Wagering Requirement Calculator

Last updated:

A casino bonus is only worth what is left after you have cleared its wagering requirement. This calculator works that out for you: enter the bonus terms and the game you plan to play, and it shows the total amount you must bet, how many spins or hands that takes and whether the bonus is worth more than it is likely to cost.

Wagering Requirement Calculator

Total wagering required: –

Bets needed at your stake: –

Expected cost of clearing it: –

Expected value of the bonus: –

Results are long-run averages. Individual sessions vary widely, and many bonuses end with the balance used up before wagering is complete. The calculator assumes the whole bonus can be withdrawn once wagering is met; a maximum cashout cap lowers its value further.

How the Calculation Works

The total wagering is the multiplier times either the bonus alone or your deposit plus the bonus, depending on the terms. If you play a game that counts less than 100% towards wagering, you have to bet proportionally more: at 10% contribution, every $10 you bet counts as $1. The expected cost is the total you actually bet times the house edge (100% minus the game's RTP). The expected value of the bonus is the bonus amount minus that cost. If it is negative, you would on average be better off without the bonus.

Worked Example

A $100 deposit with a 100% bonus and 30x wagering on deposit plus bonus needs $6,000 in bets. On a pokie with 96% RTP that costs about $240 on average, against a $100 bonus: an expected loss of $140 compared with playing without it. The same $100 bonus with 30x wagering on the bonus alone needs $3,000 in bets, costing about $120: still slightly negative. At 20x on the bonus alone the cost falls to about $80 and the bonus becomes worth taking. The difference between "bonus" and "deposit plus bonus" is the single most important detail in any offer.

Tips for Using the Results

  • Use the RTP from the game's help screen; our house edge table lists typical figures.
  • Check game contribution in the bonus terms. Table games and video poker often count 10% or less.
  • Remember the maximum bet rule; exceeding it can void the bonus.
  • A negative result does not mean you will lose, only that the bonus is unlikely to add value. Declining a bonus also removes the maximum bet and withdrawal restrictions.

For more on bonus terms, see our casino bonus guide, free spins guide and no-deposit bonus guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I calculate a wagering requirement?

Multiply the wagering multiplier by the amount it applies to. For example, 30x on a $100 bonus is $3,000; 30x on a $100 deposit plus a $100 bonus is $6,000.

What does game contribution mean?

The percentage of each bet that counts towards wagering. Pokies usually count 100%; table games and video poker often count 10% or less, so you must bet ten times as much to clear the same requirement.

Is a bonus with wagering ever worth taking?

Yes, when the expected cost of clearing it is less than the bonus. That typically needs wagering of about 25x the bonus or less on a game with 96% RTP or higher.

Why does the calculator show a negative value?

Because on average the house edge on the betting required would cost more than the bonus is worth. You may still win in a particular session, but the bonus is not adding value on average.

Does the calculator account for maximum cashout limits?

No. If a bonus caps how much you can withdraw, its real value is lower than the calculator shows, often much lower for no-deposit bonuses.

Related Guides