Wagering Requirements Calculator
Understand the true value of casino bonuses. Calculate how much you need to wager, the expected cost of playthrough, and whether a bonus is actually worth claiming.
⚠ Educational Tool
This calculator is for educational purposes only. It helps you understand the mathematics behind casino bonus wagering requirements. The calculations show that most bonuses have negative expected value. This tool does not encourage gambling and is designed to promote informed decision-making.
Calculate Bonus Value
Calculate the total wagering requirement and expected cost of clearing a casino bonus.
Quick Presets (Common Bonus Types)
Detailed analysis including time requirements, variance analysis, and probability of success.
Compare multiple bonus offers to find the one with the best expected value.
Reference guide for typical game contribution rates in EU-licensed casinos.
| Game Type | Typical Contribution | Typical RTP | Effective Cost per €100 Wagered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Slots | 100% | 94-97% | €3-6 |
| Scratch Cards | 100% | 90-95% | €5-10 |
| Keno | 100% | 75-95% | €5-25 |
| Roulette (European) | 10-20% | 97.3% | €2.70 (but 5-10x slower clearing) |
| Blackjack | 5-10% | 99-99.5% | €0.50-1 (but 10-20x slower clearing) |
| Video Poker | 0-5% | 98-99.5% | €0.50-2 (often excluded) |
| Baccarat | 5-15% | 98.5-98.9% | €1.1-1.5 (but very slow clearing) |
| Craps | 0-10% | 98.6% | €1.4 (often excluded) |
| Live Casino Games | 5-20% | 97-99% | Varies (often heavily restricted) |
💡 Understanding Game Contributions
- 100% contribution means every €1 wagered counts as €1 towards your requirement
- 10% contribution means you need to wager €10 to count €1 towards your requirement
- Low contribution games have lower house edge but make clearing slower
- Always check the specific terms - contribution rates vary by operator
- Some operators exclude certain games entirely from bonus play
Games like blackjack and video poker have very low house edges (0.5-1%). If players could clear bonuses at 100% contribution with these games, the casino would lose money on almost every bonus. By reducing contributions, casinos ensure wagering requirements still generate profit. This is why slots (with 3-6% house edge) typically count at 100%.
⚠ Understanding the Mathematics
Casino bonuses with wagering requirements almost always have negative expected value for the player. The house edge applied over thousands of euros in required wagering typically exceeds the bonus value received.
This calculator exists to help you understand these mathematics, not to encourage bonus chasing. Bonus hunting strategies that appear profitable often ignore variance, time costs, and the risk of going broke before completing wagering.
If gambling is causing problems, seek help:
- BeGambleAware - Free support and resources
- Gambling Therapy - International support services
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough or rollover requirements) specify how many times you must bet a bonus amount before you can withdraw winnings. They are a standard feature of casino bonuses and are designed to prevent players from simply withdrawing bonus money as profit.
For example, a "100% match bonus up to €100 with 35x wagering (deposit + bonus)" means: if you deposit €100, you receive €100 bonus, giving you €200 to play with. To withdraw any winnings, you must wager €200 × 35 = €7,000 in total bets.
According to the European Commission's consumer protection guidance, online gambling operators must ensure that bonus terms are clearly communicated to players. Several EU member states have introduced specific regulations around bonus advertising and wagering requirements to protect consumers.
The Expected Cost Formula
The expected cost of clearing a wagering requirement can be calculated using the house edge:
For the example above with €7,000 wagering on slots with 96% RTP (4% house edge):
Expected Cost = €7,000 × 0.04 = €280
This means you statistically expect to lose €280 while clearing the €100 bonus - resulting in a net expected loss of €180.
Why Most Bonuses Have Negative Expected Value
Research published in the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction has examined how casino bonus structures affect gambling behavior. The key insight is that the expected cost of meeting wagering requirements almost always exceeds the bonus value for standard bonuses.
Consider the mathematics:
- A 35x wagering requirement on a €100 bonus (bonus only) requires €3,500 in wagers
- At 96% RTP, the expected cost is €3,500 × 4% = €140
- Net expected value: €100 - €140 = -€40
The only bonuses with positive expected value typically have very low wagering requirements (below 20x with bonus-only wagering) or are structured as cashback offers without wagering requirements.
Game Contribution Rates
Different games contribute at different rates to wagering requirements. Slots typically contribute 100%, while table games like blackjack may contribute only 5-10%. This is because table games have lower house edges.
The European Gaming and Betting Association (EGBA) recommends that operators clearly disclose game contribution rates in bonus terms and conditions. Most EU-regulated casinos now include this information prominently.
EU Regulatory Requirements for Bonus Terms
Several EU countries have implemented specific rules around casino bonus advertising and terms:
- Netherlands (KSA): Restrictions on bonus advertising and requirements for clear wagering disclosure
- Germany (GGL): Strict bonus limitations under the Interstate Treaty on Gambling
- Spain (DGOJ): Bonus restrictions including limits on welcome offers
- Italy (ADM): Requirements for transparent bonus terms and player protection measures
These regulations aim to ensure players can make informed decisions about whether to accept bonus offers. Our guides on EU country gambling regulations provide detailed information on specific national requirements.
Variance and the Reality of Bonus Clearing
While expected value calculations show the long-term average, individual sessions are highly variable. A player might:
- Go broke before completing the wagering requirement (a common outcome)
- Complete wagering with a profit (rare but possible)
- Meet the requirement but with less than expected losses
High volatility slots increase the chance of both outcomes - going broke early or hitting a big win. However, as documented in gambling mathematics research, the expected value remains negative regardless of volatility.
Related Tools & Resources
- House Edge Calculator - Calculate expected losses for different games
- Ruin Risk Calculator - Probability of going broke
- Bankroll Management Calculator - Plan session budgets
- Session Simulator - Monte Carlo simulation of outcomes
- Gambling Limits Calculator - Set responsible limits
- Gambling Self-Assessment - PGSI-based screening
- VIP and Loyalty Programs in EU Gambling - Regulation overview
- Glossary - Key gambling and regulatory terms
⚠ Legal Disclaimer
This tool is for educational and informational purposes only. It demonstrates gambling mathematics to promote informed decision-making. This is not financial advice, and we do not encourage gambling or bonus hunting. If you choose to gamble, please do so responsibly and within your means. Always read the full terms and conditions of any bonus offer before accepting.
Last Updated: December 2025