Wagering requirements: the arithmetic behind every bonus
Every bonus at an online casino — at Spassino as elsewhere — comes with a wagering requirement: the total amount you must bet before bonus money, or winnings from it, can be withdrawn. It is the single most important number in any promotion. This page walks through the calculation step by step, using hypothetical figures, so you can apply it to whatever terms appear in your cashier.
Step 1: find the base
The multiplier is applied to a base. The base can be the bonus only, the deposit plus the bonus, or — for free spins — the winnings from the spins. The difference is large:
| Hypothetical offer | Base | Multiplier | Bets required |
|---|---|---|---|
| €50 deposit + €50 bonus | Bonus only (€50) | 35× | €1,750 |
| €50 deposit + €50 bonus | Deposit + bonus (€100) | 35× | €3,500 |
| Free spins winning €12 | Winnings (€12) | 35× | €420 |
Step 2: apply game contribution
Contribution tells you what share of each bet counts. If slots count 100% and live roulette 10%, then €100 on slots reduces the requirement by €100, while €100 on roulette reduces it by only €10. Excluded games count 0% — and playing them with bonus money can even breach the terms. Check the contribution list before you pick a game.
Step 3: estimate the expected cost
The expected cost of wagering is roughly the bets required multiplied by the house edge. For a slot with a theoretical RTP of 96%, the house edge is 4%. In the first row of the table, €1,750 × 4% ≈ €70. If the bonus is €50, the average outcome of completing wagering is a loss relative to simply depositing and playing without it. Slots with higher theoretical RTP reduce this cost, but operators often exclude them or lower their contribution, and the RTP version a casino runs can differ from the provider's headline figure — the in-game info panel shows the configuration in use.
Step 4: check the constraints
- Maximum bet: larger stakes finish wagering faster, which is why operators cap them while a bonus is active.
- Time limit: divide the requirement by the days available; if the daily amount is more than you normally bet, the bonus is unrealistic for you.
- Order of funds: some casinos use your real money first and bonus money second, others the reverse. This affects what you can withdraw if you stop early.
Tracking progress
Most accounts show a wagering counter in the bonus section. Check it after your first few bets to confirm that the game you chose is counting as expected. If the counter does not move, stop and ask support before continuing.
Cancelling a bonus
Many operators let you forfeit an active bonus. You usually lose the bonus and any winnings tied to it, but your remaining real-money balance becomes free of conditions. This can be the right move if the requirement turns out to be unrealistic.
The clauses referred to here — contribution, maximum bet, expiry, order of funds — are collected on our bonus terms page. See also how wagering affects a welcome bonus and free spins.
Back to the bonus hub or the homepage.