Updated May 2025: Wagering requirements (also called playthrough or rollover) are one of the most misunderstood aspects of casino bonuses. This guide breaks down exactly what they mean, how to calculate whether a bonus is worth taking, and which Ontario casinos have the fairest terms.
What Is a Wagering Requirement?
When you claim a casino bonus, the casino requires you to bet a certain amount before you can withdraw any winnings from that bonus. That amount is expressed as a multiplier — 35x, 20x, 10x — applied to the bonus (or bonus + deposit).
For example, a See site for current offers with 35x wagering means you must place $3,500 in bets before the bonus money becomes withdrawable cash.
Deposit + Bonus × Wagering = Total bets needed
Wagering Can Apply to Different Base Amounts
Not all casinos calculate wagering the same way. Watch for these three variations:
1. Bonus Only (most common)
Only the bonus amount counts toward wagering. Your deposit is yours to withdraw whenever.
- Deposit $100, get See site for current offers = $100 × 35x = $3,500 to wager
2. Bonus + Deposit Combined
Both deposit and bonus count. This is much harder to clear.
- Deposit $100, get See site for current offers = ($100 + $100) × 30x = $6,000 to wager
3. Deposit Only (rare, but exists)
Only your deposit counts toward wagering — the bonus is free.
Game Weighting: Not All Games Count Equally
Here's the part most players miss. Even when you're clearing wagering, different games contribute at different rates:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% (every $1 bet = $1 toward wagering) |
| Table Games / Blackjack | 10% – 50% |
| Video Poker | 10% – 25% |
| Live Casino | 10% – 50% |
| Roulette | 10% – 25% (some excluded entirely) |
What does this mean in practice? If you play blackjack at 10% weighting, a $10 bet only counts $1 toward your wagering. You'd need to bet $35,000 at the blackjack table to clear the same $3,500 wagering requirement that $3,500 in slots would clear.
Our recommendation: Always clear wagering on slots unless the terms explicitly say table games count fully. Check the casino's game weighting chart — it should be in the bonus terms or FAQ.
Max Bet Limits While Clearing
Most Ontario casinos impose a max bet cap while you have an active bonus with wagering requirements. This is typically $5–$10 per spin or hand. Going over can void your bonus and winnings.
Bet99, for example, enforces a $8 max bet on slots while wagering is active. LeoVegas enforces $€5 per game round. Always check before you start playing.
Time Limits
Most bonuses give you 7 to 30 days to complete wagering. After that, the bonus and any winnings are forfeited. Some casinos offer extensions, but the bonus terms will tell you the exact window.
Which Ontario Casinos Have the Best Wagering Terms?
| Casino | Bonus Approach | Wagering | Calc Base | Time Limit |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LeoVegas | Standard matched deposit + free spins | 35x | Bonus only | 30 days |
| BetMGM | Standard matched deposit | 15x | Bonus only | 7 days |
| 888 Casino | Standard matched deposit + free spins | 30x | Bonus + deposit | 90 days |
| Bet99 | Standard matched deposit | Varies | Bonus only | 30 days |
| DraftKings | Standard deposit + free spins | 1x (draft bet) | Deposit only | 90 days |
Key takeaway: DraftKings' "1x wagering" only applies to the deposit, not the bonus value, which makes it one of the most player-friendly terms in the Ontario market. Always read the fine print on any promotion before claiming.
The Bottom Line
Before claiming any welcome bonus:
- Read the wagering multiplier and calculation base (bonus-only vs bonus+deposit)
- Check game weightings — slots always contribute the most
- Find the max bet limit to avoid accidentally voiding your bonus
- Check the time limit — 7 days is tight if wagering is high
- Calculate the total bets needed and decide if it's realistic for your bankroll
A See site for current offers at 35x bonus-only means you need to wager $35,000. If you bet $5 per spin on slots, that's 7,000 spins. That's a lot of play — and the house always has an edge. Make sure the bonus value actually justifies the required action.