Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Way To Make Progress: Use games with high contribution (often slots) and keep bets consistent
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Track Playthrough: After every session, not just when you’re ready to withdraw
- Biggest mistake: Assuming the progress bar counts your full bet amount on every game
- Pro tip: Your progress usually depends on three things: bonus type, game contribution, and whether the game is eligible
Before you start, if you want the full overview of bonus types and key rules, read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses (pillar).
What Playthrough Actually Measures
Playthrough (also called wagering) is not measuring “how long you played.” It measures how much you bet, and then it adjusts that total based on the bonus rules.
In most casinos, the playthrough calculation is basically:
Progress Added = Bet Amount × Contribution Rate
(only if the game is eligible)
So if you bet $10 on a game that counts 100%, you get $10 of progress.
If you bet $10 on a game that counts 10%, you get $1 of progress.
If you bet $10 on a game that is excluded, you get $0 progress.
That’s why two players can claim the same bonus and see totally different progress.
If you want the basics first, read Understanding Wagering Requirements In Casino Bonuses (article #3).
Step 1: The Casino Sets Your Target Wagering Amount
Playthrough always starts with a target number. That target depends on:
The Bonus Base (What The Multiplier Applies To)
Common options:
- Bonus only
- Deposit + bonus
- Bonus winnings (less common, but it happens)
The Multiplier
Examples:
- 20x
- 30x
- 40x
Example Targets
- Bonus-only: $100 bonus × 30x = $3,000 required
- Deposit + bonus: ($100 + $100) × 30x = $6,000 required
That first step is why your “required wagering” might look huge before you even place a bet.
If you’re still unsure what’s actually withdrawable during all this, read this breakdown of your withdrawable balance: The Difference Between Bonus Money & Real Money (article #2).
Step 2: The Casino Applies Game Contribution (Weighting)
After the target is set, every bet you place is filtered through contribution rules.
A common contribution table looks like:
- Slots: 100%
- Video poker: 10%–25%
- Blackjack: 5%–20%
- Roulette: 0%–10%
- Live dealer: often restricted
- Jackpot games: sometimes excluded
So your progress depends on what you play, not just how much you bet.
If you want a deeper explanation of why contribution rates exist and how casinos decide them, read Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements (article #12).
Step 3: The Casino Checks If The Game Is Eligible
Contribution rates matter only if the game is allowed for the bonus. Casinos commonly exclude:
- Jackpot slots
- Some live dealer tables
- Certain high-RTP table variants
- Specialty games (depending on the promo)
This is where players get angry because they did play, but the casino didn’t count it.
A simple rule: if a game is restricted or excluded, assume it either counts poorly or not at all until proven otherwise.
Step 4: The Casino May Apply Max Bet Rules
A lot of promos include max bet limits while the bonus is active. If you go over the max bet:
- Winnings can be voided
- The bonus can be canceled
- Your account can get flagged
This is one of the fastest ways to “lose” a bonus without realizing it.
Even if your progress bar looks fine, breaking max bet rules can still cause issues later at withdrawal time.
Why Your Progress Bar Moves Slowly
If your wagering progress feels stuck, it’s usually one of these reasons:
You’re Playing A Low-Contribution Game
If your blackjack contributes 10%, a $10 hand gives you $1 progress. That feels slow because it is slow.
You’re Playing A Restricted Game
If the game is excluded, your progress may be $0 even though you’re betting.
Your Bonus Is Deposit + Bonus Wagering
If your target is doubled, the same betting volume feels like half the speed.
The Casino Updates Progress In Batches
Some casinos update instantly. Others update every few minutes or only when a session ends.
You’re Mixing Wallets
Some sites track progress differently depending on whether you’re playing with cash, bonus funds, or winnings.
A Practical Playthrough Calculation Example
Let’s keep it simple.
Your bonus terms say:
- Bonus: $100
- Wagering: 30x bonus-only
- Required wagering: $3,000
- Slots contribute 100%
- Blackjack contributes 10%
If You Play Slots
You bet $5 spins.
- Progress per spin: $5 × 100% = $5
- Spins needed: $3,000 ÷ $5 = 600 spins
If You Play Blackjack
You bet $10 hands.
- Progress per hand: $10 × 10% = $1
- Hands needed: $3,000 ÷ $1 = 3,000 hands
Same “I played and bet money,” but wildly different progress.
If you feel like you need a wagering requirement calculator, this is the logic those calculators use. Once you understand contribution and eligibility, you can estimate playthrough without tools.
The Two Biggest Playthrough Mistakes
Mistake 1: Assuming “Total Bets” Means “Total Progress”
Your bet size is only the starting point. Contribution decides what counts.
Mistake 2: Trying To “Speed Run” Playthrough
People try to clear fast by betting big. That’s how you:
- Break max bet limits
- Burn bankroll quickly
- Tilt and chase losses
- Get flagged for risky bonus behavior
A better strategy is steady, consistent bets on eligible games that actually contribute.
How To Track Playthrough Like A Normal Person
You don’t need spreadsheets. You just need a routine.
- Check your progress bar after each session
- Write down the remaining wagering amount
- Check how many days are left on the expiry timer
- Confirm your game is eligible and contributing
If you notice the progress barely moving, switch games or consider forfeiting if the terms are rough.
Want a cleaner system for tracking and planning? Use How To Track Wagering Progress Efficiently (article #38).
When Playthrough Ends (And What Happens Next)
When you finish wagering, one of these happens depending on the casino:
- Bonus winnings become withdrawable
- Bonus converts into cash (less common)
- Funds move from “bonus” to “winnings” wallet
- You’re free to withdraw under standard rules
Always double-check if your casino has:
- A max cashout cap
- A final KYC requirement before withdrawal
- Any lingering restrictions on specific payment methods
FAQs On How Playthrough Calculations Work
How Is Playthrough Calculated In Casino Bonuses?
Playthrough is usually calculated as your bet amount multiplied by the game’s contribution rate, as long as the game is eligible for the bonus. Excluded games may count as 0%.
Why Is My Wagering Progress Not Moving?
Most of the time it’s because you’re playing a low-contribution game, a restricted game, or your bonus target is larger than you expected (like deposit + bonus wagering).
Do All Slots Count 100% Toward Playthrough?
Not always. Many casinos count most standard slots at 100%, but jackpot slots and some special games can be excluded or counted at a lower rate.
Can Breaking Max Bet Rules Affect Playthrough?
Yes. Even if your progress bar increases, betting over the bonus max bet limit can lead to the casino canceling the bonus or voiding bonus-linked winnings.
Do Casinos Update Playthrough Progress Instantly?
Some do, but others update progress in batches. If you don’t see movement right away, check again after the session ends or refresh your promotions page.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand how playthrough is calculated, the next step is learning how deposit match bonuses are calculated, since those bonuses set the base for most wagering targets.
Next Article: How Deposit Match Bonuses Are Calculated (article #9)
Next Steps
If you’re betting spreads, read: How To Clear Bonuses Faster Using Smart Game Selection (article #31)
If you’re betting totals, read: The Role Of RTP When Clearing A Casino Bonus (article #36)
Want a deeper edge? Use: Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements (article #12)
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