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Casino Bonus Wagering Calculator

Enter any casino bonus offer to see its real expected value after wagering. Use the Compare tab to put two offers side by side and find out which one is actually worth more.

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96%

Expected Value
net gain or loss
Total to Wager
before withdrawing
Expected Withdrawal
estimated amount out

Probability of completing wagering without busting
Full Breakdown
Your deposit
Bonus amount
Total starting balance
Wagering required
Expected loss during wagering
Max cashout cap
Expected withdrawable amount
Bonus A
×
Bonus B
×

Better Value
MetricBonus ABonus B

How to Use This Calculator

Enter your deposit, the bonus amount the casino offers, the wagering multiplier, and the RTP of the games you plan to play. The calculator outputs the expected value of the bonus in real cash terms — how much you can statistically expect to withdraw once wagering is complete.

The Compare tab lets you enter two separate offers side by side. The default example shows why a smaller no-wagering bonus (Bonus B: €50 at 0×) often outperforms a larger standard bonus (Bonus A: €100 at 35×) in expected-value terms.

Total Wagering Required = Bonus × Wagering Multiplier
Expected Loss = Total Wagering × (1 − RTP)
Expected Balance After = Starting Balance − Expected Loss
Expected Value of Bonus = Expected Balance − Your Deposit
Capped at Max Cashout limit where one applies

Understanding Expected Value

Expected Value (EV) is the single most useful output. A positive EV means the bonus is statistically likely to leave you ahead. A negative EV means the house edge across the wagering requirement costs more than the bonus is worth. Most bonuses with 30× or higher wagering carry a negative EV at standard slot RTPs.

Survival probability estimates the likelihood your balance survives the full wagering without hitting zero. The larger your starting balance relative to the total wagering, the better this figure.

Worked Examples

The table below shows how a €100 deposit with a €100 bonus performs across different wagering requirements at 96% RTP, wagering on the bonus only.

WageringTotal to WagerExpected LossEV of BonusVerdict
0× (no wagering)€0€0+€100Excellent
10×€1,000€40+€60Good
20×€2,000€80+€20Marginal
25×€2,500€100€0Break Even
35×€3,500€140−€40Poor
50×€5,000€200−€100Avoid

At 96% RTP, the break-even wagering requirement for a 100% deposit match bonus is approximately 25× on the bonus amount. Above 25×, the expected wagering cost exceeds the bonus value. This is why no-wagering bonuses at lower match percentages routinely outperform standard 35×–50× bonuses in real expected value.

What Is a Wagering Requirement?

A wagering requirement is the number of times you must bet the bonus amount before winnings become withdrawable. A 35× requirement on a €100 bonus means €3,500 in total bets must be placed before the bonus clears. Key things to check in every bonus's terms:

  • Bonus-only wagering: Multiplier applies to the bonus only. €100 bonus at 35× = €3,500 to wager.
  • Deposit + bonus wagering: Multiplier applies to both. €100 deposit + €100 bonus at 35× = €7,000 — double the requirement.
  • Game contribution rates: Slots typically contribute 100%. Table games and live casino often contribute 10% or zero — meaning they clear the requirement much more slowly.
  • Max bet rule: Most bonuses cap bets at €3–€5 per spin while active. Exceeding this can forfeit the bonus and all associated winnings.
  • Expiry: Most bonuses expire within 24–72 hours. Uncleared wagering after expiry means the bonus and any winnings from it are forfeited.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you calculate wagering requirements?
Multiply the bonus amount by the wagering multiplier. A €100 bonus with 35× wagering requires €3,500 in total bets before you can withdraw. If wagering applies to deposit plus bonus, multiply the combined amount — €100 deposit + €100 bonus at 35× = €7,000. Always confirm which version applies in the specific bonus terms before depositing.
What RTP should I enter in the calculator?
Use the published RTP of the game you plan to play during wagering. Most mainstream slots publish RTPs between 94% and 97%. If unsure, 96% is a reasonable average. Always check the in-game paytable at your specific casino — lower-RTP configurations are common and significantly increase the expected cost of clearing a wagering requirement.
Are no wagering bonuses always better?
In expected value terms, yes. A no-wagering bonus adds directly to your withdrawable balance with no playthrough cost. They typically come at lower match percentages, but the expected value is almost always higher. A 25% no-wagering bonus (€25 added directly) typically outperforms a 100% bonus at 35× wagering where the expected value is negative at standard RTP.
What does a negative expected value mean?
It means the statistical cost of completing the wagering requirement exceeds the value of the bonus. A €100 bonus at 35× wagering at 96% RTP has an expected value of approximately −€40 — the house edge across €3,500 of play costs €140 on average, more than the €100 bonus is worth. Negative EV does not mean you cannot profit — individual sessions vary. It means the mathematical expectation across many sessions favours the house.
What is a sticky bonus and how does the calculator handle it?
A sticky bonus means the bonus funds cannot be withdrawn — only winnings generated while the bonus is active are withdrawable, up to the stated max cashout cap. This calculator applies the max cashout cap to the winnings portion when one is entered, reflecting a sticky structure. Non-sticky bonuses allow you to withdraw the full balance once wagering is complete, which generally produces better outcomes.
How accurate is the expected value figure?
The EV is a mathematical average based on your inputs. Real sessions vary due to variance — you may end up significantly above or below the EV in any individual bonus round. Use the calculator as a comparison tool and planning guide rather than a guarantee. The more sessions you play over time, the closer your average outcomes will track to the expected value figure.

This calculator is for informational purposes only. Results represent statistical averages and do not guarantee any specific outcome. Gambling involves risk — only play with money you can afford to lose. If gambling is causing problems, visit BeGambleAware.org for free confidential support.

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