"Get a 200% deposit bonus up to 1 BTC!" Sounds amazing, right? But before you get excited, there's something every casino bonus has in common: wagering requirements. Understanding these terms is the difference between a genuinely useful bonus and one that's nearly impossible to cash out.
Wagering requirements (also called "playthrough requirements" or "rollover") specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings from it.
For example: You deposit $100 and receive a 100% bonus of $100. The bonus has a 40x wagering requirement. This means you must place a total of $4,000 in bets (40 × $100) before the bonus funds and any winnings become withdrawable.
The most common type. The casino matches a percentage of your deposit. Common structures: 100% up to $500, 150% up to 1 BTC, etc. These almost always come with wagering requirements.
Free bonus money or free spins just for signing up. Sounds great, but these typically have the highest wagering requirements (50x-100x) and low maximum withdrawal limits.
Free plays on specific slot games. Winnings from free spins usually have their own wagering requirements. Pay attention to which games they're valid for — you often can't choose.
Bonuses on subsequent deposits after your first. Usually smaller percentages than welcome bonuses but can have better terms.
A percentage of your losses returned to you. These are often the best-value bonuses because they typically come with low or no wagering requirements. Several crypto casinos, including Shuffle and Stake, offer rakeback programs.
Rewards based on your total play volume over time. Can include cashback, personalized bonuses, faster withdrawals, and dedicated account managers.
Wagering requirements are just the beginning. Here are other terms that can significantly affect a bonus's actual value:
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. A common structure:
This means if you prefer blackjack, a 40x wagering requirement effectively becomes 200-400x. Always check which games count.
Most bonuses limit how much you can bet per round while wagering. Exceeding this limit (commonly $5-10 per bet) can void the bonus entirely. This is a common trap that catches new players.
Bonuses expire. Common timeframes are 7-30 days. If you don't complete wagering requirements in time, the bonus and associated winnings are forfeited.
Some bonuses (especially no-deposit ones) cap how much you can withdraw. You might win $1,000 from a free bonus but only be able to cash out $100.
Certain games may be excluded entirely. Playing them with bonus funds might not count toward wagering, or worse, could void the bonus.
A crucial distinction: does the wagering requirement apply to just the bonus amount, or to the deposit plus bonus? A 40x requirement on a $100 bonus = $4,000 in wagers. A 40x requirement on $100 deposit + $100 bonus = $8,000. That's a massive difference.
Here's a practical framework:
Crypto casinos tend to offer more creative bonus structures than traditional ones. Common approaches among the casinos we review:
For full details on each casino's offerings, see our Best Crypto Casinos in 2026 review.
Casino bonuses can add value to your experience, but they're never free money. The house builds in the wagering requirements specifically to ensure that most bonus money is lost before it can be withdrawn. Understanding these mechanics doesn't guarantee you'll come out ahead — it just means you'll make informed decisions.
If a bonus's terms seem confusing or excessive, the simplest strategy is often the best: skip the bonus entirely and play with your own funds, with full freedom to withdraw whenever you want.