Unpacking Casino Wagering Requirements

The Most Misunderstood Casino Term
It's exciting to see a big bonus added to your casino account. Then, you discover the money isn't immediately available for casino withdrawal. The reason for this is typically the wagering requirement, a standard rule for most casino promotions.

What is a Wagering Requirement?
It's a rule set by the casino that obligates you to bet your bonus amount a certain number of times before it's converted to your cash balance.

Consider this scenario:

You get a $50 bonus on a $50 deposit. The wagering requirement is 30x the bonus amount. To clear the bonus, you must wager a total of $1,500.

Your goal is to reach a total betting volume of $1,500 to fulfill the requirement.

Things to Look Out For
The devil is often in the details when it comes to these conditions.

Consideration Explanation

The Basis of Calculation Some casinos apply the wagering requirement only to the bonus amount, while others apply it to the bonus PLUS your deposit. The second type is much harder to clear.

Game Contributions Not all games contribute equally to meeting the requirement. Bets on slots usually contribute 100%, but table games like blackjack or casino roulette might only contribute 10% or even 0%.

Expiration Dates Be aware of the time limit. If you don't complete the wagering in time, you will lose everything connected to the bonus.

Max Bet Rules Casinos often impose a maximum bet size (e.g., $5) while playing with bonus funds. Exceeding this can void your bonus.

Should You Claim a Bonus?
Even with these rules, promotions can provide a significant advantage. The extra funds can enhance your entertainment and potential for winning. A clear understanding of the rules is essential for leveraging bonuses effectively.