Guides

Casino Bonuses & Wagering Explained

Updated September 2026·7 min read

A casino bonus is not free money. Almost every bonus carries a wagering requirement — the number of times you must play through the bonus before you can withdraw. A "100% up to $100" bonus with 35x wagering means you must place $3,500 in bets before any bonus winnings are yours. Always read the terms.

Types of casino bonus

Deposit match — the casino matches a percentage of your deposit, e.g. "100% up to $100" doubles a $100 deposit to $200 in playable funds.
Free spins — a number of spins on specific slots; winnings are usually paid as bonus funds with wagering attached.
No-deposit bonus — a small bonus just for registering; these carry the strictest terms and low withdrawal caps.
Cashback — a percentage of net losses returned over a period.

What wagering (playthrough) means — example

Bonus: "100% up to $100" with 35x wagering on the bonus

Your deposit$100

Bonus credited$100 (bonus funds)

Wagering requirement (35x bonus)35 × $100 = $3,500 to bet

You can withdraw bonus winningsOnly after $3,500 wagered

If terms are "35x (deposit + bonus)"35 × $200 = $7,000 to bet

Read carefully whether wagering applies to the bonus only or to "deposit + bonus" — the second is far harder to clear. Lower multiples (e.g. 20x) are much more player-friendly than high ones (e.g. 50x).

Game weighting

Not every game contributes equally to wagering. Slots usually count 100%, but table games such as blackjack and roulette often count only 10% — or are excluded entirely. Betting $10 on a slot clears $10 of wagering; the same $10 on blackjack might clear only $1.

Typical game weighting toward wagering

Online slots100%

Roulette10% (or excluded)

Blackjack10% (or excluded)

Live dealerOften excluded

Terms to watch before you claim

Wagering multiple — the single most important number. Aim for 35x or lower.
Max bet while wagering — often capped (e.g. $5). Exceeding it can void the bonus.
Time limit — many bonuses expire in 7–30 days.
Max cashout — no-deposit and free-spin winnings are often capped.
Excluded payment methods — e-wallet deposits (PayPal, Skrill) frequently do not qualify for bonuses.
Minimum qualifying deposit — usually $10–$20.

Should you take the bonus at all?

A bonus can extend your playing time, but the wagering requirement means the expected value is rarely positive. If you prefer flexibility — the ability to withdraw at any time — you can often decline the bonus and play with your own funds without restrictions. That is a legitimate choice.

Play responsibly

Bonuses are a marketing tool designed to encourage more play. Never deposit more than you can afford in order to chase a larger bonus, and never chase losses. Set a budget first and use the casino's deposit limits and self-exclusion tools. Free confidential help is available at begambleaware.org. You must be 18 or older (21+ in some jurisdictions).