Here's what most casino sites won't tell you: that "€500 welcome bonus" probably isn't worth €500.
In fact, depending on the wagering requirements, game restrictions, time limits, and maximum bet caps, it might only be worth €50. Or €20. Or nothing at all if the terms are designed to make clearing it nearly impossible.
Casino bonuses are marketing tools first, player benefits second. They're designed to look incredible in the headline and trap you in the fine print. Most players claim bonuses without understanding what they're actually agreeing to—and end up frustrated when they can't withdraw their "winnings."
This guide breaks down the mechanics of bonus wagering requirements, shows you how to calculate true bonus value, and teaches you which offers are worth claiming and which are designed to fail.
The goal: Never fall for a bonus trap again.
A wagering requirement (also called "rollover" or "playthrough") is the number of times you must bet your bonus amount (and sometimes your deposit) before you can withdraw any winnings.
If the wagering requirement is 30x the bonus:
€100 (bonus) × 30 = €3,000 in total bets
That means you need to place €3,000 worth of bets before the casino will let you cash out. Win or lose, every bet counts toward clearing the requirement.
Most players don't realize how much €3,000 in bets actually is.
That “€100 bonus” effectively costs you €20 in expected losses.
Not all wagering requirements are created equal. These factors determine whether a bonus is clearable or a trap.
Bonus Only (Better):
You only wager the bonus.
Example: €100 bonus × 30 = €3,000 wagering.
Bonus + Deposit (Worse):
You wager deposit + bonus.
Example: (€100 + €100) × 30 = €6,000 wagering.
Why It Matters:
Bonus + deposit wagering doubles your rollover burden.
Not all games clear wagering at the same speed.
Game TypeContributionWhat This MeansSlots100%€1 bet = €1 toward wageringTable Games10–20%€1 bet = €0.10–€0.20Live Dealer10% or excluded€1 bet = €0.10 (or nothing)Video Poker5–10%€1 bet = €0.05–€0.10
Translation:
A €3,000 wagering requirement on blackjack (10% contribution) means you'd need €30,000 in bets.
Casino Logic:
Slots have higher house edges → casinos let you clear bonuses faster on them.
Most bonuses restrict your bet size while active.
Common Limits:
Why This Exists:
Larger bets let players win fast before the house edge kicks in.
If You Break the Limit:
A casino can void:
Bonuses expire.
Common Windows:
A 30x bonus with 7 days is harder than a 40x bonus with 30 days.
Some bonuses limit how much you can cash out.
Example:
€100 bonus, winnings €2,000, max withdrawal = 10× bonus → €1,000 payout.
Where Caps Appear:
Even if you clear wagering perfectly, a cap can cut your winnings.
Let's calculate true expected value using real numbers.
Example Bonus:
€100 × 30 = €3,000
96% RTP → 4% house edge
€3,000 × 0.04 = €120 loss
Bonus received: €100
Expected cost: €120
True value = –€20
If you were going to play anyway, the bonus gives you extra playtime, not extra money.
Characteristics:
Example:
€100 bonus, 30x wagering, 21 days.
Verdict: Fair if you'd play anyway.
Characteristics:
Example:
€200 bonus, 50x wagering, 10 days.
Verdict: High cost, time pressure.
Characteristics:
Example:
€500 bonus, 70x wagering (bonus + deposit), 7 days.
Verdict: Designed to be unclaimable.
If you see these terms, avoid the bonus:
Rule:
If you have to read the terms three times, they're designed to confuse you.
Reality:
Bonuses extend playtime. They're not income.
The BetEdge Bonus Calculator shows:
Bonuses aren't scams—but they’re not generosity.
They're structured to:
Use bonuses for entertainment, not profit.
View All Casino Bonuses Analyzed →