Bonus value calculator
Math only, for information. Results are averages and estimates, not predictions. 21+ | Play responsibly
Key facts
- This wagering requirement calculator shows how much you must bet to clear a bonus and the expected loss while you do it.
- Wagering requirement = multiplier x bonus, or multiplier x (bonus + deposit) when the terms say so. 35x a 100 bonus is 3,500.
- Expected loss = total bets x (1 - RTP). Betting 3,500 on a 96% RTP game costs 140 on average, more than the 100 bonus.
- Games that count only partly towards wagering multiply the bets you need: at 10% contribution, 3,500 of wagering takes 35,000 in bets.
Contents
How do you use the wagering requirement calculator?
Copy the numbers from the bonus terms into the calculator:
- Deposit and bonus amount: what you pay in and what the casino adds.
- Wagering multiplier: the "x" in the terms, for example 35 for 35x.
- Wagering applies to: "Bonus only" or "Bonus + deposit". The terms say which. It doubles the requirement on a 100% match.
- Game RTP: the return to player of the game you will play, shown in its help or paytable screen.
- Game contribution: the share of each bet that counts towards wagering, from the bonus terms. Slots often count 100%, other games less.
The calculator shows the wagering requirement, the bets you must place at that contribution, the expected loss while wagering and the bonus minus that expected loss.
What are the formulas?
- Wagering requirement = multiplier x bonus (or x (bonus + deposit)).
- Bets to place = wagering requirement / contribution.
- Expected loss = bets to place x (1 - RTP). The part 1 - RTP is the house edge: at 96% RTP, the casino keeps 4% of every bet on average.
- Bonus minus expected loss: if positive, the bonus is worth more than it costs on average. If negative, it costs more than it gives.
Read the wagering requirement and RTP glossary entries for the terms, and our guide to the house edge for where the 4% comes from.
Worked example: a 100% bonus up to 100 at 35x
You deposit 100 and get a 100 bonus. You play a slot with an RTP of 96% that counts 100%.
| Terms | Wagering requirement | Expected loss at 96% RTP | Bonus minus expected loss |
|---|---|---|---|
| 35x bonus | 35 x 100 = 3,500 | 3,500 x 0.04 = 140 | -40 |
| 35x bonus + deposit | 35 x 200 = 7,000 | 7,000 x 0.04 = 280 | -180 |
| 10x bonus | 10 x 100 = 1,000 | 1,000 x 0.04 = 40 | +60 |
The headline is the same 100% bonus in all three rows, but only the 10x offer is worth more than it costs on average. The 35x bonus plus deposit offer is expected to cost almost twice the bonus.
How does game contribution change the result?
It multiplies the bets you need. Say a table game has an RTP of 99% but counts only 10% towards wagering. For 3,500 of wagering you must bet 3,500 / 0.10 = 35,000. The expected loss is 35,000 x 0.01 = 350, far more than on the 96% slot. A game with a lower house edge is not always cheaper for clearing a bonus.
What does the calculator leave out?
It works with averages, so it cannot show the risk of losing the whole balance before you finish wagering, which is common with high multipliers. It also does not know the other bonus terms:
- Max bet rule: a limit per bet while the bonus is active. Breaking it can void the bonus.
- Cap on winnings: a maximum amount you can withdraw from bonus winnings.
- Time limit: wagering that is not finished in time usually removes the bonus.
- Excluded games: some games do not count at all.
Our casino bonuses guide explains these terms and the other offer types.
Gambling is for adults only (18+). You can always say no to a bonus and play with your own money under simpler rules. Set a deposit limit and see our responsible gambling page for support.
Frequently asked questions
How do I calculate a wagering requirement?
Multiply the bonus by the wagering multiplier. If the terms apply it to bonus plus deposit, add the deposit first. A 100 bonus with a 100 deposit at 35x bonus is 3,500; at 35x bonus plus deposit it is 7,000.
What does game contribution mean?
It is the share of each bet that counts towards wagering. At 100%, a bet of 1 counts as 1. At 10%, a bet of 1 counts as 0.10, so you need ten times more bets.
Is a bonus worth it if the expected loss is higher than the bonus?
On average, no. If the expected loss while wagering is bigger than the bonus, the offer is expected to cost you money compared with playing without it.
Why is the result only an estimate?
Because it uses averages. Real sessions vary a lot: you may lose the balance before finishing the wagering, or win more. Max bet rules, caps on winnings and time limits also change the outcome.