Wagering requirements: how to calculate what a bonus really asks
Wagering requirements — also called playthrough or rollover — are the rule that decides when bonus money becomes withdrawable. They are the single most important line in any bonus offer and the one most often misunderstood. This guide explains how wagering is calculated, how game weighting changes it and how to work out, before accepting, whether an offer suits your budget. The actual requirement of any Posido offer is stated in its terms; the numbers below are hypothetical illustrations only.
The basic calculation
A wagering requirement is a multiple. If the terms say the bonus must be wagered a certain number of times, multiply the bonus amount by that number to get the total you need to bet. Some offers apply the multiple to the bonus plus the deposit, which roughly doubles the figure. As a purely hypothetical example: a bonus of 50 units with a requirement of thirty times the bonus means 1,500 units in total bets. With a requirement on bonus plus a deposit of 50, the total becomes 3,000.
Game weighting
Not all bets count equally. Terms usually list how much of each stake counts toward wagering by game type. Slots often count fully; table and live games often count at a lower rate or not at all. If a game counts at a tenth, a bet of ten counts as one. Playing excluded games with bonus money can void the bonus entirely.
| Game type (typical) | How it often counts | Effect on your plan |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | Fully, with some excluded titles | Most direct route through wagering |
| Table games | Partly or not at all | Many more bets needed |
| Live casino | Often low or excluded | Usually unsuitable for bonus play |
| Sports bets | Separate rules, minimum odds | Check the sports bonus terms |
Why wagering usually costs money
Every bet carries a house edge. The more you must bet, the more of the house edge you pay along the way. High wagering combined with a small bonus means that, on average, much of the bonus is consumed before it can be withdrawn. This is not a trick; it is how the maths works. It is also why a bonus with lower wagering can be worth more than a larger bonus with higher wagering.
The stake cap and the time limit
Two further rules work alongside wagering. The maximum stake limits the size of each bet while the bonus is active; breaching it can void winnings. The time limit sets how many days you have to complete wagering; after it, the bonus and its winnings usually lapse. Together, these rules mean a bonus cannot be cleared quickly with large bets.
A checklist before accepting
- Is the multiple applied to the bonus only or to bonus plus deposit?
- How much do the games you like contribute?
- What is the maximum stake, and how many days do you have?
- Can you withdraw your own deposit before wagering is complete?
- Would you bet this total anyway, within your usual budget?
If the honest answer to the last question is no, the bonus is asking you to gamble more than you planned. Declining is a valid choice, as explained in the bonus overview. For the other clauses that appear in bonus terms, see the bonus terms guide.