Wagering requirements explained with CAD examples
Bonus value is decided by the fine print, so learn to turn a multiplier into a real dollar total.
A wagering requirement is the amount you must stake before you can withdraw bonus winnings. A CAD 100 bonus with 35x on the bonus means CAD 3,500 in bets. Game contribution, maximum bet and time limits change the real cost, so check all three before accepting.
Bonuses look generous on the banner and strict in the terms. The wagering requirement is the clause that decides whether you will ever withdraw. If you want to compare every option, start with our best online casinos in Canada.
This guide breaks it into the steps you need to compare offers. You must be of legal age in your province to gamble.
How is the requirement calculated?
Multiply the base by the multiplier. The base is either the bonus alone or bonus plus deposit, and the terms say which.
| Case | Bonus | Deposit | Multiplier | Base | Total to wager |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus only | $100 | $100 | 35x | $100 | $3,500 |
| Bonus plus deposit | $100 | $100 | 35x | $200 | $7,000 |
| Bonus only, 10% contribution game | $100 | $100 | 35x | $100 | $35,000 |
Use the wagering calculator to try your own numbers.
What is game contribution?
Each game counts a percentage of every bet towards the requirement. Slots often count in full. Roulette, blackjack and live games frequently count 10 per cent or less, or are excluded. Playing a low-contribution game with a bonus can multiply the amount you need to stake.
What other terms matter?
- Maximum bet: a bet above the cap can void the bonus.
- Time limit: seven to thirty days is common.
- Maximum cashout: some bonuses cap the winnings you can withdraw.
- Excluded games: certain slots or features may not count.
- Sticky versus cashable bonus: a sticky bonus is removed at withdrawal.
How do you decide if a bonus is worth it?
Divide the total you must wager by your realistic budget. Wagering CAD 3,500 on slots with a house edge of 4 per cent has an expected cost of about CAD 140, which is more than a CAD 100 bonus. The bonus has value only if you would play that volume anyway. Otherwise, skipping the bonus is a valid choice.
Compare this against a no deposit bonus, which carries no deposit risk but usually has a cap.
What mistakes should you avoid?
Do not exceed the maximum bet, do not play excluded games, and do not withdraw before completing the requirement. Read the terms before you accept the bonus, not after. The bonuses page lists typical structures.
What does a real example look like?
Suppose you deposit CAD 50 and receive a CAD 50 bonus with 30x wagering on bonus plus deposit. The base is CAD 100, so you must stake CAD 3,000. If you bet CAD 1 per spin, that is 3,000 spins. With a slot at 96 per cent RTP, the expected loss over those spins is about CAD 120, more than the amount you started with. The bonus helps only if you enjoy that volume of play. A smaller offer with a lower multiplier may be the better choice.
How do wagering terms differ across offers?
Welcome bonuses, reload offers and free spins often carry different multipliers and different bases. A cashback offer may be wager-free, while a free spins offer may apply a multiplier to the winnings only. Treat every offer as a separate contract and read each one. Keep a note of the maximum bet, since breaking it is the most common reason for a bonus to be cancelled.
Frequently asked questions
What is a good wagering requirement?
Lower is better for the player, but the time limit, game contribution and maximum bet also matter. Requirements around 20x to 35x on the bonus alone are common, while 40x and above on bonus plus deposit is demanding. Calculate the dollar total and compare it with your budget.
Do free spins have wagering requirements?
Often yes. Winnings from free spins are typically credited as bonus money with a wagering multiplier and sometimes a cap on cashout. Some offers are wager-free, which is rarer. The terms state which applies to your spins, so read them before you start spinning.
Can I lose my bonus for breaking the terms?
Yes. Exceeding the maximum bet, playing excluded games or using banned strategies can lead to the bonus and winnings being removed. Operators differ in how strict they are, so follow the stated rules exactly and keep screenshots of the terms at the time you claimed.