Understanding Wagering Requirements (2026)
Wagering requirements are the most important rule to understand before you claim any casino bonus. They determine how much you must play before you can withdraw winnings from bonus money or free spins. This guide explains what wagering requirements are, how they work, real examples, common traps, and tips to beat them in 2026.
Quick Picks: Popular Casinos for Fair Wagering
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough or rollover) are the number of times you must bet the bonus amount (or bonus + deposit) before you can cash out any winnings. They are set by casinos to prevent bonus abuse and ensure players actually play before withdrawing.
- Expressed as a multiplier (e.g. 30x, 40x, 50x)
- Apply to bonus money, free spins winnings, or deposit + bonus
- Must be completed before you can withdraw bonus-related winnings
- Every game you play counts toward the requirement (but some count more than others)
How Wagering Requirements Work
Let's break it down with a simple example:
- You claim a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement.
- You must wager $3,000 total ($100 x 30) before you can withdraw any winnings from the bonus.
- If the requirement is on deposit + bonus, and you deposited $100, you'd need to wager $6,000 ($200 x 30).
- Most slots, scratch card games and keno count 100% toward wagering, but table games often count less (sometimes 10% or 20%).
Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonuses: What's the Difference?
Sticky bonuses (sometimes called 'phantom' or 'play only' bonuses) and non-sticky bonuses ('parachute' or 'cashable') determine what happens to your bonus (and winnings) once wagering is complete.
- Sticky Bonus: The bonus amount itself cannot be withdrawn - only your winnings above the bonus. When you finish wagering, the original bonus is removed from your balance.
- Non-Sticky Bonus: Both the bonus and any winnings can be withdrawn after completing wagering. These are the best value for players.
- With a sticky $100 bonus: You finish wagering and have $300. The casino removes the $100 bonus - you can cash out $200.
- With a non-sticky $100 bonus: You finish wagering with $300. You can withdraw the full $300.
For more options, see our casino reviews directory.
Types of Wagering Requirements
- Bonus Only: Requirement applies only to the bonus amount.
- Deposit + Bonus: You must wager both your deposit and the bonus together.
- Free Spins Winnings: Requirement applies to any winnings from free spins (e.g. win $10 from free spins, must wager $10 x 50).
- No Wagering: Rare, but some casinos (like Winz Casino) offer free spins with zero wagering - winnings paid as cash.
Eligible Games & Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Most casinos provide a table showing how much each game counts:
- Slots: 100% (every $1 wagered counts as $1)
- Roulette: 10-20% (every $1 wagered counts as $0.10-$0.20)
- Blackjack, Baccarat: 0-10%
- Live Casino: Often excluded or low contribution
- High RTP slots: Often excluded or reduced contribution
Other Key Bonus Rules to Know
- Maximum Bet: Most casinos limit the max bet allowed when wagering a bonus (often $5 per spin/hand). See our casino bonus max bet rules guide for examples, common limits, and how to avoid voided winnings.
- Bonus Expiry: Wagering must be completed within a time frame (usually 7-30 days).
- Withdrawal Limits: Some bonuses cap the amount you can win/withdraw from bonus funds - see Max Cashout Rules Explained.
- Excluded Games: Some games don't count at all - always check the bonus terms.
- Multiple Bonuses: You can't claim more than one welcome bonus at a time.
How to Beat Wagering Requirements
- Choose casinos with low or no wagering requirements
- Play games with high contribution rates (usually slots)
- Don't exceed the max bet while wagering
- Track your wagering progress - most casinos show it in your account
- Don't chase losses: bonus play is for fun, not guaranteed profit
- Cash out as soon as requirements are met - don't risk winnings on further play!
- Opt for bonuses with reasonable expiry dates
Real Example: Calculating Wagering Requirements
- You claim a $50 bonus at 40x wagering. You must wager $2,000 before you can withdraw bonus winnings.
- If you win $15 from free spins with a 50x wagering requirement, you must wager $750.
- Playing slots, every $1 counts. On roulette, $1 may only count as $0.10.
- If you break the max bet limit ($5), the casino may void your bonus/winnings.
- Once the wagering is complete, request withdrawal - don't wait for the bonus to expire!
FAQ: Wagering Requirements
Why do casinos have wagering requirements?
They protect casinos from abuse and ensure bonuses are used for play, not instant withdrawals.
Can I find bonuses with no wagering requirements?
Yes! Some casinos (like Winz Casino) offer free spins and cash bonuses with zero wagering. Winnings are paid as cash instantly.
What happens if I don't finish wagering before expiry?
The bonus and any winnings from it are usually forfeited.
Do all games contribute the same?
No - slots usually count 100%, but table games and live casino count less or are excluded.
Can I withdraw my deposit before meeting wagering requirements?
No - your deposit is usually locked until requirements are met if the bonus is attached.
How do I track my wagering progress?
Most casinos show progress in your account. Contact support if you're unsure.
What's a reasonable wagering requirement?
20x-30x is considered fair in 2026. The lower, the better!
Do wagering requirements apply to real-money winnings too?
Usually, wagering requirements only apply to bonus funds and winnings that come from the bonus. Your original deposit is often withdrawable, but if the bonus is attached it may lock the deposit until you either meet the wagering requirement or forfeit/cancel the bonus (if allowed by the casino).
What does 'bonus + deposit wagering' mean in plain English?
It means the casino calculates playthrough using both your deposit and the bonus amount together. For example, deposit $100 and get a $100 bonus with 30x wagering: you may need to wager $6,000 total because 30x applies to $200, not just the $100 bonus.
What is a max bet rule and why does it matter?
A max bet rule limits how much you can stake per spin/hand while a bonus is active (often $/€5). If you go over the limit, casinos may confiscate bonus winnings or void the bonus, even if you were close to completing wagering.
What is game contribution and how can it slow wagering down?
Game contribution is the percentage of your wagers that count toward playthrough. Slots often contribute 100%, while roulette or blackjack might contribute 10% or 0%. If you wager $100 on a 10% contribution game, only $10 counts toward your wagering target.
What is a wagering requirement time limit (bonus expiry)?
Most bonuses have a deadline (commonly 7 to 30 days) to complete wagering. If you miss the deadline, the casino typically removes the bonus and any bonus-related winnings.
How can I tell if a bonus is sticky or non-sticky before I claim it?
Check the bonus terms for wording like 'bonus funds are not withdrawable' (sticky) versus 'bonus and winnings can be withdrawn after wagering' (non-sticky). If the terms are vague, ask support to confirm in writing before you deposit.
What does 'max cashout' mean on a bonus?
A max cashout cap limits how much you can withdraw from bonus play, even if you win more (see Max Cashout Rules Explained). For example, a $25 no-deposit bonus might have a $100 max cashout, meaning you can only withdraw up to $100 from those bonus winnings.
For more options, see our casino reviews directory.
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