Casino bonuses allow players to maximize their bankroll and play more games with house money. However the main catch is that these bonus funds come with wagering requirements before you can withdraw any winnings.
How Bonus Wagering Requirements Work
In simple terms, wagering requirements refer to the amount you need to bet before you can withdraw bonus funds as cash. This prevents players from instantly withdrawing a bonus after claiming it.
For example, a 100% deposit bonus up to $100 with 25x wagering means:
- You deposit $100 and receive a $100 bonus, giving you a total balance of $200
- You must wager $2,500 (25 x $100 bonus) before any winnings can be withdrawn
Wagering requirements on such platforms as SpinBet Casino typically range from 10x to 50x the bonus amount. The higher the requirement, the more you’ll have to play through before withdrawing.
Factors That Impact Bonus Wagering
Several key factors determine how easy or difficult it will be to clear casino bonus wagering:
Factor | Description |
Game Type | Slots count 100% towards wagering. Table games and video poker usually count <30% or don’t count at all |
House Edge | Games with a higher house edge make it harder to clear a bonus wagering |
Bet Sizing | Bigger bets clear requirements faster, but risk more money |
Time Limits | Some bonuses expire after a few days or weeks |
Game type is the most crucial factor. Slots universally count 100% towards playing through requirements. Table games like blackjack only contribute 5%-25% in most cases due to their lower house edge. Craps, baccarat and video poker often don’t count at all.
This incentivizes players to wager bonuses on slots rather than skill-based games where they have an edge over the house. You should check which games contribute and how much before claiming any bonus.
Tips for Clearing Casino Bonus Wagering
Follow these tips to efficiently clear wagering requirements on casino bonuses:
- Claim bonuses with the lowest playthrough. Compare different offers and calculate the required turnover to pick the easiest one.
- Play high RTP slots. Games with 96-97% RTP clear wagering faster long-term. Avoid slots under 94%.
- Bet big. Making larger bets clears requirements quicker, but increases variance. Moderate your risk.
- Don’t chase losses. Stick to your loss limit. Chasing losses, trying to complete wagering, could see you lose even more.
Additionally, pay attention to any time limits, qualified games and maximum bet rules that apply to the bonus.
Examples of Casino Bonus Wagering Requirements
To demonstrate the impact of varying wager requirements, here are two common examples:
25x Wager Example
- 100% deposit match up to $100
- $100 deposit + $100 bonus = $200 total
- 25x wagering on $100 bonus
- Must wager $2,500 to withdraw winnings
This requires betting the bonus amount 25 times before withdrawing. Playing optimally, you have a reasonable chance to clear requirements.
50x Wager Example
- 300% deposit match up to $1,500
- $500 deposit + $1,500 bonus = $2,000 total
- 50x wagering on $1,500 bonus
- Must wager $75,000 to withdraw winnings
A 50x requirement on a bigger bonus becomes extremely tough. Even playing perfectly, clearing $75,000 in wagers could take days or weeks of play.
As you can see, higher match percentages and bonuses don’t necessarily offer better value once wagering requirements are accounted for.
Other Bonus Terms to Know
Beyond wagering requirements, several other bonus terms impact the value:
- Expires after: Bonuses usually expire 1–2 weeks after activation, forcing completion of playthrough in a limited time.
- Qualifying games: Some bonuses limit which games contribute to wagering or maximum bets per game.
- Eligible deposits: Bonuses may only apply to certain deposit types or currencies.
Carefully check all bonus rules to avoid surprises or confusion later. Don’t rush into accepting a bonus before understanding all the terms around withdrawals.
Are Casino Bonuses + Wagering Worth It?
Bonuses effectively let you borrow house money to play more games for an extended session. In that regard, they provide additional entertainment at the casino’s expense.
However, the complex web of wagering requirements distinctly favors the house. The terms incentivize you to play high variance slots rather than low house edge table games. In most scenarios, the expected loss from trying to clear a playthrough will exceed the bonus value itself.
In conclusion, casino bonuses add excitement and bankroll boosts in the short term. But the attached strings make it improbable to actually withdraw anything long-term. Approach promotions with caution, manage bankroll carefully, and never chase losses trying to complete a wager.