How to use the bonus comparison calculator
- For offer A and offer B, enter the deposit, the match percentage, the wagering requirement and the maximum bonus. Enter 0 for the maximum if there is none.
- Set the RTP of the game you plan to play.
- Choose whether wagering applies to the bonus only or to the deposit plus bonus.
You see, for each offer:
- the wagering needed, the total you must bet to release the bonus,
- the average value: bonus cash minus the expected loss on that wagering.
The line below the results names the better offer and shows the difference.
The maths
- Bonus cash = deposit × match, up to the maximum bonus.
- Wagering needed = bonus × wagering requirement (or (bonus + deposit) × wagering requirement).
- Expected loss = wagering needed × (1 − RTP).
- Average value = bonus cash − expected loss.
Worked example
You compare two offers with a $100 deposit and a 96% RTP game, wagering on the bonus only.
- Offer A: 100% match up to $200, 35x wagering. The bonus is $100 and you must bet $3,500. The expected loss is $140, so the average value is −$40.
- Offer B: 50% match up to $100, 10x wagering. The bonus is $50 and you must bet $500. The expected loss is $20, so the average value is +$30.
The smaller offer is worth $70 more. If both offers counted the deposit as well as the bonus, offer A would drop to −$180 and offer B to −$10.
What the calculator cannot see
- Game contribution. Slots often count 100% towards wagering, table games much less, which changes the cost.
- Maximum bet and time limits. Break the rule and the casino can void your winnings.
- Caps on winnings. Some bonuses limit what you can cash out.
- Variance. The average value is a long-run figure. Real sessions can end far from it.
Free spins have their own maths, so use the free spins calculator. To see the playthrough of a single offer, use the wagering calculator. Read wagering requirements and what is RTP for the background, and browse the current casino bonuses. Bonuses can encourage you to play more than you planned, so set a budget and see responsible gambling.