When you sign up for an online casino, that big welcome bonus looks fantastic. But then you see the fine print mentioning **wagering requirements**, and things get confusing fast. Don’t worry, they are actually quite simple once you know the basics.
Simply put, a **wagering requirement** (sometimes called “playthrough”) is the amount of money you must bet before the casino allows you to withdraw any winnings associated with that bonus. Casinos use them to prevent players from simply taking the free money and running.
Understanding these requirements is essential if you want to successfully turn your bonus funds into real, cashable money.
What Does “30x” Actually Mean?
Wagering requirements are usually expressed as a multiplier, like 10x, 25x, or 40x. This number tells you how many times you need to bet the bonus amount before the funds become cashable.
Let’s look at a common example. If you accept a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place $3,000 worth of bets ($100 x 30 = $3,000) before you can cash out your winnings.
Sometimes, the requirement applies to the bonus *plus* your initial deposit. If that were the case in the example above, you would need to wager $6,000—so always check exactly what the multiplier applies to.
Why Game Contribution Matters
Not all bets count equally toward clearing your playthrough. This is where **game contribution percentages** come into play.
Slot machines almost always contribute 100% to meeting the requirements, meaning every dollar you bet on a slot counts fully toward the playthrough goal.
However, if you love table games, you need to check the terms carefully. Games like Blackjack or Roulette often contribute much less, sometimes only 5% or 10%.
This means you have to bet significantly more to clear the bonus playing those lower-contributing games. For example, if Roulette contributes 10%, you would need to bet $10,000 to clear that $1,000 requirement.
Look Out for Time Limits
Another critical factor beginners often overlook is the time limit. Most casino bonuses don’t last forever.
You typically have a set period—maybe 7, 14, or 30 days—to complete the wagering requirements.
If you fail to meet the requirements within that timeframe, the bonus funds and any associated winnings are usually forfeited. Always check the expiry date before accepting a big bonus!
Understanding these **wagering requirements** is the key to successfully converting bonus money into real cash. Always read the terms and conditions thoroughly before you deposit! Happy spinning! 🎰