Understanding Wagering Requirements: A Canadian Player's Guide
Every casino bonus comes with wagering requirements — the conditions you must meet before you can withdraw bonus winnings as real cash. Understanding how they work is the difference between getting genuine value from a bonus and wasting your time. This guide explains everything Canadian players need to know.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called "playthrough requirements" or "rollover") specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings derived from it. They exist because casinos would go bankrupt if players could simply deposit, claim a bonus, and withdraw immediately.
When you see a bonus advertised as "100% up to $500 with 30x wagering," the 30x is the wagering requirement. It means you'll need to place a total of $15,000 in bets (30 × $500) before your bonus winnings become withdrawable.
This doesn't mean you'll lose $15,000 — you're recycling your balance through bets. But it does mean you need to understand what you're getting into before accepting any offer. Our recommended Canadian casinos are selected partly based on the fairness of their bonus terms.
How Wagering Requirements Work
Here's the process step by step:
- Deposit and claim your bonus — Your bonus is credited to a separate bonus balance
- Play casino games — Each bet you make contributes toward clearing the wagering requirement (at different rates depending on the game)
- Track your progress — Most casinos show a wagering progress bar in your account
- Complete the requirement — Once you've wagered the required total, your remaining bonus balance converts to real cash
- Withdraw — Your winnings are now withdrawable, subject to any maximum withdrawal limits in the bonus terms
Real-World Example
Scenario: 100% match bonus up to C$200 with 30x wagering
- You deposit C$200
- Casino matches it with C$200 bonus
- Your total balance: C$400 (C$200 real + C$200 bonus)
- Wagering requirement: 30 × C$200 = C$6,000 in total bets
- Playing slots at $2/spin, that's 3,000 spins
- At 96% RTP, your expected balance after 3,000 spins: approximately C$320
- Your net gain from the bonus: roughly C$120 (in a theoretical average scenario)
The example above shows why lower wagering requirements matter so much. At 30x wagering, the math works in your favour with a reasonable RTP. At 50x or 60x, the expected balance after clearing drops significantly, often below your original deposit.
For smaller bankrolls, the math is even more important. If you're working with a limited budget, our guide to $1 deposit casinos in Canada covers platforms where you can start with minimal risk while still claiming bonuses.
Game Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally toward clearing wagering requirements. Here's a typical breakdown:
| Game Type | Typical Contribution | $100 wagered counts as |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 100% | $100 |
| Scratch Cards / Keno | 100% | $100 |
| Roulette | 10-20% | $10-$20 |
| Blackjack | 10-20% | $10-$20 |
| Video Poker | 10-20% | $10-$20 |
| Baccarat | 5-15% | $5-$15 |
| Live Dealer Games | 5-10% | $5-$10 |
This is why slots are the most efficient way to clear bonus wagering. A $2 bet on a slot counts $2 toward your requirement, while a $2 bet on blackjack might only count $0.20-$0.40. If you prefer table games, look for casinos that offer higher table game contributions or no-wagering bonuses.
Tips for Clearing Bonuses Effectively
- Check the wagering multiplier first — Anything above 40x is difficult to clear profitably. Aim for 30x or lower
- Note what the wagering applies to — "30x bonus" is much better than "30x (deposit + bonus)"
- Play high-RTP slots — Choose slots with 96%+ RTP to minimize the expected loss while clearing wagering. Avoid progressive jackpot slots, which often have lower base RTP
- Watch the time limit — Set a reminder if your bonus expires in 7 or 14 days. Don't let partially cleared bonuses go to waste
- Check maximum bet limits — Most bonuses cap your bet at C$5-$10 per spin while wagering is active. Exceeding this voids the bonus
- Consider no-wagering bonuses — Some casinos offer free spins or bonuses with zero wagering. The amounts are smaller, but winnings are immediately withdrawable
- Plan your withdrawal — Once wagering is complete, withdraw promptly. Choose a casino with fast withdrawals so you're not waiting days for your money
Red Flags to Watch For
Not all bonuses are created equal. Watch out for these warning signs:
- Wagering above 50x — At this level, the expected return after clearing is negative for most players
- Maximum cashout limits — Some bonuses cap your winnings at 5x or 10x the bonus amount, regardless of how much you actually win
- Excluded payment methods — Some casinos void bonuses if you deposit via Skrill, Neteller, or crypto. Check before you deposit
- Hidden game restrictions — Some bonuses exclude high-RTP slots from contributing to wagering
- Vague or missing terms — If a casino doesn't clearly state the wagering requirement, contribution rates, and time limit, that's a red flag
Frequently Asked Questions
Common Questions
Everything you need to know about playing at Canadian online casinos
01 What is a good wagering requirement?
Anything 30x or below is considered reasonable. Some top casinos offer 20x-25x wagering, and a handful (like PlayOjo) offer zero wagering requirements. Be cautious of bonuses with 50x+ wagering — they are very difficult to clear profitably.
02 Can I withdraw my deposit before meeting wagering requirements?
At most casinos, yes — but doing so will forfeit your bonus and any winnings from it. Some casinos lock your deposit and bonus together until wagering is met. Always read the specific terms before accepting a bonus.
03 Do all games count equally toward wagering?
No. Slots typically count 100%, while table games like blackjack and roulette often count 10-20%. Live dealer games may count even less or not at all. Some casinos exclude certain slot titles too. Check the bonus terms for a full contribution table.
04 What happens if I don't meet wagering requirements in time?
The bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited. Most casinos give you 7-30 days to clear wagering requirements. Some high-roller bonuses may offer 60-90 days.
05 Are wagering requirements calculated on the bonus only or the deposit + bonus?
It depends on the casino. Some calculate wagering on the bonus amount only (e.g., 30x the bonus), while others calculate it on the deposit plus the bonus combined (e.g., 30x the deposit + bonus). The latter is significantly harder to clear, so always check which method is used.