Bonuses look simple on the surface—deposit, claim, play. The fine print decides whether they’re value or a trap. Three terms control the math: wagering requirements, win caps, and eligible games.
Wagering requirements explained
A wagering requirement is how many times you must bet the bonus (and sometimes deposit) before withdrawing. A 30× wagering requirement on a $100 bonus means $3,000 in bets before cash-out.
High multipliers cut effective RTP. Even if the game RTP is 96%, the roll-through reduces expected value. Lower multipliers or flexible terms (bonus + deposit counted once, not stacked) are stronger.
Quick rule of thumb
- Under 20×: player-friendly.
- 20–40×: average.
- 40×+: tough to beat without high variance games.
Win caps: ceilings on your upside
Some bonuses cap how much you can win or withdraw, no matter the play. A 100 free spins offer may cap winnings at $50 even if the spins hit higher.
Caps shrink variance and kill jackpot dreams. They’re not always bad—if transparent, you know the ceiling. Hidden caps create frustration when players think they’ve won more than they can collect.
At-a-glance table
| Term | What It Means | Player Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Wagering Requirement | Bet-through before withdrawal | Delays or reduces value |
| Win Cap | Max you can withdraw from bonus | Limits upside, shrinks variance |
| Eligible Games | Where bonus play counts | Shapes strategy, may slow progress |
Eligible games: shaping play
Not all games contribute equally. Slots often count 100%, but table games may count 10–20%, and some titles are excluded. Books do this to prevent low-risk clearing.
Reading this section is critical. If your go-to game contributes only 20%, your real wagering multiple is five times higher. For fast clearance, find eligible games with reasonable RTP and variance.
How to approach eligible games
- Scan the exclusion list first—don’t waste volume on zero-contribution titles.
- Pick games with high contribution and transparent volatility.
- Avoid “black hole” games: low contribution, low RTP, long clearance time.
Player strategy for bonus value
Treat bonuses like investments. Model the effective cost: (Wagering × Average House Edge) – Expected Wins. If the expected drag outweighs the bonus, skip.
Use smaller units when clearing. The goal is survival through the wagering cycle, not quick double-ups. Favor games with consistent hit rates unless variance is needed to beat the roll-through. Always stop once wagering is met—extra play just reintroduces house edge.
Quick checklist
- Confirm wagering multiple and whether deposit counts.
- Check for win caps before chasing jackpots.
- Verify eligible games and contribution %s.
- Size bets to outlast the clearance path.
- Exit once requirements are cleared.
Bonuses are tools, not gifts. Clear terms and a matching strategy turn them into value. Hidden caps and mismatched games turn them into traps.