Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Game Type To Clear Most Bonuses: Standard slots with 100% contribution and no jackpot/progressive tag
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Choose Your Games: Before you start wagering, when you can lock in an eligible “shortlist”
- Biggest mistake: Assuming all games count equally, then wasting spins on 0% contribution games
- Pro tip: Pick 1–2 eligible slots, keep bets consistent, and track progress, that clears faster than hopping games randomly
Before anything else, if you want the full bonus framework, read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonus.
Why “Smart Game Selection” Clears Bonuses Faster
Most bonuses have wagering requirements, like:
- wager 20x, 30x, or 40x
But not every game contributes equally. Casinos often set different contribution rates to control risk.
So the real speed of clearing a bonus depends on:
- contribution percentage (100%, 50%, 10%, 0%)
- whether the game is eligible at all
- whether max bet rules limit how fast you can play safely
If you haven’t read the basics yet, start with Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements.
Step 1: Find The Contribution Table First
Before you play a single spin, locate these sections in the bonus terms:
- “Eligible Games”
- “Excluded Games”
- “Game Contribution”
- “Wagering Contribution”
Then scan for key categories:
- slots
- table games
- live dealer
- video poker
- jackpot/progressive games
- bonus buy features
If the casino does not clearly show contribution rates, treat the bonus as unsafe.
For a safety filter, read How To Choose The Safest Casino Bonuses.
Step 2: Choose Games With High Contribution (Usually Slots)
Most casinos set:
- slots at 100% contribution
- table games at reduced contribution (often 5%–25%)
- some games at 0% (don’t count)
That’s why slots usually clear bonuses faster.
If you want the deeper “why,” read Why Slots Count More Toward Wagering Than Table Games.
What “100% Contribution” Actually Means
If a slot contributes 100% and you wager $10:
- $10 counts toward your wagering requirement
If a game contributes 10% and you wager $10:
- only $1 counts
That’s how bonuses get slow without you realizing it.
Step 3: Avoid The Two Biggest Time-Wasters
Time-Waster #1: 0% Contribution Games
Common 0% games include:
- jackpot/progressive slots
- certain live dealer games
- specific providers excluded from promos
You can still play them sometimes, but they won’t help you clear the bonus.
Time-Waster #2: Low Contribution Table Games
If blackjack contributes 10%, you need 10x more wagering to get the same progress as a slot.
That might still be worth it if you prefer tables, but it’s slower. Know what you’re choosing.
Step 4: Build A “Bonus Shortlist” (1–2 Games Only)
The fastest way to clear a bonus is boring:
- pick one or two eligible slots
- stick to them
- avoid hopping games
Why it works:
- reduces mistakes
- avoids accidentally hitting restricted games
- makes it easier to track progress and rules
If you want to avoid restricted game surprises, read Why Casinos Ban Certain Games During Bonus Play.
Step 5: Match Your Game Choice To Your Risk Tolerance
Clearing faster isn’t only about contribution. Volatility matters too.
- Low volatility slots: smaller swings, slower big wins, smoother bankroll
- High volatility slots: bigger swings, higher chance of busting early, but bigger hit potential
A common mistake is choosing a super volatile slot because it “can pay huge,” then going broke before clearing wagering.
Next up, we’ll cover this fully in How Volatility Affects Bonus Wagering Strategy.
Step 6: Watch For Bonus Rules That Change “Speed”
Some bonus terms add speed bumps like:
Max Bet Rules
You might have a max bet like:
- “Max $5 per spin while bonus is active”
If you break it, casinos may:
- void bonus winnings
- remove the bonus
- block withdrawal until forfeited
Max bet rules exist to stop players from clearing too fast with large bets.
Bonus Buy Restrictions
Some promos ban “buy feature” use because it can spike volatility and break their cost model.
Session Or Game Caps
Some casinos limit which games count, or cap how much can be wagered per spin level.
If you want the cap side, read How Bonus Caps Affect High-Stakes Players
Step 7: Use A Simple “Speed Math” Check
Let’s say your wagering requirement is $3,000.
- Slot at 100% contribution: $3,000 real wagering clears it
- Table game at 10% contribution: $30,000 real wagering clears it
That’s why game selection matters more than most people think.
If you want the math side of playthrough, read How Playthrough Calculations Actually Work.
Common Smart Game Selection Mistakes
Avoid these:
- choosing games before reading terms
- playing jackpot/progressive games that contribute 0%
- mixing too many games and losing track
- betting over max bet limits
- using bonus buy features when restricted
- assuming “live dealer counts like slots”
- ignoring volatility and busting early
FAQs On Clearing Bonuses Faster With Smart Game Selection
What Is The Fastest Way To Clear A Casino Bonus?
Pick eligible games with the highest contribution rate, usually standard slots at 100%, and avoid restricted or 0% contribution games.
Why Do Slots Clear Bonuses Faster Than Table Games?
Because casinos usually give slots higher contribution rates toward wagering. Many table games contribute less, so the same wager makes slower progress.
Do Jackpot Games Count Toward Bonus Wagering?
Often no, or they contribute 0%. Many casinos restrict jackpot/progressive games during bonus play to control promo risk.
Can I Clear Bonuses Faster By Betting Bigger?
Not always. Max bet rules often limit stake size during bonus play. Breaking these rules can void bonus winnings.
How Do I Avoid Accidentally Choosing A Restricted Game?
Check the eligible games list and contribution table first, then stick to 1–2 approved games while the bonus is active.
Where To Go Next
Now that you know how game selection affects clearing speed, the next step is learning how volatility changes your bonus strategy, because a “fast clearing game” can still wreck your bankroll if it’s too swingy.
Next Article: How Volatility Affects Bonus Wagering Strategy
Next Steps
If you’re betting spreads, read: Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements
If you’re betting totals, read: How Playthrough Calculations Actually Work
Want a deeper edge? Use: How To Track Wagering Progress Efficiently
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