Understanding Wagering Requirements In Casino Bonuses

Online casinos aggressively market their deposit bonuses, making it seem like they are handing out free money.


To prevent instant bankruptcy, casinos protect these bonuses using strict rules known as wagering requirements.

How the Bonus Catch Actually Works

It is essentially a mathematical hurdle you must clear before the casino allows you to cash out your winnings.


A $50 bonus with a 40x playthrough means you must wager a total of $2,000 before making a withdrawal.

Low wagering requirements (under 30x) are considered the gold standard in the industryMany players prefer to decline bonuses entirely to avoid dealing with these restrictionsYou must clear the playthrough before you can withdraw even your own initial deposit in most cases
Not All Casino Games Count Equally

To make things even more complicated, not every game on the platform contributes 100% towards the requirement.


Live dealer games and high-RTP table games are frequently excluded from bonus wagering entirely (0% contribution).

ActivityContribution RuleNoteVideo Poker0% - 5%House edge is too low for the casino to allow itProgressive SlotsUsually RestrictedCheck terms; often completely banned with active bonuses

The secret to beating these requirements is to find low-volatility slots that pay out small amounts frequently.