Bonus playthrough maths: from a multiplier to a dollar figure
A banner shows the bonus, the terms show the price, and this playbook shows how to compare them.
A wagering requirement is the total you must bet before bonus winnings can be withdrawn. A CAD 80 bonus at 30x on the bonus alone equals CAD 2,400 in bets. The base amount, game contribution, bet cap and expiry decide the real price, so check all four before accepting.
Banners sell the bonus and terms set the price. The wagering clause decides whether the money ever leaves the casino. For the whole shortlist in one place, open our online casinos for Canadians.
Below, one calculation at a time. Check your age against your province before claiming any offer.
Calculation, case by case
Total = base x multiple. The base is the bonus alone or bonus plus deposit, and the terms say which.
| Case | Bonus | Deposit | Multiple | Base | You must bet |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus alone | $80 | $80 | 30x | $80 | $2,400 |
| Bonus and deposit | $80 | $80 | 30x | $160 | $4,800 |
| Bonus alone, game counts 10% | $80 | $80 | 30x | $80 | $24,000 |
Try your own figures in the bonus playthrough calculator.
Contribution decides the price
Each bet counts only by a set percentage. Slots often count in full. Roulette, blackjack and live tables commonly count 10 per cent or less, and some games are blocked. Playing the wrong game with a bonus can multiply the volume you owe by ten.
Four clauses beside the multiple
- Bet cap: exceeding it can void the bonus.
- Deadline: a week to a month is typical.
- Winnings ceiling: some bonuses limit what you can cash out.
- Blocked games: specific slots or features may not count.
- Sticky bonus: the bonus is removed when you withdraw.
Worked example: is a CAD 40 plus CAD 40 offer worth it?
You deposit CAD 40 and receive CAD 40 at 25x on bonus plus deposit. Base: CAD 80. Total to bet: CAD 2,000. At CAD 0.50 a spin that is 4,000 spins. On a slot with 96 per cent RTP the expected loss over that volume is about CAD 80, double the bonus you received.
The bonus pays only if you wanted to play that much anyway. Otherwise, declining is a perfectly good decision. Compare with a no deposit offer, which risks no deposit but usually caps winnings.
Mistakes that cancel bonuses
Betting over the cap, playing blocked games and withdrawing before the requirement ends. Read terms before you click accept, not after. The bonuses hub shows how offers are usually structured.
Different offers, different rules
Welcome packages, reloads, cashback and free spins rarely share one multiple or base. Cashback can come with no wagering, while free spin winnings may carry a multiple applied to the winnings only. Treat each offer as its own contract and save a screenshot of the terms the day you claim it.
Common questions
What counts as a fair requirement?
Lower is better, but the deadline, game contribution and bet cap matter as much. Roughly 20x to 35x on the bonus alone is common, while 40x or more on bonus plus deposit is tough. Turn the multiple into dollars and compare that volume with what you would play anyway.
Do free spins carry wagering?
Frequently, yes. Free spin winnings usually arrive as bonus money with a multiple and sometimes a cashout ceiling. Wager-free spins exist but are less common. The terms state what applies to your spins, so read them before you start the first round.
Can a bonus be taken away?
Yes. Over-sized bets, blocked games or banned betting patterns can lead to the removal of the bonus and any winnings. Strictness differs by operator, so follow the written rules exactly and keep screenshots of the terms as they stood when you claimed.