Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Game Type To Clear Wagering Fast: Eligible, non-jackpot slots that contribute 100%
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Check Contribution Rates: Before you claim the bonus, not after you start playing
- Biggest mistake: Playing blackjack/roulette on a bonus assuming it counts like slots
- Pro tip: Table games can be great for normal play, but during bonus play they often “move the bar” painfully slowly
Before anything else, if you want the full big-picture guide to casino bonuses and how terms connect, read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses.
The Simple Answer: Risk And Control
Casinos make slots count more because slots are:
- higher variance (big swings)
- harder to “solve”
- more profitable on average
- easier to price into promo math
Table games are often:
- lower variance
- lower house edge (especially with good play)
- easier to grind with steady results
- easier to exploit during bonuses
So casinos don’t want players clearing huge wagering targets with low-risk table play. Contribution rates are the guardrail.
If you want the full definition of weighting and how it’s calculated, read Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements.
What Contribution Rates Actually Do
Contribution (weighting) is the percent of your bet that counts toward wagering.
Think of it like this:
Wagering Progress = Bet Amount × Contribution %
So a $10 bet gives:
- Slots at 100% → $10 progress
- Blackjack at 10% → $1 progress
- Roulette at 0% → $0 progress
Same bet. Totally different progress.
If you want a full playthrough walkthrough with examples, read How Playthrough Calculations Actually Work.
Why Slots Are “Safer” For Casinos During Bonus Play
This sounds weird, because slots feel risky to players. But that’s exactly why casinos like them for bonus wagering.
Slots Have Bigger Swings (Variance)
On slots, you can lose a lot quickly, or spike a win randomly. That volatility makes it harder to predict your final outcome.
For the casino, that means the bonus is more likely to get “consumed” through play rather than turned into clean withdrawable profit.
Slots Are Not Skill-Based
Table games reward good decisions. Slots don’t. Casinos prefer bonuses being cleared through games where player skill can’t shrink the house edge too much.
Slots Often Have A Higher House Edge
Not always, but generally slots are priced to be profitable, and casinos can comfortably allow them to count 100% because the math works in their favor.
Why Table Games Usually Count Less
Table games are more “controlled.” That’s good for players, but risky for promos.
Optimal Play Lowers The Casino’s Advantage
A solid blackjack player can reduce the house edge compared to casual play. Casinos don’t want bonuses cleared using near-optimal strategies.
Some Table Games Are Low-Variance Grinds
Certain table games let players make consistent bets and stretch balance. That’s great for normal play, but for bonus play it increases the chance of reaching withdrawal while preserving funds.
Table Games Make Bonus Abuse Easier
If table games counted 100%, some players would use low-risk betting patterns to clear wagering with minimal downside.
That’s why many casinos set contribution at:
- blackjack: 5%–20%
- baccarat: 0%–20%
- roulette: 0%–10%
- live dealer: often restricted or excluded
The House Edge Isn’t The Only Factor
Some players think, “If a game has higher house edge, it should count more.” That’s close, but not the full picture.
Casinos also consider:
- variance (how swingy results are)
- strategy impact (how much skill changes outcomes)
- speed of play (how fast you can grind)
- abuse risk (how easy it is to exploit)
- promo costs (how much the average user cashes out)
That’s why two casinos can weight the same game differently, and why rules vary by casino and region.
Common “Feels Like A Scam” Scenarios (And What’s Really Happening)
“My Wagering Bar Isn’t Moving”
You’re probably on a low or zero contribution game. The casino isn’t ignoring your bets, it’s counting them at 0%–10%.
“The Promo Let Me Play Roulette”
Allowed doesn’t always mean counts. Some casinos allow it, but contribution is 0%.
“My Winnings Got Voided”
This is often max bet rules or restricted game rules, not just contribution.
If you want the clearest way to avoid these mistakes, read How To Read Casino Bonus Terms Without Getting Tricked.
How To Use This To Clear Bonuses Faster (Without Doing Anything Sketchy)
This isn’t about loopholes. It’s about playing the bonus the way it was designed.
1) Pick Eligible, High-Contribution Games
Most of the time, that’s standard slots that are not jackpots.
2) Keep Bets Consistent
Ramping up stakes is how people break max bet rules and lose bonus winnings.
3) Track Your Progress
Check remaining wagering after each session so you don’t get surprised by timers.
If you want a simple method, use How To Track Wagering Progress Efficiently.
When Table Games Still Make Sense During Bonus Play
Sometimes table games can still be okay if:
- contribution isn’t terrible (like 20%)
- wagering target is small
- you prefer table games and accept slower progress
- you’re not trying to clear quickly
Just be honest with yourself: if blackjack counts 10%, you’re signing up for a long grind.
A Quick Example: Same Wagering, Different Reality
You claim a $100 bonus with 30x bonus-only wagering:
- Required wagering: $3,000
Slots At 100%
You bet $10 spins:
- You need about $3,000 of betting volume (in simple terms)
Blackjack At 10%
You bet $10 hands:
- You need about $30,000 of betting volume to hit the same progress
That’s why slots “count more.” It’s not a preference. It’s a built-in conversion rate.
Quick Checklist Before You Play A Bonus
Before you start wagering, check:
- Which games are eligible
- The contribution rate for your game
- Any max bet rules
- Whether jackpot games are excluded
- The bonus expiry timer
- Any max cashout cap
If you want the full checklist that covers every bonus type, use The Ultimate Checklist Before Claiming Any Casino Bonus.
FAQs On Why Slots Count More Toward Wagering Than Table Games
Why Do Slots Count 100% Toward Wagering?
Because slots are higher variance, not skill-based, and easier for casinos to price into promotion costs. Letting them count fully helps casinos control risk during bonus play.
Why Do Table Games Count Less Toward Wagering?
Table games can be played with lower risk and better strategy, which can reduce the casino’s advantage. Lower contribution rates help prevent bonuses being cleared too easily.
Does Roulette Usually Count Toward Wagering?
Sometimes, but often at a very low rate like 0%–10%, and sometimes it’s excluded entirely for specific promotions.
Can Casinos Change Contribution Rates?
Yes. Contribution rules can vary by promotion and by casino, and they may be different for welcome bonuses, free spins winnings, or cashback credits.
How Do I Clear Wagering Faster Without Breaking Rules?
Choose eligible games with high contribution (usually slots), stay under max bet limits, and track your wagering progress after each session.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand why casinos weight games differently, the next step is learning how casinos detect suspicious bonus behavior and why some players get limited.
Next Article: How Casino Bonus Abuse Is Detected
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 Use Bonuses Without Getting Limited Or Restricted
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