Wagering Requirements Explained: Complete Guide to Playthrough Calculations

Wagering requirements specify how many times you must wager your bonus before converting it to real money. If you receive a $50 bonus with a 30x requirement, you must place $1,500 in bets. The calculation applies to the bonus amount alone, though some casinos apply it to the deposit plus bonus combined—a critical distinction that doubles your actual playthrough target.

Deposit Bonus vs. No Deposit Bonus

Deposit bonuses typically carry 30x to 50x requirements, while no deposit bonuses often demand 40x to 70x playthrough. The higher requirement compensates casinos for giving away free money without a deposit commitment. Time limits also matter: most bonuses expire after 7 to 30 days, making high requirements impossible to complete.

The most deceptive bonus structures apply wagering to both your deposit and bonus combined. A $100 deposit plus $100 bonus with a 40x requirement on both amounts means $8,000 in total bets—not the $4,000 you might initially calculate. Always verify whether the requirement applies to bonus only or deposit plus bonus. Licensed Canadian casinos must disclose this clearly in terms and conditions, though the language often buries the distinction.

Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Slots typically count 100%, but table games like blackjack or roulette may contribute only 10% to 50%, or sometimes not at all. This means playing restricted games requires five to ten times more wagering to meet the same requirement. Video poker and live dealer games often have zero contribution, making them unsuitable for clearing bonuses. Casinos use contribution rates to prevent players from beating the house edge on low-margin games.