Online casinos aggressively market their deposit bonuses, making it seem like they are handing out free money.
The reality is that these promotional funds are heavily restricted by a mechanism called a playthrough requirement.
What Exactly is a Wagering Requirement?
A wagering requirement is a multiplier that dictates exactly how much money you must bet before you can withdraw.
For example, if you receive a $100 bonus with a 30x requirement, you must place $3,000 worth of bets.
- The goal of the casino is for you to lose the bonus money before hitting the target
- Always check if the multiplier applies only to the bonus, or the deposit + bonus combined
- Understanding this math is crucial to determining if an offer is actually worth taking
Not All Casino Games Count Equally
Casinos are smart; they know which games have the lowest house edge, and they restrict them accordingly.
Live dealer games and high-RTP table games are frequently excluded from bonus wagering entirely (0% contribution).
| Game Type | Weighting % | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Live Casino | 0% | Avoid completely while bonus is active |
| Scratch Cards | 100% | Excellent option for clearing funds |
The secret to beating these requirements is to find low-volatility slots that pay out small amounts frequently.
