A wagering requirement is how many times you must bet a bonus before you can withdraw any winnings from it. A NZ$100 bonus with 35x wagering means you must place NZ$3,500 in bets before the bonus and its winnings become cashable. It is the single most important term in any casino bonus.
What Is a Wagering Requirement?
Also called playthrough, rollover or turnover, a wagering requirement is the total amount you must stake before bonus money (and anything you win with it) turns into real, withdrawable cash. It stops players from claiming a bonus and instantly cashing out, and it is why a “NZ$500 free” headline is never as simple as it looks.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The maths is straightforward once you know what the multiplier attaches to.
Bonus-only wagering
Bonus × multiplier = total to wager. A NZ$100 bonus at 35x means NZ$100 × 35 = NZ$3,500 in bets.
Deposit + bonus wagering
Some casinos apply the multiplier to your deposit and the bonus, which is far tougher. (Deposit + bonus) × multiplier. A NZ$100 deposit plus a NZ$100 bonus at 35x = NZ$200 × 35 = NZ$7,000 in bets. Always check which model applies.
| Bonus | Multiplier | Bonus-only | Deposit + bonus |
|---|---|---|---|
| NZ$50 | 30x | NZ$1,500 | NZ$3,000 (on NZ$50 deposit) |
| NZ$100 | 35x | NZ$3,500 | NZ$7,000 (on NZ$100 deposit) |
| NZ$200 | 40x | NZ$8,000 | NZ$16,000 (on NZ$200 deposit) |
What Counts as a Fair Wagering Requirement?
- 1x–20x — excellent, often on cashback or no-wagering offers.
- 20x–35x — good, standard value for a welcome match.
- 40x+ — demanding; realistic only for smaller bonuses.
- No-deposit & free-spin bonuses often carry higher rollover (40x–70x) because your risk is minimal.
The Terms That Matter as Much as the Multiplier
Game weighting (contribution)
Not every game clears wagering at the same rate. Pokies usually count 100%, while table games such as blackjack and roulette often count 10% or even 0%. Betting NZ$100 on a 10%-weighted game only clears NZ$10 of your requirement.
Maximum bet while wagering
Most bonuses cap your stake while wagering (commonly NZ$5–NZ$10 per spin or hand). Break the cap and the casino can void the bonus and any winnings.
Time limit
Requirements usually expire after a set window — often 21–30 days. Miss it and the bonus and its winnings are removed.
Maximum cashout
No-deposit offers in particular often cap how much you can withdraw (for example, NZ$100 max), no matter how much you win.
Eligible & excluded games
Some games are barred entirely during wagering. Playing an excluded game can forfeit the bonus.
A Worked Example
You deposit NZ$100 and claim a 100% match, giving NZ$100 bonus with 35x bonus-only wagering, pokies weighted 100%, NZ$5 max bet, 30-day limit. You must stake NZ$3,500 on eligible pokies at up to NZ$5 a spin within 30 days. Do that and any remaining balance becomes withdrawable; miss the time limit or exceed the max bet and you lose the bonus.
How to Compare Bonuses Like a Pro
Don’t chase the biggest headline figure. A smaller bonus with 20x wagering, generous game weighting and no max cashout can be worth far more than a huge bonus at 50x with a NZ$100 cap. Compare full terms — not just the match percentage — on our casino bonuses, no-deposit bonus and free spins pages.
Play Responsibly
Chasing wagering requirements can push you to bet more than you planned. If a bonus makes you play longer or stake higher than you’re comfortable with, it is not worth it. Set limits and see our responsible gambling guide.
No-Wagering Bonuses & Cashback
The best value of all is a bonus with no wagering attached — often paid as cashback or as free spins whose winnings are real cash immediately. These are rarer and usually smaller than headline match bonuses, but there is no playthrough trap and nothing to clear before you withdraw. When comparing offers, a modest no-wagering bonus frequently beats a large one buried under 40x rollover.
Red Flags in Bonus Terms
- Very high multipliers (50x+) on a deposit-plus-bonus basis — often mathematically hard to clear.
- Low max cashout that caps a big win at a token amount.
- Short time limits (under 7 days) that make full playthrough unrealistic.
- Heavily restricted games or table games weighted at 0%.
- Low max bets combined with high wagering, forcing a long grind.
Do You Have to Take the Bonus?
No. Many casinos let you decline or opt out of a welcome bonus and simply play with your own deposit, which you can withdraw at any time with no strings. If you value flexibility over a promotion — or you plan to play table games that clear wagering slowly — declining the bonus is often the smarter move. Always weigh the real cost of the playthrough against the freedom of unrestricted cash.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a wagering requirement?
It is the number of times you must bet a bonus before you can withdraw winnings from it. A NZ$100 bonus at 35x means NZ$3,500 in bets first.
How do you calculate wagering requirements?
Multiply the bonus (or deposit + bonus, depending on the terms) by the multiplier. NZ$100 bonus at 35x = NZ$3,500 to wager.
What is a good wagering requirement?
20x to 35x is good value for a welcome bonus; 1x to 20x is excellent; 40x or higher is demanding. No-deposit and free-spin offers often run 40x to 70x.
What does game weighting mean?
It is how much each game contributes to wagering. Pokies usually count 100%, while table games such as blackjack and roulette often count 10% or 0%.
What is a max bet during wagering?
A cap on your stake while clearing a bonus, commonly NZ$5 to NZ$10. Exceeding it can void the bonus and any winnings, so always check the terms.
Do free spins and no-deposit bonuses have wagering?
Usually yes, and often at a higher multiplier (40x to 70x) plus a maximum cashout, because your own money is not at risk.
Responsible Gambling
Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money. Only ever bet what you can afford to lose, set deposit and time limits, and never chase losses. You must be 18 or over to gamble in New Zealand.
If gambling is affecting you or someone you know, free and confidential help is available 24/7:
- Gambling Helpline NZ — call or text 0800 654 655 (24/7)
- Problem Gambling Foundation NZ — 0800 664 262, pgf.nz
- Safer Gambling Aotearoa — free counselling and self-exclusion tools
