Casino wagering requirements explained

Written by Paul Portanier

Checked by Dasha G. •

Last updated on March 11, 2025

Wagering requirements are the biggest roadblock standing between you and cashing out a bonus. Players balk at them, but casinos and sportsbooks use them as a safety net against bonus abuse.

At its core, a wagering, rollover, or playthrough requirement means you’ve got to put a certain amount in action before the bonus turns into real, withdrawable cash. It never comes without strings attached. There’s always fine print lurking that can catch you off guard if you’re not paying attention.

Most resources on wagering requirements skim over the headaches players deal with in actual gameplay. Not here. This guide breaks it all down, including the terms that aren’t exactly hidden but sure aren’t written in plain English either.

• Top sites
• Wagering requirements
• How wagering requirements work
• Wagering requirement types
• Wagering requirement examples
• Why use wagering requirements
• Tips
• Mistakes to avoid
• FAQs

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What are wagering requirements?

Wagering requirements are a multiplier-based metric that dictates how much you need to turn over before a sportsbook or casino bonus becomes eligible for withdrawal. The higher the multiplier, the more you have to bet, making it tougher to redeem the bonus for real money.

How wagering requirements work

The best way to explain wagering requirements is through real examples. So, let’s walk through how these rules play out in practice. 

Suppose you sign up at a casino and claim a 100% deposit match bonus up to $100 with a 20x wagering requirement on the bonus amount.

Starting Scenario:

• Bonus offer: 100% deposit match up to $100
• Your deposit: $100
• Bonus received: $100
• Total available for play: $200 ($100 deposit + $100 bonus)
• Wagering requirement: 20x bonus amount
• Total required action to clear the bonus: $100 × 20 = $2,000

For this hypothetical run, let’s say you decide to work off the wagering requirement on Big Bass Bonanza — which makes sense, considering slots usually have the highest game weighting (more on that later).

Phase 1: First few spins

You start playing at $1 per spin.

• First 100 spins = $100 wagered.
• That puts you 5% of the way through the wagering requirement ($100/$2,000).
• Let’s say you hit a good stretch and win $150 — your balance is now $250 ($200 starting + $50 profit).
• But since you haven’t yet met the full wagering requirement, you can’t cash out.

Phase 2: Grinding it out 

You keep going, putting in another 1,500 spins at $1 each, which adds up to:

• $1,600 more wagered, bringing your total wagered to $1,700 ($1,600 + previous $100);
• Your balance shifts based on your results, but let’s say you hit a rough patch and you’re down to $120;
• You still have $300 left to put in action before the bonus is cleared ($2,000 – $1,700).

Phase 3: Clearing the wagering requirement

You fire off another 300 spins at $1 each, pushing your total wagered to $2,000.

• The wagering requirement is met.
• If your final balance after all that is $90, that’s now real money, free and clear for withdrawal.

📊Types of wagering requirements 

Wagering requirements come in a few different forms, depending on what the multiplier applies to. Here’s how they break down.

1. Deposit-only requirements

With this type, the wagering requirement applies only to your deposit, not the bonus itself. If you deposit $100 and the requirement is 10x, you’ll need to stake $1,000 before cashing out. These are more favorable since the total amount you need to wager is lower.

2. Bonus + deposit requirements

Here, the wagering is based on both your deposit and the bonus. If you deposit $100, get a $100 bonus, and the requirement is 20x, you must cycle through $4,000 before cashing out. Since the entire balance is locked under the requirement, these are tougher to clear.

3. No-deposit bonus wagering

No-deposit bonuses come with the strictest wagering terms since casinos offer them for free. If you claim a $20 no-deposit bonus with a 50x wagering requirement, you’ll need to stake $1,000 before withdrawing.

For no-deposit free spins, the wagering requirement applies to any winnings from those spins. If you win $10 from a batch of free spins and the requirement is 40x, you’ll need to commit $400 before those winnings become withdrawable cash.

Examples of wagering requirements in action 

Earlier, we walked through one of the most common casino scenarios — where a player grinds it out, slowly working toward unlocking a wagering requirement. But what happens when you hit a big win right away? Let’s break it down.

Same bonus, same starting point — but this time, you land a monster win early.

• Deposit: $100
• Bonus: $100
• Total balance: $200
• Wagering requirement: 20x bonus = $2,000 needs to be wagered
• First spin ($1 bet) – huge win: $2,500
• New balance: $2,699 ($200 starting + $2,500 win – $1 bet)

That $2,500 win is still tied to the wagering requirement. Since you’ve only wagered $1 so far, there’s still $1,999 to go before your balance becomes withdrawable. Until then, your funds remain locked — you can keep spinning but can’t cash out yet.

Let’s say you start betting $5 per spin on slots. After working through the remaining $1,999, you finish with $2,000 in your account.

Now, the wagering requirement is fully cleared, and the entire $2,000 is real money — yours to withdraw, no strings attached.

Why casinos use wagering requirements

Casinos use wagering requirements to protect themselves from bonus abuse.  Without them, bonus hunters would hop from one casino to the next, farming offers and cashing out without ever making a real bet. That would be a financial black hole for operators.

These rules ensure that players have some skin in the game instead of just milking promos for easy money. It’s how casinos turn bonuses into incentives rather than giveaways with no upside for the house.

Tips for navigating wagering requirements 

Knowing how wagering requirements work is key to getting the most out of your bonus. These tips will help you clear rollover efficiently and make sure you’re not leaving money on the table.

Tip 1

Know whether your deposit or bonus is used first

Casinos handle bonus funds differently, and the order matters. Some use a bonus-first system, meaning you can’t cash out any winnings until you meet wagering. Others operate on a cash-first model, which is better since you can withdraw profits before dipping into the bonus. Some even mix funds, where every bet is split between deposit and bonus, making withdrawals trickier.

Tip 2

Stay below the max bet limit

Most bonuses come with a max bet rule, usually between $5 and $10 per spin or wager. If you go over, even by accident, the casino can wipe out your bonus and any winnings tied to it. Always check the terms before increasing your stakes.

Tip 3

Use slots to clear wagering faster

Slot games typically count 100% toward wagering, while table games and video poker contribute far less — often 10–25% or even 0%. If your goal is to clear rollover as efficiently as possible, slots are the way to go. 

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Tip 4

Watch for max cashout limits

No-deposit and free spin bonuses often come with a max cashout cap (usually 5–10x the bonus). Even if you score a huge win, you may only be able to withdraw a portion of it, with the rest voided. This is important when picking games — if there’s a max cashout, progressive jackpot slots don’t make much sense since you won’t be able to collect the full prize anyway. Plus, they typically come with a lower RTP to offset the jackpot payout.

Tip 5

Don’t let the bonus expire

Every bonus has an expiration window, usually 7 to 30 days. If you don’t meet wagering within that timeframe, you forfeit the bonus and any winnings. If the deadline is short, you might need to play faster to clear it in time. If the window is longer, a more calculated approach can help you manage your bankroll while working through the requirement.

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Common pitfalls to avoid 

Even if you know how wagering works, certain casino rules can catch you off guard and leave you with nothing. Here are some of the biggest mistakes players make — and how to avoid them.

❌Losing your bonus on an early withdrawal

Some casinos automatically void your bonus and winnings if you try to withdraw any part of your deposit before finishing wagering. Even if you’re only playing with your deposit and turning a profit, the second you hit withdraw, the bonus is gone. 

If the terms say something along the lines of “Attempting a withdrawal before completing wagering will result in forfeiture of the bonus,” don’t claim it until you’re sure you’ve met the requirements. Non-sticky bonuses are the better option since they let you withdraw deposit winnings before touching the bonus.

❌Withdrawal delays even after clearing wagering

Casinos sometimes slow down withdrawals, especially after a big win. They might ask for identity verification, proof of funds, or other paperwork — stalling the process for days or weeks. In some cases, it’s just a tactic to frustrate you into canceling your withdrawal and playing more. Avoid this by verifying your account upfront and testing withdrawals with smaller amounts before cashing out a large sum.

❌Using “low-risk” betting strategies that don’t count

Some casinos exclude low-risk betting strategies from counting toward wagering. Some of these include:

• Betting both red and black in roulette;
• Playing perfect strategy in blackjack;
• Wagering on both Banker and Player in baccarat.

If the terms mention “low-risk betting patterns do not count toward wagering,” it’s best to stick to slot games.

❌Resetting wagering progress for breaking max bet rules

Placing a single bet over the maximum limit can entirely wipe out your wagering progress. Imagine being $1,500 into a $2,000 requirement and then accidentally betting $20 when the max is $5 — the casino could reset your progress to zero. Always check and stick to the max bet rule to avoid this.

❌Getting your deposit locked by the bonus (“bonus poisoning”)

At some casinos, once you claim a bonus, your deposit is locked until you finish wagering — even if you haven’t touched the bonus funds. If you deposit $100, get a $100 bonus, and quickly run your balance up to $500, you can’t cash out until you meet the full rollover. The best way to avoid this? Look for casinos with “Cash First” rules, where your deposit remains withdrawable at all times.

Wagering requirements FAQ