Wagering calculator
Editorial integrity
All content is independently researched and fact-checked. Affiliate relationships have zero influence on our editorial assessments. Read our methodology
Effective bonus value
-$725
On expectation, clearing this bonus costs more than the bonus is worth. Only claim if you’d deposit anyway and treat the bonus as session-extension money.
Total wager required
$35,000
35x × bonus + deposit
Actual volume at 100% weighting
$35,000
Slots only - no scaling
Expected loss to clear
$1,225
House edge 3.50% × actual volume
Effective bonus as % of face
-145%
Bonus is net-negative on expectation
Math: total required = WR × base, actual volume = required / weighting%, expected loss = volume × (1 - RTP). This is the long-run expected value; any individual session deviates substantially from expectation due to variance.
How to read the result
The most important figure is the effective bonus value. This is the bonus amount minus what you are likely to lose while meeting the wagering rules. If the number is positive, the bonus is technically worth more than it costs to clear. If it is negative, the wagering cost is higher than the bonus itself.
Many deposit bonuses show a negative value, which is quite common. A "100% up to $500" offer is mostly an advert. The actual value usually ends up around zero for good offers and slightly negative for tougher ones. A bonus is worth taking when:
- The effective value is positive (this is rare but happens with low requirements), OR
- You planned to deposit anyway and just want more time to play, OR
- You get lucky during play (math cannot predict luck, but the bonus gives you a head start).
Notes on the math
This calculator uses expected value, which is the average result over a long period. Any single session will vary because of luck; see RTP and volatility for the full distribution view. These figures assume you play one game at a set return percentage; playing different games will change the result.
How much a game counts towards wagering is vital. A requirement that is 100% for slots is very different from one that is only 10% for table games - the table-game version would require ten times more betting, which means you are ten times more likely to lose your funds. If an offer only allows games with low returns, the requirements are effectively much tougher.
Typical inputs by bonus type
| Bonus type | Typical WR | Typical base | Typical weighting |
|---|---|---|---|
| Welcome match (mid-tier) | 30-40x | B+D | 100% slots / 10% tables |
| Welcome match (aggressive) | 45-70x | B+D | 100% slots / 5% tables |
| Reload bonus | 25-35x | Bonus alone | 100% slots / 10% tables |
| No-deposit bonus | 40-60x | Bonus alone | 100% slots |
| Free spins (post-clear) | 30-50x of winnings | Winnings | 100% slots |
| Cashback (good operators) | 1-5x | Bonus alone | 100% slots |
Continue reading
Reading bonus terms
The six clauses behind every bonus, in plain language.
RTP and volatility
Why the same calculator output corresponds to very different sessions.
Browse bonuses by market
Plug a real offer into the calculator and see how it looks.
Bankroll planner
Size your bets relative to bankroll and game variance.