Online Casino Wagering Requirements Explained (2025 Guide)

While exploring the wonders of online casino bonus offers, there’s no doubt you will have encountered the term “wagering requirements” when reading the details of how an offer works. 

But what exactly are wagering requirements (also known as playthrough or rollover), and what exactly does it mean for your bonuses? 

We’re exploring these special conditions often attached to bonus offers to help you better understand what you’re signing up for when claiming welcome offers and other exciting online casino bonuses. 

What Does a Wagering Requirement Mean?

Put simply, a wagering requirement is a condition set by casino operators as part of the terms and conditions associated with a casino bonus that relates to withdrawing any winnings accrued from playing your bonus. Essentially, it’s the number of times you need to wager the bonus amount before you can cash out your winnings. 

The wagering requirement is usually given as a multiplier figure. For example, if you claim a $100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement, you’ll need to bet a total of $3,500 (35 times your bonus) before making a withdrawal. Failure to satisfy this requirement will result in the forfeiture of your bonus. 

Wagering requirements can vary significantly from operator to operator, so it’s always important to read through the Terms & Conditions of any bonuses before claiming the offer. 

Types of Casino Bonuses with Wagering Requirements

Casino fans will be all too aware of the many bonus offerings at online casinos, from welcome bonuses for attracting new players to various rewards for reloading your account. 

Welcome Bonus

Welcome bonuses are awarded to new players who sign up for an account at an online casino site. They usually include a package of different rewards, such as free spins, deposit matches in the form of bonus funds, and loyalty points. 

Most operators allow you to claim one welcome bonus per person, as they tend to be some of the most generous bonuses available at online casino sites. 

Free Spins

Free spins as part of an operator bonus are complimentary spins to use on a specific slot game or selection of games that have a fixed wager value, usually the lowest possible for the title. 

These free spins are not the same as free spins bonuses found within slots; instead, they offer you a free trial of the game with the possibility of real money prizes. 

Deposit Match

A deposit match bonus is the most common feature of a welcome bonus. It is when a casino operator matches your deposit amount up to a certain percentage in the form of bonus funds that you can use to play casino games. Bonus funds are not the same as your regular account balance and cannot be withdrawn unless wagered. 

Deposit match bonuses are often presented as a percentage of your deposit but are usually capped at a fixed dollar value, which should be clearly stated in the bonus terms. 

Reload Bonuses

When you add more funds to your account, a reload bonus is awarded to existing players. Usually awarded in a similar way to deposit matches, offering a percentage of your deposit value in bonus funds. 

What to Look Out for with Wagering Terms

We always recommend that you read the fine print before claiming a casino offer to ensure you have a firm understanding of what you’re up against. There are a few key considerations to look out for when reading up on the wagering terms attached to an offer, as they can have a serious impact on your bonus. 

The first thing to check is the validity or expiry period. Exactly how long do you have to complete your wagering, and is that a realistic option for you as a player? Second, does the playthrough relate to the bonus funds only or your bonus AND initial deposit? This is an important one as it can, in effect, double your requirement. 

Finally, check the percentage each game contributes to your wagering, as not all are of the same amount. Many operators will offer 100% contribution while playing slots but reduced amounts as low as 10-20% or sometimes even nothing at all for table games like roulette or blackjack. 

Find the Best Online Casino Bonuses with Low Wagering

Use your knowledge of wagering requirements and other casino bonuses to maximize your gaming experience and boost your win potential while playing your favorite games. 

For more fantastic tips from our team of casino experts, check out our dedicated casinos page today.