How to use the wagering calculator
- Deposit — how much you'll deposit to claim the bonus.
- Match — the bonus percentage (100% doubles your deposit; 50% adds half).
- Wagering requirement — the multiplier in the terms, such as 35x.
- Game RTP — the return of the games you'll use to clear it (96% is a typical slot).
- Wager on bonus only / deposit + bonus — pick the basis written in the terms. This one setting can double the result.
The calculator shows your bonus cash, total balance, the wagering needed in dollars and the average cost of placing those bets. Compare the average cost with the bonus: if the cost is bigger, the bonus will usually be gone before you clear it.
Worked example
You deposit $100 for a 100% match with 35x wagering on the bonus only, playing a 96% slot:
- Bonus cash: $100 → balance $200
- Wagering needed: 35 × $100 = $3,500
- Average cost: $3,500 × 4% = $140
On average, clearing this bonus costs $140 — a little more than the $100 bonus, so in this theoretical scenario you'd end slightly below your deposit. In reality many players bust before finishing the wagering, and the cap, maximum bet and expiry in the terms aren't in the model. Switch the basis to deposit + bonus and the wagering doubles to $7,000, with an average cost of $280. Same headline, much worse deal. That's exactly the difference between offers like Jackpot City's (bonus only) and many 35x offers elsewhere.
What the numbers don't tell you
- It's an estimate, not a withdrawable amount. Wagering × house edge gives the average cost under simple assumptions (games counting 100%, no stopping early). Real sessions swing widely; some players clear easily, many bust early, and caps or max-bet rules change the result. Higher volatility means wider swings.
- Game weighting — tables and live games often count 0–10%, which makes the real wagering far larger.
- Caps and max bets — a 6x withdrawal cap or a $5 max-bet rule can matter more than the multiplier.
- Time limits — you must finish within the bonus window.
For the full explanation, read wagering requirements explained, then compare live offers on our casino bonuses page.
