The Most Misunderstood Casino Term
You've just claimed a fantastic 100% match bonus at an online casino, doubling your money before you've even placed a bet. Then, you discover the money isn't immediately available for withdrawal. This is almost always due to wagering requirements, a condition that is attached to nearly every casino bonus.
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.
Let's break it down:
Your deposit is $50, and the casino matches it with a $50 bonus. The playthrough condition is set at 30 times the bonus. Calculation: $50 (Bonus) x 30 = $1,500.
Your goal is to reach a total betting volume of $1,500 to fulfill the requirement.
Key Details in the T&Cs
The devil is often in the details when it comes to these conditions.
Consideration Why It's Important
The Basis of Calculation Always check if the multiplier applies just to the bonus or to the combined total of your deposit and casino bonus. A 20x requirement on (bonus + deposit) is equivalent to a 40x requirement on the bonus alone.
Game Weighting Not all games contribute equally to meeting the requirement. Bets on slots usually contribute 100%, but table games like blackjack or roulette might only contribute 10% or casino even 0%.
Expiration Dates These deadlines can put pressure on players, so it's important to know them upfront.
Maximum Bet 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?
Despite these conditions, casino bonuses can still offer excellent value. They give you more playtime, allow you to explore more games, casino and offer more chances to hit a big win. This allows you to identify promotions with reasonable conditions and maximize their value.