Online casinos aggressively market their deposit bonuses, making it seem like they are handing out free money.
To prevent instant bankruptcy, casinos protect these bonuses using strict rules known as wagering requirements.
Explaining the Playthrough Multiplier
It is essentially a mathematical hurdle you must clear before the casino allows you to cash out your winnings.
For example, if you receive a $100 bonus with a 30x requirement, you must place $3,000 worth of bets.
- Low wagering requirements (under 30x) are considered the gold standard in the industry
- Many players prefer to decline bonuses entirely to avoid dealing with these restrictions
- You must clear the playthrough before you can withdraw even your own initial deposit in most cases
Game Weighting and Restrictions
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.
| Game Type | Weighting % | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Live Casino | 0% | Avoid completely while bonus is active |
| Scratch Cards | 100% | Excellent option for clearing funds |
Always read the fine print carefully, and never accept a bonus if the playthrough multiplier exceeds 50x.