Casino bonuses are a great way to boost your bankroll, but they’re not as simple as “free money.” Almost every bonus comes with wagering requirements—rules that determine how many times you need to play through the bonus before you can withdraw any winnings. Understanding how these conditions work is essential if you want to make the most of your casino promotions.
Let’s break down what wagering requirements are, how to calculate them, and what to watch out for when accepting a bonus.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements—sometimes called rollover requirements—tell you how many times you must wager the bonus (or bonus + deposit) before you can cash out. They are expressed as a multiplier, such as 30x or 40x.
For example:
- A $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement means you must wager $3,000 before withdrawing.
- If it’s a 30x (bonus + deposit) requirement, and you deposit $100 and get a $100 bonus, you must wager $6,000.
These requirements are how casinos protect themselves from immediate withdrawals and bonus abuse. They’re standard across the industry, but the terms can vary widely.
Types of Wagering Structures
Not all bonuses have the same rules. Here are the most common structures:
- Bonus-only wagering: You only need to wager the bonus amount.
- Deposit + bonus wagering: You must wager both your deposit and bonus combined.
- Free spins wagering: Winnings from free spins are treated as bonus money and come with their own wagering requirements.
- No-wager bonuses: Rare, but some casinos offer truly free bonuses that can be cashed out without wagering.
Always check the bonus terms to see which structure applies before opting in.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
Let’s say you receive a $50 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement:
- Bonus only: 35 x $50 = $1,750 must be wagered before you can withdraw.
- Bonus + deposit: If you deposited $50, the total is 35 x $100 = $3,500.
You’ll need to bet that amount across qualifying games—usually within a time limit (e.g., 7–30 days). Not all games contribute equally; slots often count 100%, while table games might only count 10% or be excluded altogether.
What to Look Out For
Before claiming a casino bonus, always review the terms and conditions. Key points to check:
- Wagering multiplier (e.g., 20x, 40x, etc.)
- Time limits (how long you have to meet the requirement)
- Game contribution (which games count and how much)
- Max bet limits (often $5 per spin or hand while using bonus funds)
- Winning caps (some bonuses limit how much you can win and withdraw)
Reading the fine print can save you from surprises later.
Final Thoughts: Know Before You Claim
Casino bonuses can give you extra playtime and a chance to win more—but only if you understand how the wagering requirements work. Don’t just look at the bonus amount. Check the multiplier, eligible games, and time limits to decide if the offer fits your style.
Smart players choose bonuses that offer a realistic chance to meet the requirements, especially if they prefer low-variance games. When in doubt, go for lower rollover terms and transparent conditions.