Quick answer: a casino bonus is only worth taking if the money you can expect to lose while meeting the wagering requirement is smaller than the bonus itself. On a 96% RTP slot, a 100% bonus on a €100 deposit breaks even at about 25x wagering on the bonus. Anything higher means the bonus costs you money on average. Use the calculator below to check any offer in seconds.
This is an average over many players, not a prediction. Your own result will vary a lot, and you can lose your whole deposit. 18+. Check your local laws.
How the calculator works
The calculator uses the standard expected value method for casino bonuses:
- Total wagering = wagering requirement × bonus (or × deposit + bonus, if the terms say so).
- Adjusted for game contribution: if a game only counts 10% towards wagering, you must bet ten times as much on it.
- Expected loss = total amount bet × house edge (100% − RTP).
- Bonus value = bonus − expected loss.
Break-even wagering is the requirement at which the expected loss equals the bonus. Below it, the bonus is worth something on average; above it, it costs you.
Worked examples: €100 deposit with a 100% bonus
| Terms | You must bet | Expected loss | Bonus value on average |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10x bonus, slots (96%) | €1,000 | €40 | +€60 |
| 25x bonus, slots (96%) | €2,500 | €100 | €0 |
| 35x bonus, slots (96%) | €3,500 | €140 | -€40 |
| 35x deposit + bonus, slots (96%) | €7,000 | €280 | -€180 |
| 40x bonus, slots (96%) | €4,000 | €160 | -€60 |
| 35x bonus, European roulette (97.3%) | €3,500 | €95 | +€5 |
The roulette example assumes roulette counts 100% towards wagering. Many casinos count it at 10% to 20% or exclude it completely, which makes the bonus far worse, so always check the game contribution table in the terms.
What the wagering requirement really costs
The headline percentage matters much less than the wagering. A 500% bonus with high wagering can be worth less than a 100% bonus with low wagering. Two terms make the biggest difference:
- Bonus only vs deposit + bonus: 35x deposit + bonus means twice as much betting as 35x bonus only on a 100% match. In the examples above, that doubles the expected loss from €140 to €280.
- RTP of the games you play: every percentage point of house edge counts. Wagering €3,500 on a 94% slot costs about €210 on average, against €140 on a 96% slot. See our highest RTP slots.
Terms the calculator can’t see
- Max bet rule: most bonuses cap your stake while you wager, often at a few euros or dollars per bet. Breaking it can void the bonus and any winnings.
- Time limit: you may have only a few days to finish wagering. Check the number of bets the calculator shows against the time you have, or see the hours it takes with our bonus time and stakes checker. For sports bonuses with minimum odds, the odds calculator converts fractional and American prices to decimal.
- Excluded games: some games don’t count at all, and playing them can break the terms.
- Sticky bonuses: if the bonus is removed when you withdraw, it is worth less than the calculator shows. See the FAQ below.
Our welcome bonus guide explains every bonus term in plain English.
Low-wagering bonuses worth a look
Low wagering is the easiest way to get real value from a bonus. FortuneJack’s welcome package has 10x wagering, and Immerion pays cashback with just 3x wagering. Compare every offer, or spin our bonus wheel, on our best casino bonus offers page. Our top-rated casino is 1win (9.9/10); use promo code Ultragambler for its 500% package over four deposits.
Wagering requirement calculator FAQ
How do you calculate a wagering requirement?
Multiply the bonus by the wagering requirement. A €100 bonus with 35x wagering means betting €3,500 in total. If the requirement applies to the deposit plus bonus, multiply that total instead: (€100 + €100) × 35 = €7,000.
What is a good wagering requirement?
On a 96% RTP slot, anything under about 25x the bonus gives the bonus a positive value on average. 10x or lower is very good. 40x or more usually means the bonus costs you money on average.
Is a bonus with 35x wagering worth it?
On a 96% slot with wagering on the bonus only, a €100 bonus has an expected loss of €140 while wagering, so on average it costs about €40. Take it for the extra playtime if you like, but not to make money.
Why does game contribution matter?
If a game counts only 10% towards wagering, every €10 you bet clears just €1 of the requirement. You must bet ten times as much, so the expected loss is ten times bigger.
What is a sticky bonus?
A sticky bonus can be played with but is removed when you withdraw, so you can only cash out winnings above it. It is worth less than a cashable bonus with the same terms, and the calculator’s result is best treated as an upper limit.
Can a bonus make online gambling profitable?
Not reliably. Even a good-value bonus only improves your average result, and short-term results swing a lot. Only gamble with money you can afford to lose; our responsible gambling page has tools and support.
Check your local laws before you play
Online gambling laws differ from country to country, and in some places it is restricted or not permitted. Check that online gambling is legal where you live and that the casino accepts players from your country. You must be 18 or older (or the legal age where you live, if higher).
