Wagering Requirements Explained
Wagering requirements are the single most misunderstood part of casino bonuses. This guide unpacks the maths, the tricks operators use, and how to tell a good bonus from a bonus that's engineered to lose you money.
Reviewed by the Slots Irish Editorial Team · Last updated 4 October 2026
1. What is a wagering requirement?
A wagering requirement (also called 'playthrough' or 'rollover') is a multiplier that tells you how much total betting you must do before your bonus winnings become withdrawable cash. For example, a €100 bonus × 35× wagering = €3,500 of total turnover required.
It exists because casinos would lose money if players could deposit €100, take a €100 bonus, bet once and cash out €200. The wagering requirement means you must bet the bonus value a set number of times before any winnings become withdrawable.
2. Bonus-only vs Deposit+Bonus wagering
Two wagering models dominate:
Bonus-only (B)
Only the bonus amount is subject to wagering. €100 bonus × 35× = €3,500 turnover. Cheaper for the player than deposit + bonus wagering. Best Irish Casinos
Deposit + Bonus (D+B)
Both your deposit AND the bonus are subject to wagering. €100 deposit + €100 bonus = €200 × 35× = €7,000 turnover. Twice as expensive for the player as bonus-only wagering. wagering calculator
3. How slot contribution affects wagering
Not all games count equally toward wagering. Typical percentages:
Slots often contribute 100%, meaning every €1 wagered counts as €1 toward the requirement, but this varies by operator and game.
Blackjack, roulette and baccarat usually contribute far less than slots, and are sometimes excluded entirely. A €100 blackjack bet might count as only a small fraction of that toward wagering.
High-RTP slots are sometimes excluded from wagering contribution, because a low house edge makes it cheaper for players to clear a bonus on them. Always check the excluded-slots list in the bonus T&Cs before you start. Clearing wagering on an excluded slot means you've done the betting for no credit.
Always check the excluded-slots list in the bonus T&Cs before you start. Clearing wagering on an excluded slot means you've done the betting for no credit.
4. Max bet restrictions during wagering
Almost every bonus has a max-bet cap while wagering is active. Betting above the cap can void the entire bonus and any winnings, even if the excess bet happened in one of 500 spins.
Set your spin stake before clicking spin. Most casinos do not warn you before you bust the cap; it's enforced silently in the T&Cs.
5. Calculating the real EV of a bonus
Use the formula:
Expected value = Bonus amount − (Turnover × House edge)
Example: a €100 bonus with 35× bonus-only wagering on a slot with a 4% house edge. Turnover = €3,500. Expected loss = €140. Net EV = €100 − €140 = −€40. You're expected to lose €40 clearing the bonus.
A wagering calculator can run this maths for you, so you can compare the real cost of different bonus offers before you claim. wagering calculator
6. What makes a good bonus
A bonus is good when EV is positive or break-even. That usually requires:
• A lower wagering multiplier, since the total turnover you must bet rises with the multiplier
• Bonus-only (B), not D+B
• No max cashout cap, or a cap that is high relative to the bonus amount
• Slot contribution 100%
• A generous expiry window, since you must claim and use the bonus, and meet the wagering, before your time runs out
• A max-bet cap that is high enough to let you play at your normal stake
Zero-wagering offers, where no playthrough is required at all, are the simplest deal to understand, but they are rare and usually smaller in headline amount.