The one-minute formula
- Wagering total = bonus × multiplier (or (deposit + bonus) × multiplier, if that is how the terms read).
- Expected cost = wagering total × house edge of your game.
- Value = bonus − expected cost.
| Bonus | Multiplier | Wagering total | Cost at 4% edge | Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | 20x | $2,000 | $80 | +$20 |
| $100 | 35x | $3,500 | $140 | −$40 |
| $100 | 50x | $5,000 | $200 | −$100 |
| $500 | 30x | $15,000 | $600 | −$100 |
These are averages over many players. Any one player can do better or worse. But the table shows why the multiplier matters more than the size of the bonus.
Game weighting
| Game | Typical weighting |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Crash, dice, plinko | often 0–50% |
| Blackjack, roulette | often 0–20% |
| Live casino | often 0–10% |
If only 10% of a blackjack bet counts, you need ten times the betting to clear the same amount.
Rules that void bonuses
- Max bet. Often a fixed cap per spin while wagering.
- Excluded games. Playing them may not count, or may void the bonus.
- Time limit. Commonly days to weeks.
- Several accounts. One bonus per person, household or device.
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Deposit plus bonus: the multiplier that doubles
Some casinos apply the requirement to the bonus alone, others to the deposit plus the bonus. The difference is large. With a C$100 deposit and a C$100 bonus at 35x:
| Requirement applies to | Wagering needed | Expected cost at a 4% edge |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus only | C$3,500 | about C$140 |
| Deposit plus bonus | C$7,000 | about C$280 |
At C$280 of expected cost for C$100 of bonus, the second offer is worth less than nothing on average. The terms say which base applies; look for the words "deposit and bonus".
Game weighting in a worked example
If slots count 100% and blackjack counts 10%, C$3,500 of wagering takes C$3,500 of slot spins or C$35,000 of blackjack hands. That is why table players rarely gain from a bonus: the low edge that makes blackjack attractive is exactly why the casino weights it down.
Max bet, time limits and crypto balances
Two more rules catch players out. A maximum bet while wagering, often a small fixed amount per spin, voids the bonus if exceeded once. A time limit, often 7 to 30 days, cancels what is left of the bonus when it runs out. With a crypto balance, check how the casino converts the max bet into your coin: a limit set in dollars moves in Bitcoin terms as the price moves.
When to skip the bonus
If you want to withdraw soon, if you prefer table games or crash, or if the multiplier is high, play without a bonus. You keep the freedom to withdraw at any time. The bonus guide lists the alternatives, such as cashback and rakeback.
Rewards without wagering work differently: see cashback and rakeback. Terms are defined in the glossary.
Questions and answers
What is a wagering requirement?
The total amount you must bet before a bonus, or the winnings from it, becomes withdrawable. It is written as a multiplier, such as 35x.
Is wagering on the bonus or on deposit plus bonus?
It depends on the casino. 35x on deposit plus bonus is twice as heavy as 35x on the bonus alone, for a 100% match.
How do I estimate the cost of wagering?
Multiply the total you must bet by the house edge of the game you play. $7,000 on a 96% RTP slot costs about $280 on average.
What is game weighting?
How much each game counts toward wagering. Slots often count 100%; blackjack may count 10% or nothing.
What is a max bet rule?
A cap on each bet while a bonus is active. Betting above it can void the bonus and winnings.
What is a good wagering requirement?
Lower is better. Under about 25x on the bonus is generally reasonable on slots; above 40x is heavy.
What happens if I do not finish in time?
The bonus, and usually any winnings from it, are removed when the time limit expires.
Can I play crash games to clear a bonus?
Often they count partly or not at all. Metaspins, for example, groups crash and limbo games together in its bonus rules.
What is a max cash-out?
A cap on how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings. Not every bonus has one; check the terms.
Is a bonus ever worth it?
Yes, when the wagering is low, the games you like count fully and you planned to play that much anyway.