The wagering requirement is the single most important number in any casino bonus, and it’s the one most players ignore until their withdrawal gets blocked. This guide breaks down exactly what rollover means, how to calculate it, and the fine-print clauses that quietly decide whether a bonus is worth taking.
I’m Otto Bergstrom, 18 years testing casinos and reading bonus terms so you don’t have to. 18+ only. Play responsibly.
What “Wagering Requirement” Means
A wagering requirement (also called rollover or playthrough) is how many times you must bet a bonus before you can withdraw winnings from it. It’s written as a multiplier like 35x or 40x.
The basic math: a $100 bonus with 40x wagering means you must place $4,000 in total bets before withdrawing ($100 × 40 = $4,000).
Note whether the requirement applies to the bonus only (better for you) or bonus + deposit (worse). A “40x (D+B)” on a $100 deposit and $100 bonus means 40 × $200 = $8,000 — double the playthrough.
What Counts as “Good” Wagering
In the offshore US market:
| Rollover | Verdict |
|---|---|
| 30x or lower | Excellent — the best available |
| 35x | Good |
| 40x | Average — the default |
| 45x+ | Steep — only for offers you’ll truly clear |
For the lowest-rollover sites, see low wagering casinos.
The Three Clauses That Trip Players Up
The rollover number is only part of the story. These clauses void more winnings than anything else:
1. Maximum Bet During Playthrough
Most bonuses cap your bet at $5–$10 per spin while wagering is active. Bet $15 on one spin and the casino can void your entire bonus and its winnings — even if it was an accident. This is the number one reason players lose bonus money. Check it before your first spin.
2. Game Weighting (Contribution)
Not every game counts equally toward rollover:
- Slots usually contribute 100% — $1 bet = $1 toward wagering.
- Table games and video poker often contribute 10–20% or nothing, because their house edge is lower.
If you play blackjack on a slots bonus, you might clear only 10 cents of rollover per dollar bet — or none at all. Play the games the bonus is designed for.
3. Maximum Cashout
Some bonuses cap what you can withdraw from bonus funds — for example Cherry Jackpot’s welcome caps at $1,000 regardless of how much you win. A huge match with a low cashout cap is worth less than it looks.
A Worked Example
Say you take a 300% match up to $3,000 at Wild Casino, depositing $100 for a $300 bonus at 35x on the bonus:
- Wagering: $300 × 35 = $10,500 in slot bets.
- Max bet: stay under the stated limit (e.g. $10) the whole time.
- Contribution: play slots (100%), not blackjack.
- Once you’ve wagered $10,500 within those rules, winnings become withdrawable.
That’s a realistic amount of play for a grinder and a lot for a casual player — which is why low wagering and no cashout cap matter so much.
My Advice
Casual player? Prioritize low wagering and no cashout cap over a big headline — see best US casino bonuses. Grinder who clears rollover comfortably? Chase the high-ceiling offers. Either way, read the max-bet and game-weighting clauses before your first bet, not after your withdrawal is blocked.
FAQ
How do I calculate a wagering requirement?
Multiply the bonus by the rollover number. A $200 bonus at 40x means 200 × 40 = $8,000 in total bets before you can withdraw. Check whether it applies to the bonus only or bonus plus deposit — the latter doubles the playthrough.
What is a good wagering requirement?
In the offshore US market, 30x or lower is excellent, 35x is good, 40x is average, and 45x or higher is steep. Lower is always better for the player.
Why were my bonus winnings voided?
Almost always because you exceeded the maximum bet allowed during playthrough (often $5–$10 per spin) or played a game that doesn’t contribute to wagering. Read the max-bet and game-weighting clauses before playing a bonus.
Do all games count toward wagering?
No. Slots usually count 100%, while table games and video poker often count 10–20% or nothing. Play the games the bonus is intended for, which is normally slots.
Last updated: July 2026. Written by Otto Bergstrom for Balkasino. Play responsibly — 18+.