One of the most significant yet frequently misunderstood parts of online casino bonuses is the wagering requirements. They tell you how and when you can take money out of bonus money or free spins. If you don't understand them, you could get frustrated or lose money.
This tutorial is for you if you've ever questioned why you couldn't cash out right away after winning with a bonus. In 2025, we'll tell you exactly what wagering requirements are, how they function, how to figure them out, and how to find the best deals.
1. What do wagering requirements mean?
Wagering requirements, sometimes called playthrough or rollover requirements, are rules that come with casino bonuses that say how many times you have to bet a bonus (or a deposit and bonus together) before you can cash out any profits that come with it.
In short, they protect casinos from people who exploit promotional deals.
If you get a €100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, for instance, you'll have to gamble €3,000 before you can cash out.
2. How to Understand Wagering Requirements
Depending on the casino, there are different ways to set up betting:
Only Bonus
You have to bet the bonus sum a certain number of times.
Example: If you get a €100 bonus and have to bet 30 times, you have to bet €3,000.
Deposit + Bonus
You have to bet both your deposit and your bonus.
For example, if you deposit €100 and get a €100 bonus, you need to gamble €6,000.
Spins for free
Free spins are worth the same amount of money. If you win €10 from free spins that have a 40x wagering requirement, you have to bet €400 before you can take your money out.
No Wagering
Some bonuses now don't require any wagering. You get to keep anything you win. These are hard to find and usually have smaller max wins or tougher terms in other places.
3. How to Figure Out How Much You Need to Bet
To figure out how much you need to bet:
Total Wagering Needed = Bonus Amount × Wagering Requirement
For example, if you claim a €50 bonus and had to wager it 35 times, you would get €1,750.
If the bet is on the deposit plus the bonus and you put in €50, then (€50 + €50) times 35 = €3,500.
4. How games affect betting
Not all games help you meet your wagering requirements in the same way. This is a typical breakdown:
Slots: 100%
10–20% for table games like blackjack and roulette
Live casino games: 0–10%
Jackpot slots: Not always included
Baccarat and video poker: 0% to 10%
Always read the terms of the bonus. You might not be able to play some games at all, and doing so could mean you lose your bonus.
5. Common restrictions on bonuses that have to do with betting
The multiplier is only one part of understanding gambling. You should also think about these related terms:
Maximum Bet Amount
While a bonus is active, most casinos only let you bet between €5 and €10 every spin or hand. Going beyond this limit could make the bonus invalid.
End of Bonus
You usually have to bet bonuses within 7 to 30 days. You might only be able to use free spins for 24 hours. If the betting isn't done in time, you can lose both the bonus and the winnings.
Limits on Maximum Withdrawals
Some no-deposit or free spin incentives limit how much you can cash out (like €50), even if you win more.
6. Are bonuses for high bets worth it?
Not always. Big bonuses may sound good, but they sometimes come with wagering of 40x or more, which can make it hard to pay out. If you play smart, smaller bonuses with lesser wagering (20x–30x) can be a better deal.
You could also want to think about incentives or cashback offers that don't require you to bet anything, especially if you play casually.
7. Ways to Get Around Wagering Requirements
You can't "beat" the system, but you can make your odds better:
Choose slots with low to medium variance. These pay out more often, which helps you keep your bankroll.
Play only games with 100% contributions. Playing slots makes sure that every stake counts.
Control the size of your bets: Don't make the biggest bets and spend more money to play longer.
Keep track of your progress: Your account dashboard at many casinos shows how much money you have left to bet.
Don't hurry: You normally have a few days to make your bets. Play in a safe way.
8. Finding Fair Betting Offers
In 2025, you should look for:
Betting less than 35 times (20 to 30 times is best)
Only applies to the bonus, not the deposit and bonus.
Rules for giving to games that are clear
Time constraints that make sense (at least 7 days)
No surprising terms, such as limitations on withdrawals or voiding bonuses
Every time you get a bonus, read the whole thing first.
9. What Happens If You Don't Meet the Wagering?
If you don't meet the wagering requirement before the bonus runs out, you normally lose:
The balance of the bonus
Any money made from the bonus
Remaining free spins, if any
Your real money balance stays the same unless you used it to get the bonus.
Last Thoughts
Wagering requirements are a common feature of online casino bonuses. They can seem limiting, but they don't have to be a bad thing. When you know how to use them and what they mean, bonuses can provide you more time to play and actual chances to win.
The most important thing is to know what you're agreeing to and always gamble responsibly. Sometimes it's better to play with your own money, with no strings attached, than to take a bonus.
There are more casinos competing in 2025, which means more promos that are fairer and require less money to win. Use these to your advantage, read the fine print, and have fun playing games while being fully aware of what you're doing.
