The Most Misunderstood Casino Term
You've just claimed a fantastic 100% match bonus at an online casino, doubling your money before you've even placed a bet. Then, you discover the money isn't immediately available for casino withdrawal. This common situation is caused by wagering requirements, a crucial part of bonus terms and conditions.

Defining the Concept
A wagering requirement, also known as a playthrough or casino turnover requirement, is a multiplier that represents the number of times you must play through a bonus before you are able to withdraw any winnings associated with it.

Here's a simple example:

Your deposit is $50, and the casino matches it with a $50 bonus. The wagering requirement is 30x the bonus amount. To clear the bonus, you must wager a total of $1,500.

Therefore, you need to make bets totaling $1,500 to unlock your bonus funds and associated profits for cashout.

Important Nuances to Be Aware Of
There are several factors that can affect how easy or difficult it is to meet the playthrough.

Consideration Explanation

The Basis of Calculation Some casinos apply the wagering requirement only to the bonus amount, while others apply it to the bonus PLUS your deposit. The second type is much harder to clear.

Game Contributions Not all games contribute equally to meeting the requirement. Bets on slots usually contribute 100%, but table games like blackjack or roulette might only contribute 10% or even 0%.

Expiration Dates These deadlines can put pressure on players, so it's important to know them upfront.

Maximum Bet Casinos often impose a maximum bet size (e.g., $5) while playing with bonus funds. Exceeding this can void your bonus.

Should You Claim a Bonus?
Despite these conditions, casino bonuses can still offer excellent value. They give you more playtime, allow you to explore more games, and offer more chances to hit a big win. The key is to always read and understand the terms and casino conditions. By doing so, you can find bonuses with fair requirements and make the most of your online casino experience.