Online casinos aggressively market their deposit bonuses, making it seem like they are handing out free money.
The reality is that these promotional funds are heavily restricted by a mechanism called a playthrough requirement.
Explaining the Playthrough Multiplier
A wagering requirement is a multiplier that dictates exactly how much money you must bet before you can withdraw.
A $50 bonus with a 40x playthrough means you must wager a total of $2,000 before making a withdrawal.
- The goal of the casino is for you to lose the bonus money before hitting the target
- Always check if the multiplier applies only to the bonus, or the deposit + bonus combined
- Understanding this math is crucial to determining if an offer is actually worth taking
Game Weighting and Restrictions
You cannot simply grind out the requirement on games like Blackjack that have a 99.5% RTP.
Typically, video slots contribute 100%, meaning every dollar spent removes a dollar from your target.
| Activity | Contribution Rule | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Video Poker | 0% – 5% | House edge is too low for the casino to allow it |
| Progressive Slots | Usually Restricted | Check terms; often completely banned with active bonuses |
Always read the fine print carefully, and never accept a bonus if the playthrough multiplier exceeds 50x.
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