Online Casinos: Online casinos offer attractive bonuses to lure players—welcome bonuses, deposit matches, free spins, and more. However, these offers often come with strings attached, commonly known as playthrough requirements or wagering requirements.
Online Casinos: In this guide, we’ll explain what playthrough is, how it works, and provide realistic examples using tables to help you understand how to make the most of your online casino experience.
🔍 Online Casinos: What is Playthrough?
Online Casinos: Playthrough, also called wagering requirement, is the number of times a player must wager the bonus (or bonus + deposit) before being allowed to withdraw any winnings derived from it.
🎯 Online Casinos: The Purpose of Playthrough
Online Casinos: Casinos use wagering requirements to prevent players from claiming bonuses and immediately cashing out without playing. It ensures that bonuses are used for gameplay rather than as free cash giveaways.
📘 How Playthrough Works
✅ Basic Formula
Amount to Wager=Bonus Amount×Wagering Requirement\text{Amount to Wager} = \text{Bonus Amount} \times \text{Wagering Requirement}Amount to Wager=Bonus Amount×Wagering Requirement
Sometimes it applies to the deposit + bonus, and in some cases just to the bonus itself. Always read the terms!
📊 Examples of Playthrough Requirements
Let’s look at some examples to clarify how much you need to wager before withdrawing.
Example 1: Bonus Only Requirement
| Deposit | Bonus | Playthrough | Wagering Requirement Type | Total Required Wagering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $100 | 30x | Bonus only | $100 × 30 = $3,000 |
Here, you only need to wager the bonus amount 30 times.
Example 2: Deposit + Bonus Requirement
| Deposit | Bonus | Playthrough | Wagering Requirement Type | Total Required Wagering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| $100 | $100 | 30x | Deposit + Bonus | $200 × 30 = $6,000 |
In this case, both your deposit and bonus are locked into the playthrough.
🎮 Game Contributions Toward Playthrough
Not all games contribute equally to the wagering requirement. Slots usually count 100%, while table games contribute less.
Game Contribution Table
| Game Type | Contribution % |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Roulette | 10–20% |
| Blackjack | 5–10% |
| Video Poker | 10–30% |
| Live Dealer Games | 0–10% |
Example: If you bet $100 on Blackjack that counts 10% toward wagering, only $10 will apply toward your requirement.
📉 Hidden Pitfalls and Terms to Watch
Online casinos often include other conditions beyond just playthrough:
| Condition | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Max Bet Limit | You can’t bet more than a set amount (e.g., $5) while wagering. |
| Time Limit | You may have 7–30 days to complete the requirement. |
| Game Restrictions | Some games may be excluded entirely. |
| Bonus Abuse Rules | Exploiting the bonus can lead to confiscation. |
| Withdrawal Limits | Winnings from free spins may be capped (e.g., $100 max). |
🔁 Playthrough in Free Spins Bonuses
If you’re given free spins, the winnings from them often become bonus money, which is then subject to wagering.
Example:
| Free Spins | Winnings from Spins | Playthrough (x20) | Total Wager Required |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 | $30 | 20x | $30 × 20 = $600 |
🧠 Strategy: How to Beat Playthrough
- Choose Bonuses with Low Wagering (10x–20x)
The lower the multiplier, the easier it is to cash out. - Stick to Games with High Contribution Rates
Slots are your best bet, especially low-volatility ones. - Avoid Breaching Terms
Always read bonus terms carefully, especially bet size limits. - Withdraw Winnings from Real Money First
If allowed, withdraw your real balance before claiming a bonus to avoid locking your money.
🔚 Final Thoughts
Playthrough requirements aren’t scams—they’re simply conditions to ensure bonuses are used as intended. However, understanding the math and terms is crucial before accepting any online casino offer.
A good rule of thumb: if the wagering requirement is more than 40x, be cautious—it may not be worth the effort unless you’re just playing for fun.
