Online casinos aggressively market their deposit bonuses, making it seem like they are handing out free money.
The reality is that these promotional funds are heavily restricted by a mechanism called a playthrough requirement.
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
Not All Casino Games Count Equally
To make things even more complicated, not every game on the platform contributes 100% towards the requirement.
Live dealer games and high-RTP table games are frequently excluded from bonus wagering entirely (0% contribution).
| Game Category | Typical Contribution | Impact on Playthrough |
|---|---|---|
| Slot Machines | 100% | Fastest way to clear the bonus |
| Blackjack | 5% - 10% | Incredibly slow and tedious |
Always read the fine print carefully, and never accept a bonus if the playthrough multiplier exceeds 50x.