Wagering requirements are terms attached to casino bonuses that specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit) before withdrawing any winnings. New or casual casino players in Ireland and New Zealand often wonder “what are wagering requirements?” or need wagering requirements explained. In simple terms, a wagering requirement is a multiplier on your bonus. For example, a €20 bonus with a 10× requirement means you must wager €200 (20×10) before you can cash out. In this guide, we’ll break down how wagering requirements work, show you how to calculate them with examples, and give tips to meet or avoid high wagering conditions.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Casino bonuses usually come with conditions known as wagering requirements or playthrough requirements. These are the rules that require you to wager a certain total amount before you can withdraw any bonus winnings. Think of wagering requirements as a “rollover”: you must bet your bonus (or your bonus plus deposit) a set number of times. Casinos attach these terms to bonuses to prevent bonus abuse and ensure they don’t lose money. In fact, without wagering requirements, casinos risk losing more than they give away.
In practice, wagering requirements often range from 30× to 40× in Ireland and New Zealand. A 30× requirement on a $100 bonus means you must wager $3,000 in games. Lower requirements (like 10× or 15×) are rare, while very high ones (50× or more) are much harder to clear. Players cannot withdraw bonus cash until these playthrough conditions are met.
How Wagering Requirements Work and How to Calculate Them
Meeting the wagering requirement means betting through your bonus. The rule is usually written as a multiple, such as 30× or 20×. To calculate the total you need to wager, multiply the bonus amount by the wagering multiplier. For example, if you get a $50 bonus with a 20× wagering requirement, you must wager $50 × 20 = $1,000 before withdrawing any bonus wins.
If the casino says the requirement applies to both deposit and bonus, then you use the sum:
(Deposit + Bonus) × Multiplier. For instance, depositing $50 and getting a $200 bonus at 35× would need (50+200)×35 = $8,750 in total bets.
These calculations can add up, so many players use a wagering requirements calculator to avoid mistakes. Such a tool lets you plug in your bonus and multiplier to see exactly how much to bet.
Games and Contributions
Not every game you play counts the same toward meeting wagering requirements. Slots and pokies typically contribute 100% of each bet to the requirement. This means a €1 slot spin counts as €1 toward the wagering total. However, table games and live casino games often contribute much less (often 10–25%). If a game contributes only 10%, a €1 bet only adds €0.10 toward the requirement. Some games (like certain table games) may be excluded entirely. Always check the bonus terms: focusing on games with 100% contribution will help you clear the requirement faster.
Tips to Meet or Avoid High Wagering Requirements
To make the most of your casino bonus, follow these practical tips:
- Choose low-wagering or no-wagering bonuses. Look for reputable sites and top online casinos that offer low wagering multipliers or no wagering requirement bonuses. In Ireland and New Zealand, true no-wager bonuses are rare but can appear as special free spins or loyalty rewards.
- Read the terms and conditions. Before claiming any bonus, check if the deposit counts toward the requirement, which games are allowed, and any maximum bet limits. Knowing these rules helps you avoid surprises.
- Play games with 100% contribution. Use slots (pokies) where every bet counts fully. Avoid low-contribution games (like many table games) while clearing a bonus.
- Use a wagering calculator. Plug your bonus and multiplier into an online calculator. This ensures you know exactly how much you need to wager and saves time.
- Manage your bets and bankroll. Bet responsibly. Smaller, consistent bets stretch your bonus further and help you track progress.
- Skip overly high requirements. If a bonus has a very high wagering requirement (60× or more), it might not be worth it. Consider opting for another bonus with lower playthrough terms.
