What Is a Wagering Requirement?
A wagering requirement (also known as playthrough, rollover or turnover requirement) is a multiplier that determines how many times you must bet your winnings before they become real money you can withdraw.
When you win from free spins, your winnings are typically held in a "bonus balance". The wagering requirement is the stipulation that transforms that balance into real cash. You cannot withdraw until you meet it.
Amount to wager = Winnings x Wagering multiplier
E.g.: €12 winnings x 35x = €420 you need to wager before you can cash out.
What Does the Wagering Apply To?
This is where casinos vary and where you must pay attention to the fine print. There are three standard types of wagering requirements:
- Wagering on winnings -- the most favorable for players. You only need to wager the total of what you won from the spins.
- Wagering on bonus amount -- you have to wager the whole amount of the bonus granted. If the casino gives you a €20 bonus and you win €15 from the spins, you have to wager the €20 amount, not the amount you actually won.
- Wagering on deposit + bonus -- applies to deposit bonuses. You must wager your deposit and the bonus received. This is the most punishing type.
With free spin bonuses, for example, wagering on winnings is the most frequent stipulation. Always verify which version applies before accepting the bonus.
How to Calculate What You Actually Need to Wager
Step one: calculate the amount you have to wager and see if it's reasonable with the time limit and max bet allowed.
Example with realistic numbers:
- You win €6 from 50 free spins on a game with an average cost of €0.10 per spin
- Wagering requirement is 40x on winnings: €6 x 40 = €240 to wager
- Max bet is set at €2 while wagering is pending
- At €2 per spin you need at least 120 spins to hit the wagering target
- The expiration for claiming a win is 5 days -- well within reach
Now the same maths with an unfavourable offer:
- You win €6 from 300 no deposit free spins
- Wagering requirement is 30x on winnings: €6 x 30 = €180 to wager
- Max bet is set at €1 per spin -- 180 spins needed to complete wagering
- Expiration for claiming the winnings is 1 day -- unless you have plenty of time this will be challenging
- There is a maximum cashout limit of €20 -- this keeps your realistic upside in check
Game Contribution Percentages
Not all games contribute to the wagering requirement equally. This is one of the most overlooked conditions of any bonus offer.
| Game Type | Typical Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Video slots | 100% | Standard for free spin wagering |
| Live casino slots | 50–100% | Varies by casino |
| Blackjack | 0–10% | Often excluded entirely |
| Roulette | 0–10% | Often excluded entirely |
| Video poker | 0–20% | Low or excluded |
| Live dealer tables | 0–15% | Usually excluded from FS wagering |
| Jackpot slots | 20–50% | Commonly reduced |
If a game only contributes 10% and you wager €100, then only €10 will count towards your playthrough requirement. Play regular video slots at 100% contribution -- this often clears a free spin bonus the fastest.
The Maximum Bet Rule
Most casinos have a maximum bet per spin while a bonus is active. This is separate from the wagering requirement itself. Typical limits are set at €1, €2 or €5 per spin depending on the casino and type of promo code used.
Should you go over this limit at any point -- even just one time -- most casinos will forfeit all bonus winnings, even if you're very close to finishing wagering requirements.
Before starting wagering, go to settings and manually set your bet before proceeding -- don't count on the machine remembering your usual settings.
What Is a Good vs Bad Wagering Requirement?
| WR Range | Rating | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1x – 15x | Excellent | Rare. Mostly found on VIP or loyalty spins |
| 15x – 25x | Good | Player-friendly. Worth claiming for most offers |
| 25x – 35x | Average | Industry standard. Clearable with time and patience |
| 35x – 45x | High | Difficult to clear. Only worthwhile with good expiry and no cashout cap |
| 45x + | Very high | Proceed with caution. Most winnings will be lost during wagering |
When assessing offers on our no deposit free spins page we note wagering requirements in bold for every offer so you can easily filter out restrictive offers before claiming them. The same applies on our 100 free spins and 50 free spins pages.
Common Questions
With most free spin bonuses, wagering requires you to wager the winnings acquired from free spins, not the spins themselves. In some instances of fixed "bonus value" offers, wagering instead applies to that fixed value -- so always read the specific offer terms.
If you try to cash out before fulfilling your wagering requirements most casinos will cancel your bonus balance. Some casinos let you remove the bonus and cash out your cash balance only -- ensure this is an option before you begin.
If your bonus balance runs out before completing wagering requirements, the bonus is gone for good -- you can't reload it. The balance probably depletes more slowly on lower volatility slots, which is why they're often recommended when clearing wagering requirements.
Compare Offers by Wagering Requirement
Every offer on our comparison pages has a clearly presented wagering requirement listed up front so you can easily compare before claiming.