A “100% match bonus” sounds like free money. In reality it is a conditional offer, and the condition that matters most is the wagering requirement. Understanding it takes five minutes and can save you from bonuses that are not worth taking.
What a wagering requirement is
A wagering requirement, also called a playthrough or rollover, is the amount you must bet before you can withdraw money linked to a bonus. It is expressed as a multiple, such as 30x. The multiple may apply to the bonus alone, or to the bonus plus your deposit. The terms will say which, and the difference is large.
Working through an example
Suppose you deposit 100 and receive a 100 bonus, with a 30x requirement on the bonus only. You must wager 30 x 100 = 3,000 before the bonus funds can be withdrawn. If the requirement applied to deposit plus bonus, it would be 30 x 200 = 6,000. Each spin or bet counts towards the total, and you will usually lose a portion of the money along the way because of the house edge. This is a simplified example, not a real offer; always calculate with the actual terms.
The costs hidden in the fine print
Game weighting
Not all games count equally. Slots often count 100%, while table games or live dealer may count for a small share or nothing at all. A requirement can therefore take far longer to clear if you prefer blackjack.
Maximum bet rules
Many bonuses limit the size of a single bet while wagering. Exceeding it, even once and even by accident, may void the bonus and any winnings. Note the limit before you start.
Time limits
Bonuses often expire after a set number of days. If you cannot complete the wagering in time, you lose the bonus and possibly the winnings from it.
Maximum cashout
Some offers cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings. A large win might be trimmed to that cap.
Excluded games and methods
Certain slots and payment methods are commonly excluded. Check both lists. Our guide to payment methods mentions method exclusions.
Sticky and non-sticky bonuses
A sticky bonus cannot be withdrawn; only winnings can. A non-sticky bonus lets you play with your own cash first and, if you win and withdraw before touching the bonus, the bonus may be removed. Terms differ, so read how yours works.
How to judge whether a bonus is worth it
- Find the wagering multiple and what it applies to.
- Calculate the total amount you must bet.
- Estimate the cost. Multiply the total wagered by the game’s house edge to see what you would expect to lose while clearing it. For example, 3,000 wagered on a game with a 4% edge has an expected cost of about 120, which is more than the bonus itself. That is why a large requirement can make a bonus a poor deal.
- Check the maximum bet, time limit, cashout cap and excluded games.
- Decide whether you would be happy playing this way without the bonus.
Bonuses without wagering
Some offers come with low or no wagering requirements. They are usually smaller, and other conditions such as time limits or capped winnings may apply. No-wagering does not mean no terms, so read them all the same.
Warning signs in bonus terms
- Requirements that are not stated clearly or that are buried in several documents.
- Rules that let the operator void winnings at its “sole discretion” without stating a reason.
- Terms that change after you have claimed the offer.
These are covered further in our red flags checklist. Bonus terms also affect how quickly you can cash out, which we discuss in casino withdrawal times.
Checklist to read before you click “claim”
- What is the multiple, and does it apply to the bonus only or to the deposit plus the bonus?
- What is the total amount I must bet, calculated in actual money?
- Which games count, and how much does each count?
- What is the maximum bet while wagering, and what is the deadline?
- Is there a cap on winnings from the bonus?
- Can I still withdraw my own deposit, and how does that affect the bonus?
If you cannot answer all six from the terms, ask support in writing and save the reply before you deposit. A clear operator will answer quickly.
Free spins follow the same logic
Free spins are usually offered at a fixed stake on a named game, and the winnings often carry their own wagering requirement. The offer looks generous, but the value depends entirely on the multiple, the cap on winnings and the time you have to use them. Treat them like any other bonus and read the terms first.
A note on sportsbook bonuses
Sportsbook offers such as free bets and boosted odds often come with minimum odds, stake-not-returned rules or rollover conditions. The same principle applies: work out what you would have to do to withdraw, and decide if it is worth it before you accept.
It is fine to say no
You can decline a bonus, and doing so often makes withdrawals simpler. Most operators let you opt out at the deposit stage. If the terms feel confusing, that is a good reason to skip it. Bonuses are marketing tools, and their job is to keep you playing. Only claim one if the maths and the rules suit you.
Never chase losses to finish a requirement, and treat any bonus as entertainment value, never as income.
18+ (21+ where local law requires) only. Play responsibly. Gambling involves risk and no strategy or guide can guarantee a win. Only play with money you can afford to lose. If gambling stops being fun, see our responsible gambling page for tools and helplines.