Bonus terms guide
Wagering requirements, explained.
Wagering, playthrough, rollover: three names for the same rule. It decides how much you have to bet before bonus money can be withdrawn. This guide shows how it's worked out, with plain numbers, and the other terms that come with it.
The basics
What a wagering requirement is
When a site gives you bonus money, it usually can't be withdrawn straight away. You first have to bet a set total, known as the wagering requirement.
You get a bonus
For example, a 100% deposit match: deposit 100, get 100 in bonus funds.
A multiple is set
The terms state a multiple, such as 35x, and what it applies to: the bonus alone, or the deposit and bonus together.
You bet the total
Every qualifying bet counts towards the target. It's the total amount staked that counts, not what you win or lose.
Funds unlock
Once the target is met within the time limit, the remaining bonus balance usually becomes withdrawable cash.
Worked examples
Bonus only vs deposit plus bonus
The same multiple can mean very different amounts. What matters is what the multiple applies to.
35x the bonus
You deposit 100 and get a 100 bonus. Wagering is 35 × 100 = 3,500. You need to stake a total of 3,500 before the bonus can be withdrawn.
35x deposit plus bonus
Same deposit and bonus, but the multiple applies to both: 35 × (100 + 100) = 7,000. Twice as much betting for the same bonus.
Turnover adds up
Wagering counts every stake. Ten bets of 10 count as 100 towards the target, even if you won some and lost others. Winnings you bet again count again.
How the multiple changes the target (100 deposit, 100 bonus)
| Wagering | Applies to | Total to wager |
|---|---|---|
| 10x | Bonus only | 1,000 |
| 20x | Bonus only | 2,000 |
| 35x | Bonus only | 3,500 |
| 20x | Deposit + bonus | 4,000 |
| 35x | Deposit + bonus | 7,000 |
| 40x | Deposit + bonus | 8,000 |
The lower the total to wager, the easier the bonus is to clear. Always check the terms for what the multiple applies to.
Game weighting
Not every bet counts in full
Casino bonuses often use contribution percentages. A game at 100% counts every unit staked; a game at 10% counts only one unit in every ten.
| Game type | Typical contribution | Stake 100 counts as |
|---|---|---|
| Pokies (slots) | Often 100% | 100 |
| Table games (blackjack, roulette) | Often 10% to 20%, sometimes 0% | 10 to 20 |
| Live dealer games | Often 10% or 0% | 0 to 10 |
| Excluded games | 0% | Nothing |
Percentages vary from site to site, and some individual pokies are excluded or count less. The bonus terms list them. If you're new to slots, see how to play pokies.
So a 3,500 target played on a game that counts at 10% would need 35,000 in stakes. That's why the game list matters as much as the multiple.
The small print
Other terms that come with wagering
The multiple is only part of the picture. These rules usually sit alongside it. Sports free bets work a little differently, so see free bets explained for those.
Minimum odds
Sports bonuses usually only count bets at or above set odds, often somewhere around 1.50 to 2.00. Bets at shorter odds may not count at all. See how betting odds work.
Bet type rules
Some sports offers only count singles, others need multiples with a set number of selections. Cash-out bets and void bets often don't count. Our bet types guide explains the terms.
Time limits
You usually have a set number of days, often 7 to 30, to meet the requirement. Anything left after that is normally removed, along with any winnings from it.
Maximum bet
While a bonus is active, there's often a cap on each bet or spin, either a fixed figure or a share of the bonus. Going over it can void the bonus and its winnings.
Maximum win or cash-out
Some bonuses, especially free spins and no-deposit offers, cap what you can withdraw from them, often as a multiple of the bonus. Anything above the cap is removed.
Balance order
Many sites use your real money first and the bonus after. Withdrawing before wagering is complete usually cancels the bonus and any winnings made with it. See withdrawals and ID checks.
Side by side
How to compare two offers
A bigger bonus isn't always the better deal. Work out the total to wager and read the other terms before you compare headline amounts.
| Offer A | Offer B | |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit | 100 | 100 |
| Bonus | 100 (100% match) | 200 (200% match) |
| Wagering | 30x bonus | 40x deposit + bonus |
| Total to wager | 3,000 | 12,000 |
| Time limit | 30 days | 7 days |
| Wagering per unit of bonus | 30 | 60 |
Example figures only. Offer B looks bigger, but needs four times as much betting in a quarter of the time.
- Find the multiple and what it applies to: bonus only, or deposit plus bonus.
- Work out the total to wager in plain numbers.
- Check which games or bets count, and at what percentage or minimum odds.
- Check the time limit and whether the total is realistic for how you normally play.
- Check the maximum bet and any win cap. A cap can limit what the bonus is worth.
- Remember the house edge. On a game with a 96% RTP, wagering 3,000 costs about 120 on average. The more you have to wager, the more of the bonus that tends to use up.
Good to know
Wagering requirements FAQ
Are wagering, playthrough and rollover the same thing?
Yes. They are different names for the same rule: the total amount you need to bet before bonus funds, or winnings from them, can be withdrawn.
Do losing bets count towards wagering?
Usually, yes. Wagering counts the amount you stake, not whether the bet wins. Bets that are voided, cashed out early or placed below the minimum odds often don't count.
What happens if I don't finish the wagering in time?
The remaining bonus balance is normally removed when the time limit runs out, along with any winnings still tied to it. Your own deposited money is usually not affected, but check the terms.
Can I withdraw my deposit before finishing the wagering?
Often you can, but on many sites doing so cancels the bonus and any winnings made with it. Some sites lock the deposit until wagering is complete. The bonus terms say which applies.
What is a no-wagering bonus?
A bonus where winnings are paid as withdrawable cash with no playthrough. They tend to be smaller than standard bonuses and may still have other terms, such as a time limit or a cap on winnings.
Check you're eligible. Whether you can sign up for an offer, and whether online betting is allowed where you live, depends on local laws and each operator's own terms. Wagering rules vary between sites and change over time, so always read the operator's own bonus terms before you deposit. This guide is general information only and isn't a recommendation. 18+ only. Please gamble responsibly, and see our responsible gambling page if it stops being fun.