How to Calculate Casino Bonus Wagering Requirements

The basic formula

Total to bet = bonus × wagering. With a €100 bonus and 35x wagering, you must place €3,500 in bets before withdrawing. Some offers apply wagering to deposit plus bonus: with a €100 deposit and a €100 bonus, that's (100 + 100) × 35 = €7,000.

Estimating the real value

Each bet returns its RTP on average. On a 96% slot, you lose about 4% of everything you bet. Average loss = total to bet × (1 − RTP). In the first example, €3,500 × 4% = €140, which is more than the €100 bonus: on average, that offer has negative value. At 20x, the loss falls to €80 and the bonus is worth about +€20.

The other conditions that matter

Check the maximum bet allowed while the bonus is active, often around €5 per spin, because breaking it can void your winnings. Check game contribution, since table games often count far less than slots. And check the deadline and any cap on winnings.

A quick rule of thumb

Below 25x is fairly good, above 40x is hard to clear. A small bonus with no wagering is often worth more than a big one at 40x.

Try the wagering calculator

FAQ

What does 40x wagering mean?

You must bet 40 times the bonus amount, or 40 times deposit plus bonus depending on the offer, before you can withdraw.

Is a no-wagering bonus better?

Usually yes: winnings can be withdrawn straight away, so even a smaller bonus keeps a positive value.

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Strategy and maths reduce the house edge, but never remove it. 18+, play responsibly.