Wagering requirements: how they work, with examples

Almost every casino bonus comes with wagering requirements, also called rollover. They are the most important condition of a promotion and the one that causes the most confusion. In this guide we explain what they are, how they are calculated with examples in Mexican pesos and what to check before accepting any bonus.

What wagering requirements are

A wagering requirement tells you how many times you have to bet an amount before you can withdraw money that comes from a bonus. It is written as a multiplier, for example 5x, 10x or 30x.

The reason is simple: the casino gives you extra balance, but you cannot withdraw it straight away. You first have to use it in the games. Once you complete the requirement, the bonus balance becomes real money you can withdraw.

How it is calculated: two examples

The formula depends on which amount the multiplier applies to. Each promotion’s conditions state this.

Example 1: rollover on the bonus. You deposit 500 MXN and receive a 500 MXN bonus with a 10x requirement on the bonus.

• Amount to wager: 500 × 10 = 5,000 MXN in bets.

Example 2: rollover on deposit plus bonus. Same deposit and same bonus, but the 10x requirement applies to the total.

• Amount to wager: (500 + 500) × 10 = 10,000 MXN in bets.

As you can see, the same 10x figure can mean twice as much play depending on how the condition is worded. That is why it always pays to read it in full.

Note: “wagering 5,000 MXN” does not mean spending 5,000 MXN. Every spin or round counts for the amount bet, even if you win part of it back and bet it again. Even so, the higher the requirement, the more likely the balance runs out before you complete it.

Which games count

Not every game contributes the same to the requirement. The usual pattern is:

If a game contributes 10%, a 100 MXN bet only counts as 10 MXN towards the requirement. Check the promotion’s table before choosing where to play.

Other conditions to check

Besides the multiplier, look at these points:

• Deadline. The requirement usually has a time limit. If you do not complete it in time, the bonus and its winnings are lost.
• Maximum bet. Many promotions cap how much you can bet per round while the bonus is active.
• Maximum withdrawal. Some promotions cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings.
• Minimum deposit. This is how much you must deposit to activate the promotion.
• Excluded payment methods. Sometimes certain deposit methods do not trigger the bonus.

How to decide if it suits you

A bonus suits you if its conditions fit your budget and the games you enjoy. Ask yourself:

1. Can I complete the requirement without depositing more than planned?
2. Do the games I like count at 100%?
3. Is the deadline realistic for how often I play?

If the answer to any of these is “no”, playing without a bonus is a perfectly good option too. Before accepting, check the current conditions on the main site, because they change with each promotion. And remember to set your limits by following our responsible gambling guide. To understand why a high requirement tends to use up your balance, also read what RTP is.