Wagering requirements explained
A wagering requirement, also called a playthrough or rollover, is the condition that decides whether bonus money ever becomes withdrawable. It states how many times you must bet an amount before cashing out. Every other bonus rule matters less than this one. The examples below use invented figures so that you can apply the same method to any real offer you read on an operator's site.
The basic calculation
Required turnover = amount the requirement applies to × multiplier. With a €40 bonus and 30× wagering on the bonus only, the turnover is €1,200. If the requirement applies to a €40 deposit plus a €40 bonus, the base becomes €80 and the turnover €2,400. The wording "deposit + bonus" doubles the work. It is usually written in the terms, not in the headline.
Expected cost
The long-run return of a game tells you roughly what wagering costs on average. A slot returning 96% keeps about 4% of everything staked over time. On €1,200 of turnover, that is about €48 of expected loss. On €2,400, it is about €96. Compare that with the €40 bonus and you see why a high multiplier can make a bonus worth less than nothing on average. Short-term results vary a lot, so you may do better or worse, but the average does not change.
| Example (€40 bonus, 96% return) | Turnover | Expected cost |
|---|---|---|
| 10× bonus only | €400 | about €16 |
| 30× bonus only | €1,200 | about €48 |
| 30× deposit + bonus (€80) | €2,400 | about €96 |
| 50× bonus only | €2,000 | about €80 |
Game contribution
Not every bet counts in full. Terms often say slots contribute 100%, while table games, live casino or certain high-return slots contribute 10%, 5% or nothing. If blackjack counts 10%, €1,000 of blackjack bets adds only €100 to your wagering. Some games are excluded entirely, and playing them with bonus funds can void the bonus.
Other rules that interact with wagering
- Maximum bet while wagering is active, for example €5 per spin in the terms.
- Time limit to complete the turnover, after which the bonus and its winnings expire.
- Order of funds: whether your real money or the bonus is used first.
- Withdrawal before completion usually cancels the bonus and its winnings.
Why regulators cap it
High wagering keeps players betting long after they planned to stop. For that reason, some regulators cap the multiplier at a low level or ban certain offers outright. Check what applies where you live. If you notice that you are playing mainly to finish a wagering requirement, it is a good moment to stop. See the responsible gambling page. Related: bonus terms, the welcome bonus and free spins.