Online casinos aggressively market their deposit bonuses, making it seem like they are handing out free money.
However, seasoned players know that this ‘free cash’ is locked firmly behind a wall of terms and conditions.
Explaining the Playthrough Multiplier
A wagering requirement is a multiplier that dictates exactly how much money you must bet before you can withdraw.
For example, if you receive a $100 bonus with a 30x requirement, you must place $3,000 worth of bets.
- The goal of the casino is for you to lose the bonus money before hitting the target
- Always check if the multiplier applies only to the bonus, or the deposit + bonus combined
- Understanding this math is crucial to determining if an offer is actually worth taking
Understanding Game Contributions
You cannot simply grind out the requirement on games like Blackjack that have a 99.5% RTP.
However, playing roulette might only contribute 10%, meaning a $10 bet only counts as $1 towards the playthrough.
| Activity | Contribution Rule | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Video Poker | 0% – 5% | House edge is too low for the casino to allow it |
| Progressive Slots | Usually Restricted | Check terms; often completely banned with active bonuses |
Always read the fine print carefully, and never accept a bonus if the playthrough multiplier exceeds 50x.