Wagering Requirements Calculator
Calculate the true cost of casino bonuses before you accept them. Understand how much you need to wager, your expected loss while clearing, and whether a bonus actually has positive value.
🎰 Wagering Requirements Calculator
Calculate how much you need to wager to clear a bonus and your expected loss during the process.
🎲 Bets Required to Clear
Calculate how many bets or spins you need to complete the wagering requirements.
Note: If game contribution is less than 100%, you need to wager more to meet requirements. Playing blackjack at 10% contribution means $1 bet only counts as $0.10 toward wagering.
⚖️ Quick Bonus Comparison
Compare two bonus offers to see which provides better mathematical value.
Bonus A
Bonus B
Understanding Wagering Requirements: The Hidden Cost of Casino Bonuses
Wagering requirements are the most important factor in determining whether a casino bonus actually has value. They specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. This calculator helps you understand the true mathematics behind these requirements, based on principles documented by organizations like the UK Gambling Commission.
For example, a "$100 bonus with 30x wagering" means you must place $3,000 in total bets before you can cash out. During that $3,000 in wagering, the house edge will cost you money. If you're playing slots with a 4% house edge, you'll lose an expected $120 just trying to clear the bonus—more than the bonus itself is worth.
How to Calculate Bonus Expected Value
The expected value (EV) of a bonus is calculated using this formula, which is based on standard expected value principles in probability theory:
Bonus EV = Bonus Amount - (Total Wagering × House Edge)
Example: $100 bonus with 30x wagering playing slots (4% edge)
EV = $100 - ($3,000 × 0.04) = $100 - $120 = -$20
A negative EV means you're mathematically expected to lose money by taking the bonus. A positive EV means the bonus has real value. Most bonuses with high wagering requirements (40x or more) have negative expected value.
Wagering Requirement Comparison Table
This table shows the expected value of a $100 bonus at different wagering levels, assuming you play slots with a 4% house edge. For more on understanding house edge, see our house edge calculator.
| Wagering (x) | Total Wagering | Expected Loss | Net EV | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10x | $1,000 | $40 | +$60 | Good Value |
| 20x | $2,000 | $80 | +$20 | Slight Value |
| 25x | $2,500 | $100 | $0 | Break Even |
| 30x | $3,000 | $120 | -$20 | Negative EV |
| 40x | $4,000 | $160 | -$60 | Poor Value |
| 50x | $5,000 | $200 | -$100 | Very Poor |
Game Contribution: The Hidden Multiplier
Game contribution rates determine how much each bet counts toward clearing wagering requirements. Most casinos weight games differently to prevent players from using low-edge games to clear bonuses profitably. Research from the eCOGRA independent testing agency shows that these contribution rates are a standard industry practice.
- Slots: Usually 100% contribution. $1 bet = $1 toward wagering.
- Roulette: Often 10-20% contribution. $10 bet = $1-$2 toward wagering.
- Blackjack: Typically 5-10% contribution. $10 bet = $0.50-$1 toward wagering.
- Video Poker: Usually 0-10% contribution. May be excluded entirely.
- Baccarat: Often 10-20% contribution. Some casinos exclude it.
Lower contribution means you need to wager more total money to clear the requirement. Playing blackjack at 10% contribution on a 30x bonus effectively requires 300x wagering—making it mathematically impossible to profit.
Deposit + Bonus vs. Bonus Only Wagering
Pay close attention to whether wagering is calculated on the bonus only or on deposit + bonus. This distinction doubles the actual requirement. For comprehensive information about bonus terms, see our casino bonus guide. For no-deposit bonuses, wagering typically ranges from 40x-99x with strict withdrawal caps.
- "30x bonus": $100 deposit + $100 bonus = $3,000 wagering (on the $100 bonus)
- "30x deposit + bonus": $100 deposit + $100 bonus = $6,000 wagering (on the $200 total)
The second scenario requires twice as much wagering, doubling your expected loss and making the bonus significantly less valuable.
When Are Bonuses Worth Taking?
Based on the mathematics, a bonus has positive expected value when:
- Low Wagering: Requirements under 25x on bonus-only typically provide value.
- High Contribution Games: If you can play games with 100% contribution at low house edge.
- No Maximum Win Caps: Some bonuses limit how much you can win, reducing upside.
- No Sticky Rules: Sticky bonuses are removed upon withdrawal, reducing value.
For most casual players, the entertainment value and variance (chance of a big win) may make bonuses worthwhile despite negative EV. However, you should understand the true cost before accepting. For more on variance and gambling mathematics, see our guide on variance and expected value.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are wagering requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) specify how many times you must wager the bonus amount before you can withdraw winnings. For example, a $100 bonus with 30x wagering means you must place $3,000 in total bets before withdrawal. They ensure the casino recoups some value from bonuses offered.
How is expected loss calculated while clearing a bonus?
Expected loss is calculated by multiplying your total wagering requirement by the house edge of the games you play. If you must wager $3,000 on slots with a 4% house edge, your expected loss is $3,000 × 0.04 = $120. This is the mathematical cost of clearing the bonus.
Are higher bonuses always better?
Not necessarily. A $500 bonus with 50x wagering has worse expected value than a $100 bonus with 10x wagering. The wagering multiplier is more important than the bonus amount. A smaller bonus with lower wagering requirements often provides better mathematical value.
Can I beat the wagering requirements with a strategy?
No betting system can overcome the mathematical house edge built into wagering requirements. While variance means some players will clear bonuses profitably and others won't, the average result over many attempts will converge to the expected value. Casinos set wagering requirements precisely to ensure long-term profitability.