sound incredibly enticing. Who wouldn’t want an extra $100 to play with after depositing $100?
However, if casinos handed out cash with no restrictions, they would quickly go bankrupt. To protect themselves, they attach wagering requirements to every bonus. These conditions ensure that players must actively use the casino’s platform and place multiple bets before being able to withdraw the bonus funds.
While it may seem inconvenient, these requirements are a necessary safeguard for online casinos. If you understand the rules and plan your strategy wisely, it’s possible to make a profit. But if you ignore them, you risk losing both the bonus and any potential winnings.
Types of requirements
Each bonus comes with its own specific wagering requirements. However, by reviewing the different types of bonus conditions, you can clearly identify the main categories of these requirements:
- Wager. This refers to a multiplier that indicates how many times you must wager the bonus amount before it can be withdrawn. For example, if you receive a 100% bonus of $100 with a 35x wager, you’ll need to wager a total of $3,500 ($100 x 35). If the wagering requirements also apply to the initial deposit, you’ll need to wager $7,000 (($100 + $100) x 35).
- Time Limits. Every bonus comes with a specific period during which it must be used and wagered. It’s essential to pay attention to this timeframe when activating a bonus. Typically, free spins must be used within 24 hours, while bonus cash must be wagered within 3 to 7 days. The overall wagering period can range from 3 to 30 days, often depending on the size and type of the bonus.
- Eligible Games. Some bonuses are tied to specific games. For instance, free spins are often limited to certain online slots, while bonus cash may be restricted to RNG (random number generator) games or live dealer games. In some cases, bonuses can only be used on a specific set of games chosen by the casino.
- Betting Limits. To prevent players from wagering the required amount in just a few large bets — and thereby minimizing the casino’s risk — betting limits are imposed during wagering. For example, the maximum bet per spin might be $5 or no more than $0.20 per payline for slot games. This ensures that players place multiple smaller bets rather than a few large, high-risk bets.
Interesting Fact:
The most reputable online casinos sometimes offer bonuses with no wagering requirements. These bonuses don’t need to be wagered at all, but they also can’t be withdrawn as cash. Instead, they are only available for betting. Cashback bonuses are often paid out in cash, with the only condition being that you must wager the received amount at least once before withdrawing it.
Is it Possible to Bypass Wagering Requirements?
All online casino bonuses come with specific wagering requirements. To withdraw the bonus funds and any winnings derived from them, players must fulfill all the conditions set by the casino. To do this successfully, it’s essential to pay attention to the following key aspects of bonus conditions:
- Can the bonus be withdrawn, or is it only available for betting?
- Can you withdraw money while the bonus is still active?
- What is the wagering requirement (multiplier) you need to meet to withdraw winnings?
- Which games contribute 100% towards meeting the wagering requirements?
- How much can you bet per spin or payline in slots without affecting your wagering progress?
- What is the maximum bet limit per round in eligible games?
- What are the time limits for fulfilling the wagering requirements?
Some bonuses cannot be withdrawn, but they do not have wagering requirements. Others must be wagered, and until the requirements are met, withdrawals are restricted. Some bonuses can be used in any games, while others are limited to specific game categories like Live Casino games or online slots.
Understanding these key nuances will help you meet the wagering requirements efficiently and increase your chances of walking away with real winnings.
How to Assess Wagering Requirements When Choosing a Bonus
If you want to make the most of your casino bonuses, you’ll still need to meet the wagering requirements. For this reason, it’s wise to avoid bonuses with overly complex conditions and instead prioritize promotions with simpler, more achievable terms.
Below, we’ll explain how to properly evaluate the key wagering requirements before claiming a bonus.
Wager
The best bonus is one that has no wagering requirements at all. In this case, you’ll always come out ahead and won’t have to place additional bets to withdraw your winnings. However, in reality, a wagering multiplier isn’t as bad as it sounds — as long as it’s reasonably low. Let’s break it down with a simple calculation:
You receive a 100% bonus on a $100 deposit, giving you a total of $200 in your account. First, you’ll use your own $100 to place bets. The wagering requirement is 45x, and it only applies to the bonus. This means you need to wager a total of $4,500.
The average RTP (Return to Player) for online slots is 96%, meaning that for every $100 wagered, you’ll theoretically get back $96. To understand how much of the $4,500 you can cover with your initial deposit and bonus, we can use a simplified version of the geometric progression formula:
S = a₁ / (1 – r)
Where:
- S = total amount wagered,
- a₁ = initial deposit ($100),
- r = the rate of loss per wager, calculated as 0.04 (since 100% – 96% RTP = 4% loss).
S = 100 / (1 – 0.96) = 100 / 0.04 = 2,500
This means that your initial $100 is theoretically enough to wager $2,500 of the required $4,500. Once your $100 runs out, you can then use the $100 from your bonus, which, using the same logic, should also be enough to cover an additional $2,500 in wagers.
Total wagering achieved = 2,500 + 2,500 = 5,000
Since you only need to wager $4,500, this amount is sufficient to meet the requirement. Therefore, a wagering requirement of 45x is achievable under these conditions.
Deadlines for fulfilling wagering requirements
Meeting wagering requirements takes time, especially when large amounts are involved. For example, if you need to wager a total of $4,500 with a $1 bet per spin, that equals 4,500 spins on slot machines.
On average, one spin takes about 3 seconds, and most gaming regulators require at least a 3-second pause between spins. This brings the total time for each spin to 6 seconds. To complete all 4,500 spins, it would take approximately 27,000 seconds, which equals 450 minutes or 7.5 hours.
Of course, playing continuously for 7.5 hours is unrealistic for most players. Plus, not everyone is comfortable betting $1 per spin. This is why it’s crucial to have at least 3 days to meet the wagering requirements. Ideally, the casino should provide a time frame of 7, 10, or even 30 days. If the available time is shorter, it’s best to avoid bonuses with such tight deadlines, as meeting the wagering requirements may be too risky.
Restrictions on games and bets
As seen in the previous example, the list of eligible games plays a crucial role in meeting the wagering requirements. If the allowed games only include low-RTP (Return to Player) slots, your chances of meeting the requirements are significantly reduced. Since low-RTP games return a smaller percentage of your wagers, it becomes harder to sustain your balance over time.
When it comes to betting restrictions, the lower the maximum bet limit, the longer it takes to meet the wagering requirements. However, in modern online casinos, players are often allowed to bet up to $5 per spin, which is generally sufficient for efficient wagering.
What Games Are Best for Meeting Wagering Requirements?
When it comes to wagering bonus money, players have access to a broader selection of games that can be used to fulfill wagering requirements. In general, there are two main categories of games to consider, each with its own pros and cons.
Games with a low house edge
These include table games such as blackjack, baccarat, roulette, and certain live dealer games. They typically have an RTP of 97% or higher, giving you a better chance to preserve your bankroll.
For example, with a $100 balance and a 97% RTP, you could wager up to $3,300 before your funds run out, compared to $2,500 with a 96% RTP slot.
The Catch: Online casinos usually count only 20% or less of your table game bets toward wagering requirements. So, while it’s easier to maintain your balance, you’ll have to wager for much longer, increasing the risk of running out of funds before the requirements are met.
Slot machines
Slot machines are often the best option for wagering bonuses. They have a fixed RTP, require no special skills, and often feature bonus rounds that can increase your winnings.
In most online casinos, bets on slots count 100% toward wagering requirements, making it much easier to meet the requirements compared to table games.
However, jackpot slots and games with an RTP of 98% or higher are often excluded from the list of eligible games. As a result, you may have to play video slots with lower RTPs, so it’s best not to rely on the most profitable slot machines when activating a bonus.
How to Quickly Meet Wagering Requirements on Online Slots — Basic Tips
To quickly and easily fulfill the betting requirements, and even stay in the black, we recommend following 3 basic tips from experienced players:
✅ Tip 1: Choose games with the highest RTP
The higher the RTP (Return to Player), the easier it is to meet wagering requirements. As we’ve seen, even a small change in RTP can significantly impact your success.
For example, the popular slot Gates of Olympus by Pragmatic Play has an RTP of 96.50%, which allows you to theoretically wager $2,850 from an initial $100, compared to only $2,500 with a 96% RTP. That extra 0.5% increase results in an additional $350, which can make a noticeable difference in your wagering progress.
✅ Tip 2: Place higher bets on Low-Volatility Slots
Low-volatility slots offer frequent but smaller wins, making it easier to maintain your balance while working toward wagering requirements. While wins are typically only 2 to 5 times the bet, these wins occur more frequently than in high-volatility slots.
For instance, when playing Starburst by NetEnt, betting $10 per spin yielded payouts of $14, $21, and $20, with wins occurring every 2 to 4 spins. The largest win during this session was $42, demonstrating the steady returns possible with low-volatility slots.
✅ Tip 3: Use minimal bets on High-Volatility Slots
High-volatility slots are risky but can deliver massive payouts. These games pay less frequently, but when they do, the wins can be significantly higher than in low-volatility slots. To manage your risk, it’s best to play with minimum bets.
For example, while playing Book of Ra Deluxe by Novomatic, there were streaks of 10 or more empty spins, but one big win of 118x the bet during the bonus round made up for previous losses and even yielded a profit. With high-volatility slots, patience is key, as large wins typically come after long losing streaks.
The most important: Luck Plays a Role
While the tips above can improve your chances, remember that luck plays a major role in online slots. Theoretical calculations are based on averages, but reality can be unpredictable.
Even with a 99% RTP, bad luck can lead to losses, while an unexpected win on a slot with only 93% RTP could trigger a jackpot of $10,000. A win like this would instantly fulfill any wagering requirement and leave you with a profit.
The bottom line: Play responsibly and always account for the role of chance. No strategy can guarantee success, but using these tips will give you the best possible chance to meet wagering requirements efficiently.
Wrapping Up
Wagering requirements are often the biggest challenge of any bonus — even the most lucrative one. That’s why it’s crucial to carefully review the bonus terms and assess them properly before you start playing.
These requirements cannot be ignored, as doing so will result in losing both the bonus and any winnings associated with it. Attempting to bypass them through loopholes or “tricks” may be considered bonus abuse, which can lead to the cancellation of your winnings.
The best approach is to select bonuses with flexible wagering requirements and follow them precisely. Opt for games with a high RTP and use the right betting strategy to increase your chances of success. This strategy won’t guarantee a win, but it will certainly put you in a better position to meet the wagering requirements.
