What Are Wagering Requirements? A Complete Guide for Aussie Players
Wagering requirements require you to bet a certain amount before you can withdraw your bonus funds or winnings.
If you’ve ever claimed an online casino bonus, you’ve probably seen the term wagering requirements. And if you didn’t really understand what that means - you’re not alone.
Wagering requirements are one of the most important (and often misunderstood) parts of playing at an online casino and activating a bonus. At AusCasinos, we’re here to keep you informed so you can make better choices online. We’ll explain wagering requirements, how they work, and how you can navigate them.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements are the number of times you need to play through a bonus (or bonus + deposit) before you can withdraw any of your winnings.
They’re commonly referred to as a ‘playthrough requirement’, to ensure that you can’t withdraw your bonus money right away.
Example 1:
- You receive a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement.
- Before you can withdraw any bonus-related winnings, you need to wager: $100 x 30 = $3,000.
Example 2:
- If the requirement is 30x (deposit + bonus) on a $100 deposit with a $100 bonus:
- Before you can withdraw any bonus-related winnings, you’d need to wager: $200 x 30 = $6,000.
Taking a few minutes to work out the implications of the wagering requirements can help you work out if the casino bonus is worth it!
Why Do Online Casinos Use Wagering Requirements?
Many online casinos offer bonuses to attract new players, encouraging them to sign up. That’s why we see so many generous welcome bonuses. But there are also plenty of casinos that offer ongoing casino bonuses and promos to reward loyal players.
To prevent bonus abuse (like claiming a bonus and cashing it out straight away), casinos will attach wagering requirements to encourage actual play.
Wagering requirements are standard across the online casino industry, and it’s often incredibly rare to find no wagering bonuses at an online casino. They also typically come with lower maximum wins or withdrawal limits.
Common Types of Wagering Requirements
Let’s take a look at some of the most common types of wagering requirements you’ll find at some of the best Australian online casinos.
| Type | What It Applies To | Typical Range |
|---|---|---|
| Bonus Only | Only the bonus amount | 20x–50x |
| Deposit + Bonus | Your deposit + your bonus amount | 25x–60x |
| Free Spins | Winnings from spins | 20x–40x |
| No Wagering | None — winnings are yours | Rare but highly sought after! |
How to Clear Wagering Requirements
Before withdrawing your winnings from a bonus, you’ll need to ‘clear wagering requirements’.
Based on our experience, here are some quick tips to help you clear them more quickly, so you can access your winnings faster.
- Choose low-wagering bonuses: Try to choose bonus offers with requirements of 30x or lower. Avoid bonuses that include both deposit + bonus unless the total value is very high.
- Play high-RTP games: Games with a higher RTP will give you better value over time. For example, popular online casino games like Starburst (96.1%), Blood Suckers (98%), Jacks or Better (99.5%)
- Avoid restricted games: You’ll be limited to certain casino games at some online casinos. There will also be some games that won’t count toward wagering or only count partially (e.g. 10%). For example, table games and live casino games can often be excluded. Make sure to check the bonus terms for the full list before playing.
- Mind the max bet rule: Most casinos will limit how much you can bet while clearing your wagering requirements. This is typically $5–$7 per spin or round on most games. If you exceed this limit, your bonus can be voided, so be careful.
- Track your progress: Most online casinos offer a handy wagering tracker in your account area. This will show you how you’re tracking towards clearing the requirement. Check this regularly to avoid unnecessary play after you’ve cleared your requirement.
Game Contribution to Wagering Requirements
Not all casino games always count equally toward clearing your wagering requirements. While every online casino and bonus will be different, here’s an average of what we typically see at most online casinos.
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Online Pokies | 100% (though high RTP and jackpot games can be less) |
| Roulette & Blackjack | 5%–10% |
| Live Dealer Games | 0%–10% |
| Video Poker | 20%–100% (varies significantly depending on the game) |
Mistakes to Avoid with Wagering Requirements
When it comes to wagering requirements, we recommend avoiding a few things to help ensure you’re making the most of your bonus.
Are Wagering Requirements Always Bad?
No, wagering requirements aren’t always bad. Consider playthrough requirements a challenge, rather than a casino trying to trap you into spending more. If you go in informed, you can come out ahead.
Casino bonuses can offer real value if you:
Conclusion
Wagering requirements are just a way of life when claiming online casino bonuses. While they can be confusing at first, understanding how they work can give you an edge when gambling online. Wagering requirements simply refer to how much you need to bet before you can withdraw bonus funds or winnings. But the terms can vary between casinos.
The key to understanding wagering requirements is knowing what you're signing up for. By choosing low-wagering offers, playing high-RTP games and avoiding restricted bets or games, you can clear your wagering requirements efficiently - and enjoy your bonus winnings!
At AusCasinos, we believe informed players make smarter decisions. Always read the T&Cs, gamble responsibly, and treat bonuses as a fun way to extend your gameplay.
Wagering Requirements FAQ
Emily is our seasoned content writer. She writes easy to read and helpful game guides, so you can quickly understand the rules of each game and get some useful tips that can help boost your chances of winning.
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