Wagering requirements explained
GokBonusExpert Editorial Team — Updated: 26-06-2026
Learn how it works and calculate yourself how much you need to bet before you can withdraw.
Yet they remain one of the least understood concepts for new players.
This guide demystifies wagering requirements with plain-language explanations, examples and practical tips for meeting them efficiently.
What is a wagering requirement?
A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough requirement, rollover or turnover) is a condition attached to casino bonuses that specifies how many times you must bet the bonus amount before any associated winnings become withdrawable as real money.
The basic formula: Amount to wager = Bonus amount × Wagering multiplier
How wagering requirements are applied
Different casinos apply wagering in different ways.
Understanding which method applies is critical.
Wagering on bonus only
Wagering on bonus + deposit
Required wagering: (€100 + €100) × 35 = €7,000
Wagering on winnings only (free spins)
For free spin bonuses, wagering sometimes applies only to winnings generated from the spins, not to the spin value itself.
Sticky bonus vs non-sticky bonus
What is a good wagering requirement?
Industry benchmarks:
comparison
Game contribution percentages: the hidden multiplier
Not all games count equally towards meeting wagering.
This is the hidden multiplier that makes wagering requirements harder than they initially appear.
Typical contribution rates:
| Game type | Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Scratch cards | 50–100% |
| Keno | 50–100% |
| Roulette | 10–20% |
| Blackjack | 5–20% |
| Baccarat | 10–20% |
| Video poker | 0–10% |
| Live casino games | 0–10% |
| Progressive jackpot slots | 0–10% |
Practical example: working through a wagering requirement
You play €0.
50 per spin on a 96% RTP slot:
- Net cost per spin: €0.02
- To complete €3,500 wagering: 3,500 ÷ 0.50 = 7,000 spins required
- Expected total loss from wagering: 7,000 × €0.02 = €140
Maximum stake during wagering
Almost all casinos impose a maximum stake per bet while playing with active bonus funds.
Playing above this limit can result in:
- Immediate forfeiture of the bonus
- Cancellation of all bonus-derived winnings
- Account suspension in serious cases
Always locate and respect the maximum stake rule before playing with a bonus.
Tips for meeting wagering requirements efficiently
**2.
Play at a consistent stake**: Stick to a moderate stake (e.
g.
€0.
50 to €1.
00 per spin) to balance speed of wagering completion against risk of depleting the bonus.
**3.
Check contribution rates**: Avoid games with reduced contribution rates while wagering is active.
Most casinos clearly state contribution rates in the bonus terms.
**4.
**5.
Time management**: Know when the wagering window closes.
A bonus with 14-day wagering that you forget for 7 days leaves you with half the time to clear twice the requirement.
**6.
Wagering requirements by casino
- Staxino: competitive wagering terms
- Likes.bet: transparent terms across casino and sports
- BetOranje: Dutch-language clarity on all bonus conditions
Compare the full range on our welcome bonus comparison page.
Frequently asked questions about wagering requirements
**What happens to my real money deposit during wagering?
**
Your real-money balance is separate from your bonus balance at most casinos.
Check the terms before withdrawing.
**Can I choose which games to play to meet wagering faster?
**
Yes.
Choose based on your priorities.
**Do all casino promotions have wagering requirements?
**
**What is a "wager-free" bonus?
**
**Can I cancel my bonus if I cannot meet the wagering?
**
Most casinos allow you to forfeit an active bonus in your account settings.
Doing so removes the bonus balance and any wagering progress, returning you to a real-money balance only.
Conclusion
How casinos communicate wagering requirements
Casinos present wagering requirements in different ways in their promotions.
Common formats:
When the format is unclear from the headline, always read the full terms.
Ambiguous presentation can significantly affect actual requirements.
The psychological aspect of wagering
Wagering requirements serve a dual purpose.
Commercially, they protect casinos from offering pure cash giveaways.
Psychologically, they keep players engaged for longer — creating more game sessions and more opportunity for the casino to earn from the player's activity.
Understanding this commercial logic does not mean bonuses lack value — they do provide extended playing time and genuine winning potential.
Checking whether a casino offers fair wagering before depositing
Before depositing at any new casino:
- Confirm the wagering multiplier and what it applies to
- Check the maximum stake during wagering
- Note the time limit
- Verify game contribution rates for your preferred games