Wagering Requirements Explained
Last Updated on July 3, 2025 by Mary Henderson
Ever score a sweet bonus only to realize you can’t actually cash it out? Yeah, welcome to the club.
If you’re new to wagering requirements (or just haven’t ever bothered about fine print), these sneaky terms can be really confusing. Been there.
You see, there are different wagering requirements for different bonuses. Then, each has its own terms – what games you can play to meet the rollover or how much time you have to wager it before you lose your bonus and winnings.
So, yes, having the slightest idea of what wagering requirements are ain’t enough.
Stick with me if you wanna know what wagering requirements actually are, how they work, what to watch out for, and how to spot a casino bonus that’s worth it. Plus, how low or high those rollover conditions should be, the best type of bonuses for beginners, and how to avoid offers that look good but don’t deliver.
Know what you’re getting into, and here’s how.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
You thought casinos just throw in cool bonuses and call it a day? Well, the house is always in the win, even when it comes to bonuses.
In plain English? Wagering requirements are the number of times you need to wager your bonus (sometimes it’s the bonus + deposit) before you’re allowed to cash out. So, yes, you’ve gotta play a bit before you can withdraw anything from a bonus.
Why Wagering Requirements Exist
Casinos are businesses. They’re not gonna hand out free funds, actually, for free. First, they’re in place to prevent bonus abuse – you know, players grabbing fresh cash and ghosting the casino without ever playing.
But also? That’s how casinos keep games fair for all users, making sure there’s actual play, not some people farming free spins and bonus cash.
How Playthrough Requirements Work
Let me break it down nice and easy.
First, there’s a multiplier, such as 30x – the number of times you need to wager your bonus (or bonus + deposit). Say, you get a $200 bonus with a 30x playthrough condition. You’ll have to bet $6,000 before the casino will let you cash out your winnings. Sure, it adds up fast.
Then, not all games count equally. While slots usually count 100%, games like roulette or blackjack can only count 10% or less. For some games, it’s nada.
What’s more, there are also time limits. You might actually have only 7 days to meet the condition. Some can go as far as 30 days. What happens if you don’t stay within the limits? Bye-bye bonus.
Wagering Terms by Bonus Type (Cuz It’s Never the Same)
Not all bonuses play by the same rules. And here’s a lowdown on how wagering terms differ by bonus type.
Welcome Bonus: Typical wagering is 30x – 50x the bonus amount or bonus + deposit. Some sites can sneak in bigger playthroughs.
Reload Bonus: This is for regulars. The usual wagering is 25x to 45x. This bonus is usually smaller, so the strings attached are lighter as well.
No Deposit Bonus: Free cash or spins, no deposit needed. But nothing’s ever really free at a casino, right? The typical playthrough is 40x to 60x, with max withdrawal caps. So, you’ll have to jump through hoops to cash it out, but good for a test drive, though.
Free Spins: Everyone’s top choice. It’s me, but some experts also think that “free spins come with lower wagering requirements than cash bonuses,” something like 20x to 40x. The good news is that some casinos offer wager-free spins, such as the all-time fave here in Canada – PlayOJO Casino.
Cashback: You’ll like this one if you had a rough day at the reels. The basic wagering is 1x to 10x (sometimes wager-free). They’re like the most user-friendly type of bonus.
High vs Low Rollover: What’s the Sweet Spot?
High wagering requirements are usually the ones starting at 40x. Did you know that some casinos offer bonuses with wagering terms of 200x? It usually applies to bonuses with small deposits, like $1, but still.
Low wagering is typically below 40x. I’d even say lower than 30x. Something between 10x and 20x. Obviously, it gives you a better shot at turning a bonus into cash. But low wagering requirements usually mean smaller bonuses or lower max cashout.
So, what’s that sweet spot?
From what I see at online casinos in Canada, the most common wagering is 30x and higher. And it’s actually pretty realistic. You can actually clear your bonus without going broke.
Best Bonuses with Low Wagering Requirements
1
100%, up to $1,600
- Outstanding four-part welcome offer for new players
- Decent live dealer casino section
- Long-lasting casino, operating since 1998
2
$1,500 Bonus + 100 Free Spins
- Over 2,500 games from A-list providers
- Wide range of payment options, crypto included
- AGCO registration and iGaming Ontario operating agreement
3
50 Free Spins No Wagering
- Award-winning gaming platform
- Licensed in Canada
- Over 3,000 games from industry’s premium providers
4
100% Up to $750 + 200 FS + 1 Bonus Crab
- Wide selection of games from top providers
- Excellent selection of promotions
- Multiple payment methods (crypto included)
5
100% Bonus Up to $700 + 100 FS on Gates of Olympus
- Generous welcome package and various promos
- Over 9,000 games from big-name brands
- Multi-tier VIP system
How to Read Wagering Terms Like a Pro
Wagering requirements can either make or break your fun, so here’s what you need to keep an eye on before you claim any bonus.
Actual Wagering Number
This is a biggie. Like I said, if you see something lower than 30x, you’re most probably dealing with a small bonus and some pretty low max cashout limits (look for that too). If it’s higher than 50x, it will eat up your bonus together with your winnings.
30x seems like the golden mean. Well, 35x and 40x are also acceptable.
What It Applies To
Is it just the bonus money, or bonus + deposit that you have to wager? It’s a big difference. That can double the grind.
Which Games Count (and How Much?)
Slots usually count 100%, while table games and video poker often count little to zero. Be aware that high-RTP slots can also count less. So, make sure to check for game eligibility before you start playing the wrong game.
Max Bet Limits
Did you know that casinos can also cap your max bet per spin while wagering? Break this rule, and your bonus wins will vanish real quick. Sometimes it can be as low as $1 or $5 per spin.
Time Limits
If anything, bonus offers expire fast, sometimes within 7 days. Miss the deadline for meeting its wagering requirement, and poof – no bonus, no wins.
By the way, some casinos may even require you to have a minimum balance before you’re allowed to cash out your bonus winnings, even if you’ve already met all the wagering requirements and so on. They ain’t gonna let us just have it, right?
The Bottom Line? Always Read the Fine Print
Look, guys, all this is in the T&Cs. It takes a few seconds to read, but at least you know you’re claiming a real bonus, not some maze of wagering after wagering.
The red flags to watch out for? Crazy high wagering requirements, overly small max bet per spins (you’re gonna wager that bonus for years), too-short time limits, certain payment options excluded, “bonus abuse” claims time after time – don’t do this, don’t do that (or just an excuse to take your bonus, huh?), and the biggest red flag – terms that are hard to find or read. It’s a hard pass at once.
Want a piece of advice I usually use? If any wagering requirement makes you think, “This is gonna take forever,” run for good.
Safe plays, friend.
This article is written by Mary, a seasoned professional with a rich background as a casino croupier now transitioned into a digital publisher with a keen focus on the online casino scene. With years of firsthand experience on the casino floor, Mary offers her unique perspective to the digital world of gambling.
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