What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement is a multiplier applied to your bonus amount (and sometimes your deposit) that tells you how much you must bet before the bonus converts to withdrawable cash.
Example: A $200 bonus with 30x wagering (bonus only) means you must place $200 x 30 = $6,000 in total bets before you can withdraw any bonus-derived winnings.
This does not mean you need $6,000 in your account. Each bet you place counts toward the total — win or lose. A $1 bet on a pokie adds $1 to your wagering progress. After $6,000 in cumulative bets, the requirement is cleared.
Bonus-Only vs Deposit+Bonus Wagering
This distinction doubles the real cost and most players miss it:
| Type | Deposit | Bonus | 30x Applied To | Total Bets Required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus only | $200 | $200 | Bonus ($200) | $6,000 |
| Deposit + Bonus | $200 | $200 | Both ($400) | $12,000 |
Our three partner sites publish their requirement as turnover rather than a simple bonus multiple: Crikey7 3x total winnings, Bonza7 3x final credit and Dinkum33 6x final credit (terms checked 4 September 2026). Ask live chat exactly which balance the multiple applies to before you start. See our welcome bonus guide for the full comparison.
The Real Cost — With Maths
The key insight: while wagering, the house edge erodes your balance. Here is the formula:
Expected loss = Total bets required x House edge
On a 96% RTP pokie (4% house edge), with a $200 bonus at 30x wagering:
- Total bets: $200 x 30 = $6,000
- Expected loss: $6,000 x 4% = $240
- Net value: $200 bonus - $240 loss = -$40
This bonus costs you an expected $40. But you get $6,000 worth of pokie entertainment in return — whether that trade is worthwhile is a personal decision.
Cost at Different Wagering Levels
| Wagering | $100 Bonus Bets | Loss at 96% RTP | Net Value | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 20x | $2,000 | $80 | +$20 | Claim |
| 25x | $2,500 | $100 | $0 | Breakeven |
| 30x | $3,000 | $120 | -$20 | Worth it for entertainment |
| 35x | $3,500 | $140 | -$40 | Marginal |
| 40x | $4,000 | $160 | -$60 | Poor value |
| 50x | $5,000 | $200 | -$100 | Avoid |
Rule of thumb: On 96% RTP pokies, bonuses below 30x are worth claiming. 30-35x is marginal. Above 40x, the house edge will likely consume the bonus entirely.
Playing high-RTP pokies (97-98%) shifts the breakeven point higher — a 35x bonus becomes viable at 97% RTP because the expected loss drops to $105 on $100 bonus.
Game Contribution Rates
Not every game counts equally toward wagering. Standard contribution rates across our partnered platforms:
| Game Type | Contribution | Effective Wagering at 30x |
|---|---|---|
| Video pokies | 100% | $3,000 per $100 bonus |
| Classic pokies | 50-100% | $3,000-$6,000 |
| Table games | 10-20% | $15,000-$30,000 |
| Live dealer | 5-10% | $30,000-$60,000 |
| High-RTP pokies (98%+) | 0% (excluded) | N/A |
| Progressive jackpots | 0% (usually excluded) | N/A |
Always play video pokies at 100% contribution when clearing wagering. Playing table games at 10% means you need 10x more in actual bets — the expected loss skyrockets.
How to Clear Wagering Efficiently
- Choose 96%+ RTP video pokies at 100% contribution. See our high-RTP pokies list — but check that the specific title is not excluded.
- Bet small. Use the 1% rule — bet no more than 1% of your total balance per spin. This maximises your spin count and reduces bust probability.
- Follow the betting rules. Many bonuses cap the bet size and ban non full-line betting or buying free games — our partners' terms ban the latter two. Ask for any bet cap before starting.
- Track progress. Check the bonus section in account settings. Do not guess.
- Do not switch to excluded games. A single bet on an excluded pokie may not count and could void the bonus.
- Withdraw immediately when cleared. The bonus converts to cash — take it before variance works against you.
When to Skip the Bonus
Not every bonus is worth claiming. Skip if:
- Wagering is 50x or above
- The expiry window is too short for your available playing time
- You primarily play table games or live dealer (10% contribution = 10x the effective wagering)
- The max bet limit restricts you below your preferred bet size
- The bonus amount is small but the conditions are strict
You can always decline a bonus and play with just your deposit — no wagering, no restrictions, no max bet rules. Sometimes the simplest approach is the best one.
Platform Comparison
3x total winnings turnover on its 100% (2 × 50%) welcome bonus. Selected slots only. Expiry not stated in the terms we recorded.
Crikey7 review →3x final credit turnover on 100% up to A$300. Slots/pokies only. No free spins in the welcome offer.
Bonza7 review →6x final credit turnover on 100% up to A$100, with a A$1,200 maximum cash-out.
Dinkum33 review →Full bonus comparison in our bonuses hub and welcome bonus guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 30x wagering mean?
You must bet 30 times the bonus amount. $100 bonus x 30 = $3,000 in total bets before withdrawal. You do not need $3,000 — each bet counts cumulatively.
Is bonus-only or deposit+bonus wagering better?
Bonus-only is much better — half the total bets required. Our partner sites express their requirement as turnover on total winnings or final credit instead, so check the wording.
Which games count toward wagering?
Video pokies: 100%. Table games: 10-20%. Live dealer: 5-10%. High-RTP pokies (98%+) and progressives: usually excluded. Stick to eligible video pokies at 100%.
Ready to claim a bonus?
Compare the published turnover terms before you claim.
18+ only. Gamble responsibly. See Responsible Gambling and Affiliate Disclosure.