Key Insights
Quick Answer:
- Best X for Y: Best Way To Clear Faster: Play slots with high contribution (often 100%) and keep bets steady
- Best time to do X: Best Time To Claim A Bonus: When you have enough sessions to finish playthrough before the expiry timer
- Biggest mistake: Assuming every dollar wagered counts the same across all games
- Pro tip: Focus on the requirement type (bonus-only vs deposit + bonus) before you claim, it changes everything
Before you start, if you want the full overview of bonus types and key rules, read The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses (pillar).
Internal Linking Map (Mapping Links Only, Max 3)
- Early Mandatory (Pillar Link): The Complete Guide To Casino Bonuses (pillar)
- Mid-Article (Lateral Link): Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements (article #12)
- Forward Link (Next Best Read): How Playthrough Calculations Actually Work (article #4)
What A Wagering Requirement Really Is
A wagering requirement is the total amount you must bet before bonus-related winnings become withdrawable. Casinos also call it:
- Playthrough
- Rollover
- Turnover
It’s usually shown as a multiplier, like:
- 20x bonus
- 30x bonus
- 40x deposit + bonus
That multiplier tells you how much betting you need to do before the casino considers the bonus “cleared.”
If you’re still getting stuck on the difference between bonus funds and withdrawable funds, read Bonus Money Vs Real Money: What You Can Actually Withdraw (article #2).
Bonus-Only Vs Deposit + Bonus Wagering
This is the first thing to check, because it changes the workload massively.
Bonus-Only Wagering
You only wager the bonus amount times the multiplier.
Example:
- Bonus: $100
- Wagering: 30x bonus
- Required wagering: $100 × 30 = $3,000
Deposit + Bonus Wagering
You wager the combined amount times the multiplier.
Example:
- Deposit: $100
- Bonus: $100
- Wagering: 30x (deposit + bonus)
- Required wagering: ($100 + $100) × 30 = $6,000
Same bonus size. Same multiplier. Double the grind.
If you’re new to bonuses, bonus-only wagering is usually easier to clear.
How Casinos Calculate Wagering Progress
Here’s the simple rule: your total bets add up toward the target.
If your requirement is $3,000, and you bet $10 a spin:
- 300 spins = $3,000 wagered
But there’s a catch: casinos rarely count all games equally.
What Game Contribution Means (And Why It Changes Everything)
Game contribution (also called weighting) is the percentage of your bet that counts toward wagering.
A common setup looks like:
- Slots: 100%
- Video poker: 10%–25%
- Blackjack: 5%–20%
- Roulette: 0%–10%
- Live dealer: often restricted
- Jackpot games: sometimes excluded
So if you bet $100 on a slot at 100% contribution, you get $100 progress.
If you bet $100 on blackjack at 10% contribution, you get $10 progress.
This is why two players can claim the same bonus and have totally different experiences.
For a dedicated breakdown and a quick way to compare percentages, read Understanding Game Weighting In Wagering Requirements (article #12).
A Realistic Walkthrough Example
Let’s say you claim:
- Deposit: $100
- Bonus: $100
- Wagering: 30x bonus-only
- Target wagering: $3,000
Now you choose two different game paths.
Path A: Slots (100% Contribution)
You play a slot with $5 spins.
- Each spin counts $5 toward wagering
- You need $3,000 ÷ $5 = 600 spins
Path B: Blackjack (10% Contribution)
You play blackjack with $10 hands.
- Each hand counts $1 toward wagering
- You need $3,000 ÷ $1 = 3,000 hands
Same “amount wagered” in your head, but wildly different progress.
That’s why choosing games that count well matters more than people think.
Why Slots Usually Count More Than Table Games
Casinos give slots higher contribution for a simple reason: slots have a higher house edge on average and higher variance. From the casino side, bonus play on slots is safer.
Table games tend to have lower house edge when played well, and outcomes can be smoother. That’s why casinos:
- Lower table game contribution
- Restrict certain strategies
- Sometimes exclude some table games entirely during bonus play
You don’t need to agree with it. You just need to know it before you claim.
Common Wagering Requirement Traps
Trap 1: Max Bet Limits
Many bonuses have a max bet limit while bonus funds are active. If you go over it, the casino may void bonus winnings.
Trap 2: Excluded Games
Some games do not count toward wagering. Worse, some casinos allow you to play them but later refuse the winnings.
Trap 3: Short Expiry Timers
A good bonus can become a bad bonus if you don’t have time to clear it. If it expires, you may lose bonus funds and bonus-linked winnings.
Trap 4: Max Cashout Caps
Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from bonus play, even if you win more.
Trap 5: Withdrawal Cancels The Bonus
Some casinos treat a withdrawal request as forfeiting the bonus and the bonus winnings. Always check that rule before cashing out early.
If you want a simple, safe checklist that catches these traps fast, use The Ultimate Checklist Before Claiming Any Casino Bonus (article #60).
How To Clear Wagering Faster Without Doing Anything Stupid
This isn’t about “beating the casino.” It’s about clearing requirements with fewer surprises.
Choose Games With High Contribution
Slots are usually the cleanest for clearing playthrough, especially if they count 100%.
Keep Bets Consistent
Jumping between tiny spins and big spins is how people accidentally break max bet rules or burn bankroll too fast.
Don’t Chase Losses
Wagering is a volume requirement. If you chase, you usually end up betting bigger and making mistakes.
Track Progress Every Session
Check the bonus tracker and the timer each session. If you’re not moving fast enough, you can decide to stop and forfeit before you waste more time.
If you want to see the math in detail and understand what casinos are actually calculating behind the scenes, read How Playthrough Calculations Actually Work (article #4).
FAQs On Wagering Requirements In Casino Bonuses
What Is A Wagering Requirement?
A wagering requirement is the total amount you must bet before bonus-related winnings can be withdrawn. It’s usually shown as a multiplier like 30x the bonus amount.
Does Every Bet Count Toward Wagering?
No. Casinos use game contribution rules, so some games count 100% and others count much less, or even 0% if excluded.
Is Bonus-Only Wagering Better Than Deposit + Bonus?
Usually yes. Bonus-only wagering requires less total betting. Deposit + bonus wagering can double the playthrough even with the same multiplier.
What Happens If I Withdraw Before Clearing Wagering?
Some casinos block the withdrawal until you clear the requirement. Others allow it but treat it as forfeiting the bonus and any bonus-linked winnings.
How Do I Clear Wagering Faster?
Pick games with high contribution (often slots), avoid excluded games, stay under max bet limits, and track progress and expiry timers each session.
Where To Go Next
Now that you understand what wagering requirements are, the next step is learning how casinos calculate playthrough progress in real time and why the numbers don’t always move the way you expect.
Next Article: How Playthrough Calculations Actually Work (article #4)
Next Steps
If you’re betting spreads, read: How To Choose The Safest Casino Bonuses (article #19)
If you’re betting totals, read: How To Clear Bonuses Faster Using Smart Game Selection (article #31)
Want a deeper edge? Use: How To Track Wagering Progress Efficiently (article #38)
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