What Are Wagering Requirements? (Simple Explanation)
If you’ve ever claimed a casino welcome bonus and wondered why you can’t immediately withdraw your winnings, you’ve encountered wagering requirements.
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements or rollover requirements) are conditions that specify how many times you must bet your bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings.
In plain English: Casinos don’t give you free money to immediately cash out. They require you to play through the bonus a certain number of times first.
Why Do Casinos Have Wagering Requirements?
Without wagering requirements, players could:
- Sign up for a $100 bonus
- Place one bet
- Withdraw $100 + winnings
- Never play again
Casinos would lose millions. Wagering requirements ensure players actually use the bonus to play games, giving the casino a chance to profit from the house edge.
Basic Terminology
| Term | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering Requirement | The multiplier applied to your bonus | 30x, 35x, 40x |
| Playthrough | Another term for wagering requirement | Same as above |
| Bonus Amount | The free money/coins you receive | $10, 35 SC, 250K GC |
| Bonus + Deposit | Some casinos require wagering on BOTH | $50 deposit + $50 bonus = $100 to wager |
| Max Bet | Maximum bet size while using bonus | Usually $5-10 per spin |
| Max Cashout | Maximum you can withdraw from bonus winnings | $100-500 for no-deposit bonuses |
Pro Tip: Always read the full bonus terms before claiming any offer. The devil is in the details.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
Calculating wagering requirements is simple math, but many players get confused. Here’s the formula:
Total Wagering Required = Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier
Example 1: Basic Calculation
- Bonus: $20
- Wagering Requirement: 30x
- Calculation: $20 × 30 = $600
- Result: You must place $600 in total bets before withdrawing
Example 2: Bonus + Deposit Wagering
Some casinos (less common in sweepstakes) require wagering on both your deposit AND bonus:
- Your Deposit: $50
- Bonus Received: $50 (100% match)
- Wagering Requirement: 35x (Bonus + Deposit)
- Calculation: ($50 + $50) × 35 = $3,500
- Result: You must wager $3,500 before withdrawal
Warning: This is why you should always check if wagering applies to “Bonus Only” or “Bonus + Deposit”. The latter is significantly harder to complete.
Example 3: Sweepstakes Casino (Best Case)
At most sweepstakes casinos, Sweeps Coins have minimal or zero wagering:
- Bonus: 35 SC (Sweeps Coins)
- Wagering Requirement: 1x
- Calculation: 35 SC × 1 = 35 SC
- Result: Play through 35 SC worth of bets, then redeem for cash
This is why sweepstakes casinos are so popular in the US — the wagering requirements are incredibly player-friendly.
Quick Reference Table
| Bonus Amount | Wagering Multiplier | Total Wagering Required |
|---|---|---|
| $10 | 20x | $200 |
| $10 | 30x | $300 |
| $10 | 40x | $400 |
| $25 | 35x | $875 |
| $50 | 30x | $1,500 |
| $100 | 25x | $2,500 |
| 50 SC | 1x | 50 SC ($50 value) |
| 100 SC | 0x | $0 (play immediately) |
Want to calculate your own bonus? Use our free Wagering Requirements Calculator for instant results.
Real-World Examples: Traditional vs Sweepstakes Casinos
Let’s compare how wagering requirements work in practice across different casino types.
Example A: Traditional Online Casino (High Wagering)
Scenario: You claim a $100 welcome bonus with 40x wagering.
- Bonus: $100
- Wagering: 40x
- Total Required: $100 × 40 = $4,000
- Average Bet: $1 per spin
- Spins Needed: 4,000 spins
- Time Required: ~13 hours at 5 spins/minute
- Expected Loss: $4,000 × 4% house edge = $160 loss
Reality Check: You’re statistically expected to LOSE $160 while trying to clear a $100 bonus. This is why high wagering requirements often aren’t worth it.
Example B: Sweepstakes Casino (Low Wagering)
Scenario: You claim 35 SC at WOW Vegas with 1x wagering.
- Bonus: 35 SC (~$35 redemption value)
- Wagering: 1x
- Total Required: 35 SC × 1 = 35 SC in bets
- Average Bet: 0.5 SC per spin
- Spins Needed: 70 spins
- Time Required: ~15 minutes
- Expected Loss: 35 SC × 4% house edge = 1.4 SC loss (~$1.40)
Verdict: Sweepstakes bonuses are FAR more achievable. You can realistically complete wagering and still have funds to redeem.
Example C: No-Deposit Bonus (Traditional Casino)
Scenario: $20 no-deposit bonus with 50x wagering and $100 max cashout.
- Bonus: $20 (free, no deposit required)
- Wagering: 50x
- Total Required: $20 × 50 = $1,000
- Max Cashout: $100
- Challenge: Even if you win $500, you can only withdraw $100
The Trap: High wagering + low max cashout = very low completion rate. Many players never clear these bonuses.
Compare this to sweepstakes casino no-deposit bonuses, which typically have 0-1x wagering and no max cashout limits on SC redemptions.
What Is a Good Wagering Requirement?
Not all wagering requirements are created equal. Here’s how to judge if a bonus is worth claiming:
Wagering Requirement Quality Scale
| Casino Type | Excellent | Good | Average | Poor | Avoid |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sweepstakes Casinos (SC) | 0x | 1x | 3x | 5x | 10x+ |
| Sweepstakes Casinos (GC) | 0x | 0x | 1x | 3x | 5x+ |
| Traditional Online Casinos | 15x-20x | 20x-30x | 30x-35x | 35x-45x | 50x+ |
| No-Deposit Bonuses | 20x-30x | 30x-40x | 40x-50x | 50x-60x | 70x+ |
Red Flags: When to Walk Away
Avoid bonuses with these characteristics:
- Wagering 50x or higher — Statistically nearly impossible to complete
- Bonus + Deposit wagering — Doubles your playthrough requirement
- Max cashout under 5x bonus — Example: $20 bonus, $50 max cashout
- 7-day expiry on high wagering — Not enough time to complete
- Slots-only with 50% contribution — Means 2x actual wagering
- No game contribution listed — Likely means predatory hidden terms
Why Sweepstakes Casinos Win
The biggest advantage of sweepstakes casinos is their player-friendly wagering:
- Stake.us: 0x wagering on SC (play and redeem immediately)
- WOW Vegas: 1x wagering on SC
- McLuck: 0x wagering on most bonuses
- Chumba: 1x wagering on SC
This is why we recommend sweepstakes casinos for most US players — you actually have a realistic chance of completing the bonus and withdrawing winnings.
Game Contribution Rates Explained
Here’s a critical detail most players miss: Not all games contribute equally toward wagering requirements.
If you bet $100 on blackjack, it might only count as $10-20 toward your wagering. This dramatically increases the actual playthrough needed.
Standard Game Contribution Rates
| Game Type | Typical Contribution | $100 Bet = X Toward Wagering |
|---|---|---|
| Slots (Video Slots) | 100% | $100 |
| Scratch Cards | 100% | $100 |
| Keno | 100% | $100 |
| Roulette (all variants) | 10-20% | $10-20 |
| Blackjack (all variants) | 10-20% | $10-20 |
| Baccarat | 10% | $10 |
| Video Poker | 5-10% or excluded | $5-10 or $0 |
| Craps | 10% or excluded | $10 or $0 |
| Live Casino (all) | 0-10% | $0-10 |
Why Do Contribution Rates Vary?
Games with lower house edges (like blackjack: ~0.5%) or high RTP (like video poker: 99%+) have lower contribution rates because players have better odds. Casinos compensate by making these games count less toward wagering.
Real Impact Example
Scenario: $50 bonus with 30x wagering ($1,500 total)
If you play slots (100% contribution):
- Need to wager: $1,500
- Time: ~3-4 hours
If you play blackjack (10% contribution):
- Need to wager: $15,000 (10x more!)
- Time: 30-40 hours
Lesson: Always play high-contribution games (usually slots) when clearing bonuses. Check the full guide to clearing wagering fast for optimal strategies.
Excluded Games
Some games are completely excluded from bonus play:
- Progressive jackpot slots
- Specific high-RTP games (Blood Suckers, 1429 Uncharted Seas)
- Table games at some casinos
- Live dealer games
Warning: Playing excluded games while wagering can void your bonus and winnings. Always check the restricted games list in the T&Cs.
Sweepstakes Casino Wagering: The Critical Difference
Sweepstakes casinos operate under a completely different model than traditional online casinos. This affects wagering requirements significantly.
Gold Coins (GC) vs Sweeps Coins (SC) Wagering
Understanding the difference between these two currencies is crucial. Read our full Gold Coins vs Sweeps Coins guide for details.
| Currency Type | Purpose | Typical Wagering | Can Redeem for Cash? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gold Coins (GC) | Play for fun | 0x (instant play) | No |
| Sweeps Coins (SC) | Play to win real money | 0x-1x (very low) | Yes (min 50-100 SC) |
Why Sweepstakes Wagering Is Better
- Lower Requirements: Most sweepstakes casinos have 0x-1x wagering on SC
- No Max Cashout: Redeem unlimited SC (unlike traditional no-deposit bonuses)
- Transparent Terms: Simpler T&Cs, fewer hidden restrictions
- Fast Completion: 1x wagering = play through once and redeem
- No Deposit Required: Get free SC through no-purchase bonuses
Top Sweepstakes Casinos by Wagering
| Casino | Welcome Bonus | SC Wagering | GC Wagering | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stake.us | 250K GC + 25 SC | 0x | 0x | Best overall |
| McLuck | 57.5K GC + 27.5 SC | 0x | 0x | Instant play |
| WOW Vegas | 1.75M WC + 35 SC | 1x | 0x | Generous bonus |
| Chumba | 2M GC + 2 SC | 1x | 0x | Most reliable |
| Pulsz | 5K GC + 2.3 SC | 1x | 0x | Good value |
See our complete best welcome bonuses 2025 guide for more options.
Daily Login Bonuses: Zero Wagering
One of the best features of sweepstakes casinos is daily login bonuses with 0x wagering:
- Log in every 24 hours
- Receive free GC + SC
- Play immediately, no wagering required
- Accumulate SC over time for redemption
Players report earning $200-500 per month just from daily bonuses across multiple casinos. Learn the full strategy in our daily login bonuses guide.
Using a Wagering Calculator
Manual calculations are tedious and error-prone. A wagering calculator instantly shows you:
- Total wagering required
- Expected loss based on game RTP
- Time needed to complete
- Whether the bonus is worth claiming
How to Use Our Calculator
Visit the Casitsu Wagering Calculator and input:
- Bonus Amount: The free money/coins you receive
- Wagering Multiplier: The “X” in the terms (e.g., 30x)
- Game Type: Slots (100%), Roulette (20%), etc.
- Average Bet Size: How much you bet per spin
What the Calculator Shows
- Total Wager Required: Example: $1,500
- Number of Bets: Example: 1,500 spins at $1 each
- Estimated Time: Example: 5 hours at 5 spins/minute
- Expected Loss: Example: $60 based on 4% house edge
- Bonus Value Verdict: “Worth It” or “Skip This Bonus”
Real Calculator Example
Input:
- Bonus: $50
- Wagering: 35x
- Game: Video Slots (100% contribution, 96% RTP)
- Bet Size: $0.50 per spin
Output:
- Total wagering: $1,750
- Spins needed: 3,500 spins
- Time: ~11.7 hours
- Expected loss: $70 (4% house edge on $1,750)
- Verdict: ⚠️ Not worth it — you’re expected to lose $70 to clear a $50 bonus
This is why calculators are essential — they reveal when bonuses are actually traps.
7 Expert Tips to Beat Wagering Requirements
1. Choose Low Wagering Bonuses
Stick to bonuses with 30x or lower wagering (20x-25x is ideal). For sweepstakes casinos, target 0x-1x SC wagering.
Best resource: Our curated list of low-wagering bonuses
2. Play High RTP Slots
Higher RTP (Return to Player) = lower house edge = less money lost during wagering.
Top RTP slots (98%+):
- Mega Joker (NetEnt) — 99% RTP
- Blood Suckers (NetEnt) — 98% RTP
- Starmania (NextGen) — 97.87% RTP
- White Rabbit Megaways (Big Time Gaming) — 97.77% RTP
Warning: Some high-RTP slots are excluded from bonus play. Always check the restricted games list.
3. Use Medium Volatility Slots
Low volatility = consistent small wins = steady wagering progress
High volatility = big swings = risk of busting before completing wagering
Sweet spot: Medium volatility slots for balanced wagering.
4. Never Exceed Maximum Bet
Set a hard limit on your bet size. Many players accidentally void bonuses by:
- Hitting “Max Bet” button
- Buying bonus features (counts as 1 large bet)
- Increasing bet size after wins
Pro tip: Stick to 50-70% of max bet to leave margin for error.
5. Track Your Progress
Most casinos show wagering progress in your account:
- Look for “Bonus Progress” or “Playthrough Meter”
- Screenshot it regularly
- Keep a spreadsheet if needed
If progress isn’t updating, contact support immediately — there may be a technical issue.
6. Complete Wagering BEFORE Withdrawing
Never request a withdrawal until wagering is 100% complete. Requesting early will:
- Cancel the bonus
- Forfeit all winnings from it
- Only let you withdraw your original deposit (if any)
7. Join Sweepstakes Casinos Instead
The simplest strategy? Avoid traditional online casinos with predatory wagering and play at sweepstakes casinos with 0x-1x requirements instead.
Our top picks:
- Stake.us — 0x wagering on SC
- McLuck — 0x wagering, instant verification
- WOW Vegas — 1x wagering, generous bonuses
Get the full comparison in our best bonuses guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does 35x wagering requirement mean?
A: A 35x wagering requirement means you must bet 35 times the bonus amount before you can withdraw winnings. For example, a $10 bonus with 35x wagering requires $350 in total bets ($10 × 35 = $350) before you can cash out.
Q: Are wagering requirements the same for Gold Coins and Sweeps Coins?
A: No. Gold Coins typically have 0x wagering (play immediately), while Sweeps Coins usually have 0x-1x wagering at sweepstakes casinos. Traditional online casinos have higher requirements (20x-40x) but sweepstakes models are more player-friendly.
Q: Do all casino games count equally toward wagering requirements?
A: No. Slots usually count 100%, while table games like blackjack and roulette count 10-20%. Some games like video poker may be excluded entirely. Always check the game contribution rates in the bonus terms.
Q: What is a good wagering requirement?
A: For sweepstakes casinos: 0x-1x is excellent, 3x-5x is acceptable. For traditional online casinos: 20x-30x is good, 35x is standard, 40x+ is poor. Lower wagering requirements give you better odds of completing them and withdrawing winnings.
Q: How long do I have to complete wagering requirements?
A: Most bonuses expire within 7-30 days. Sweepstakes casinos typically give 30 days, while traditional casino bonuses often expire in 7-14 days. Check the specific terms for each bonus, as expired bonuses and winnings are forfeited.
Q: Can I withdraw my deposit before completing wagering?
A: Usually no. Withdrawing before completing wagering will cancel the bonus and forfeit all winnings from it. Some casinos let you withdraw only your original deposit, but you lose the bonus.
Q: What happens if I exceed the maximum bet while wagering?
A: Exceeding the max bet (typically $5-10) even once can void your entire bonus and all winnings. Casinos enforce this strictly. Always check max bet rules and stick well below the limit.
Q: Do bonus buys count toward wagering?
A: This varies by casino. Some count bonus buys (purchasing free spins features) as a single large bet, which may exceed max bet limits and void your bonus. Others prohibit bonus buys entirely during wagering. Always check the terms.
Q: Can I clear wagering on live dealer games?
A: Most casinos exclude live dealer games or give them 0-10% contribution rates. You’d need to wager 10-100x more than on slots. Stick to slots for fastest wagering completion.
Q: What’s the difference between “Bonus Only” and “Bonus + Deposit” wagering?
A: “Bonus Only” means wagering applies only to the bonus amount (better for you). “Bonus + Deposit” means wagering applies to both your deposit AND bonus combined (much harder to complete). Always prefer “Bonus Only” terms.
Q: Are there casinos with no wagering requirements?
A: Yes! Most sweepstakes casinos have 0x wagering on Sweeps Coins. Examples: Stake.us (0x SC), McLuck (0x SC), High 5 (0x SC). Traditional online casinos rarely offer 0x wagering, but some have “wager-free spins” promotions.
Q: How can I track my wagering progress?
A: Check your casino account under “Bonuses,” “My Account,” or “Promotions” for a wagering progress bar or meter. If not visible, contact support. You can also manually track using our wagering calculator.
Q: What if my bonus disappears or isn’t credited?
A: Common causes include: wrong promo code, expired offer, state restrictions, or account not verified. See our full troubleshooting guide for solutions.
