Online casino wagering requirements explained

Wagering requirements are a common feature on Canadian online casino sites, and these tend to serve as a safeguard for operators. These conditions tend to require players to bet a certain amount before withdrawing bonus winnings.

Nearly all CA online casinos implement wagering requirements on their promotions, so it is absolutely vital for you to understand these terms before trying to claim bonuses, because there is nothing worse than trying to get bonus money that you don’t actually have access to! While these can seem restrictive, wagering requirements help maintain fairness and prevent bonus abuse in the online gambling industry, so they’re worthwhile and I’ll explain why here.

Key highlights:

• A wagering requirement refers to how much a player must “play through” the winnings of a bonus, before they can withdraw.
• This helps players make informed choices about which bonuses to claim and protects the casino from bonus abusers.
• To work out how much needs to be wagered, simply multiply the amount of the bonus by the wagering requirement. E.g. a $200 bonus with 35x playthrough requirement = $7,000.

Casino wagering defined

So casino wagering refers to actually placing bets on casino games. In the context of bonuses, it specifically relates to the amount a player must bet to fulfill the wagering requirements attached to a promotion to be able to access it. This process means that players engage with the casino’s offerings before cashing out any bonus winnings, so it is worth the casino putting in place to get users staking.

Wagering & playthrough requirements defined

Wagering requirements, which are also known as playthrough requirements, are conditions set by online casinos that dictate how many times a player must bet their bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit amount) before they can withdraw any winnings that are derived from that bonus. These requirements tend to be expressed as a multiplier, like 30x or 40x the bonus amount, which I’ve found isn’t always easy to get your head around but it’s worth looking at what bookmakers are offering so that you know exactly what you’re getting into.

For example, if a casino offers a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, the player would need to place bets totaling $3,000 before they could withdraw any winnings associated with that bonus. 

But why have playthrough bonuses? Well, playthrough requirements serve multiple purposes: they protect casinos from bonus abuse, they ensure players engage with the casino’s games, and also comply with anti-money laundering regulations. While they can be challenging to meet at points, understanding these requirements is really important for you the player to make informed decisions about which bonuses to claim.

How wagering requirements work in CA online casinos

Wagering requirements in Canadian online casinos function as a mechanism to regulate bonus usage and withdrawals. Here’s how they typically work:

1. A player claims a bonus offer, such as a welcome bonus or free spins.
2. The casino applies the wagering requirement to the bonus amount or winnings from free spins.
3. The player must wager the specified amount on eligible games before requesting a withdrawal.
4. Different games may contribute differently to the wagering requirement, with slots often counting 100% and table games less.
5. Once the wagering conditions are met, the bonus funds and associated winnings become withdrawable.

How to calculate the playthrough requirement for a casino bonus

This takes a bit of time to figure out, but bear with me. To calculate the playthrough requirement for a casino bonus, multiply the bonus amount by the wagering multiplier. For instance, if you receive a $200 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement, you would need to wager $7,000 ($200 x 35) before you can withdraw any winnings. Some casinos may include the deposit amount in this calculation, so always check the terms and conditions carefully before you stake.

FAQ about wagering requirements in online casinos

Let’s address some common questions about wagering requirements in online casinos:

What is the best way to beat wagering requirements?

The best way to beat wagering requirements is to carefully read the bonus terms and choose ones with lower playthrough conditions and play games that contribute fully to the rollover requirement.

While all slots are random regardless of their RTP and volatility levels, my advice would be to opt for low to medium volatility slots with high RTP percentages to maximize your chances of meeting the wagering criteria while preserving your balance.

Also, carefully manage your bankroll and avoid placing large bets that could deplete your funds before fulfilling the requirements. Aim to stay in the game and give yourself the best chance of having cashable funds at the end.

What is the difference between free bets and betting credits in wagering?

Free bets and betting credits differ in how they contribute to wagering requirements. Free bets are typically one-time use offers where only the winnings are credited to your account, and the stake is not returned.

Betting credits, on the other hand, would be added to your account balance and can be used multiple times, with both the stake and winnings returned on successful bets. Generally, betting credits are subject to wagering requirements, while free bets may have fewer restrictions, so it is worth knowing which you have available to you before playing.

What does “max cashout” mean?

Max cashout refers to the maximum amount a player can withdraw from winnings generated by a bonus offer. This restriction limits the potential payout from a promotion, regardless of how much a player might win. For example, if a bonus has a max cashout of $500, even if a player wins $1,000, they can only withdraw $500. You’ll usually find that this term is found in the terms and conditions of no-deposit bonuses or free spin offers at online casinos.

About the author

Daniel Smyth

Daniel Smyth has seen the online poker, casino, and betting industry from every angle. He previously played poker semi-professionally before working at WPT Magazine as a writer and editor. From there, he transitioned to online gaming where he’s been producing expert content for over 10 years.

Follow Daniel on Twitter @DanSmythThePoet

Commercial content notice: Taking one of the casino offers featured in this article may result in a payment to talkSPORT. 19+. T&Cs apply. Responsible Gambling Council

Remember to gamble responsibly

A responsible gambler is someone who:

• Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
• Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
• Never chase their losses
• Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry or depressed
• Responsible Gambling Council – https://www.responsiblegambling.org/

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