Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Game Type To Clear Wagering Fast: Slots that contribute 100% (non-jackpot, eligible titles)
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Check Weighting: Before you claim, so you don’t pick games that barely count
- Biggest mistake: Playing table games during bonus play without checking contribution rates
- Pro tip: If roulette counts 0% for a promo, you can play it all day and your wagering bar won’t move
If you want the full bonus picture first, read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses (pillar).
What Game Weighting Actually Means
Game weighting is the percentage of each bet that counts toward your wagering requirement.
Think of it like this:
Wagering Progress Added = Bet Amount × Contribution %
So if your promo requires $3,000 playthrough:
- A $10 slot spin at 100% adds $10 progress
- A $10 blackjack hand at 10% adds $1 progress
- A $10 roulette bet at 0% adds $0 progress
Same bet size. Totally different progress.
If you want the broader wagering basics first, read Understanding Wagering Requirements In Casino Bonuses (article #3).
Why Casinos Use Game Weighting
Casinos use weighting to control risk during bonus play.
Some games are easier to “grind” with low variance and lower house edge (especially with optimal play). If casinos let those games count 100%, bonus play becomes a lot safer for players and riskier for the casino.
Weighting helps casinos:
- reduce bonus abuse
- keep promotions profitable
- encourage play on higher-edge games (often slots)
- stop players from clearing playthrough using low-risk strategies
This is normal in online casinos, but the exact percentages vary by casino and region.
Typical Game Weighting Examples
Every site is different, but many casinos follow a pattern like:
- Slots: 100%
- Video slots (non-jackpot): 100%
- Jackpot slots: 0%–10% or excluded
- Video poker: 5%–25%
- Blackjack: 5%–20%
- Baccarat: 0%–20%
- Roulette: 0%–10%
- Live dealer games: often restricted or excluded
The big takeaway: if you’re trying to clear wagering, slots usually move the needle fastest.
Next, we’ll go deeper into why that’s the case in Why Slots Count More Toward Wagering Than Table Games (article #13).
How Weighting Can Make A “Good Bonus” Bad
A bonus can look great on paper:
- 25x wagering (sounds fair)
But if you play games that count 10%, it can feel like:
- 250x wagering (in practice)
Example:
- Bonus-only wagering target: $2,500
- You play blackjack at 10%
- Your effective wagering effort feels like $25,000 worth of full-count bets
That’s why players complain that wagering “never ends.” They’re not always wrong, they’re just playing games that count less.
If you want to understand why your progress bar moves slowly even when you’re betting regularly, read How Playthrough Calculations Actually Work (article #4).
The Two Most Common Weighting Traps
Trap 1: “Allowed To Play” Doesn’t Mean “Counts”
Some casinos allow table games during bonus play, but they count at 0% or 5%. You’re playing, but you’re not progressing.
Trap 2: Weighting Rules Can Change Per Promotion
A casino might have one weighting table for welcome bonuses, and a different one for free spins promos.
That’s why the safest move is checking the specific promo terms, not the general site rules.
Where To Find Weighting In Bonus Terms
Look for terms like:
- “Game contribution”
- “Weighting”
- “Contribution percentage”
- “Wagering contribution”
- “Excluded games”
If you see a table, it usually lists:
- game types
- percentage contribution
- exceptions (like jackpot games)
If you don’t see a table, check:
- the promotions FAQ
- the bonus T&Cs section
- the casino help center
If it’s still unclear, ask support before you start wagering.
Smart Game Selection For Faster Bonus Clearing
If your goal is clearing wagering efficiently, here’s a safe approach:
Choose High-Contribution Slots
Look for:
- standard slots (not jackpot)
- eligible games listed in the promo
- stable play experience you can stick with
Avoid Low-Contribution Table Games During Bonus Play
Unless you’re okay with slow progress and you really want to play them.
Watch For Jackpot Exclusions
Jackpots are often excluded because the casino doesn’t want promo money chasing huge payouts.
If you’re unsure which games are excluded during bonus play, read Why Casinos Ban Certain Games During Bonus Play (article #29).
Weighting And Max Bet Rules Work Together
A common mistake is picking a slot (good contribution) and then betting too big and breaking max bet rules.
This is how players lose bonus winnings even while making progress.
A safer plan:
- keep bets consistent
- stay under max bet limits
- track progress after each session
If you want a clean method for tracking, use How To Track Wagering Progress Efficiently (article #38).
When It’s Better To Skip A Bonus Because Of Weighting
Skip the promo if:
- your preferred games count 0%–10%
- the wagering multiplier is already high
- the expiry timer is short
- the casino doesn’t clearly disclose weighting rules
A bonus isn’t worth it if you’re forced into games you don’t want to play just to make progress.
If you want a safety filter for promos, read How To Choose The Safest Casino Bonuses (article #19).
FAQs On Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements
What Is Game Weighting In Casino Bonuses?
Game weighting is the percentage of your bets that count toward wagering requirements. Slots often count 100%, while many table games count much less.
Why Do Table Games Count Less Toward Wagering?
Casinos reduce table game contribution to control risk. Some table games have lower house edge and smoother results, which can make bonuses easier to clear.
Do All Slots Count 100% Toward Wagering?
Not always. Jackpot slots and some special games can count less or be excluded. Always check the promo terms.
Can Weighting Change Depending On The Bonus?
Yes. Weighting rules can vary by promotion type, like welcome bonuses vs free spins vs cashback credits.
How Do I Use Weighting To Clear Bonuses Faster?
Pick eligible games with high contribution, stay under max bet rules, and track your wagering progress regularly.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand game weighting, the next step is learning how casinos spot and respond to suspicious bonus patterns.
Next Article: How Casino Bonus Abuse Is Detected (article #14)
Next Steps
If you’re betting spreads, read: Why Slots Count More Toward Wagering Than Table Games (article #13)
If you’re betting totals, read: How To Clear Bonuses Faster Using Smart Game Selection (article #31)
Want a deeper edge? Use: How To Use Bonuses Without Getting Limited Or Restricted (article #55)
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