Wagering: the arithmetic behind the requirement
The wagering requirement is the heart of every bonus. This page explains it with a neutral numerical example and shows how slot RTP and volatility affect your chances of completing it. The amounts are arbitrary units for the calculation, not any operator's conditions.
The basic formula
Requirement = base amount × multiplier. If the base is the bonus alone and the multiplier is 30, a bonus of 10 units requires 300 units of stakes. If the base is bonus plus deposit, with a deposit of 10 and a bonus of 10, the same multiplier requires 600 units. The base doubles the requirement.
| Base | Bonus | Deposit | Multiplier | Stakes required |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus only | 10 | 10 | 30 | 300 |
| Bonus plus deposit | 10 | 10 | 30 | 600 |
Worked example in arbitrary units; real conditions are in the operator's terms.
Where RTP comes in
Every unit staked on a slot returns the RTP on average. Staking 300 on a 96% slot means the game keeps about 12 on average. At 94%, the reference RTP of Piggy Brick Bonanza, the average loss on 300 rises to about 18. So on average the requirement costs a share of stakes equal to 100 minus the RTP. The higher the multiplier, the closer that average cost gets to the full bonus — or beyond it.
Where volatility comes in
The average is not the whole story. On a high-volatility slot such as Soaked by Seamen or Zombie Blasters, the balance may run dry early or grow a lot: results are spread widely. On a steadier slot the balance falls more predictably. Volatility does not change the average cost of the requirement; it changes how far individual results stray from it.
Contribution and maximum bet
If a game contributes 50%, you need twice the stakes. If the maximum bet per spin is low, you need more spins. Both clauses stretch the time needed, and with a short expiry they can make the requirement hard to complete. See bonus terms.
Which RTP to use
Do the calculation with the RTP of the configuration active at the operator, not a figure from an external sheet. It is in the game's information panel; see the slots page.
In short
A high multiplier, on a lower-RTP game, with reduced contribution and a tight maximum bet, describes a bonus that on average costs more than it is worth. Knowing that beforehand lets you decide calmly whether to accept it.
This page explains a contractual mechanism. It contains no offer. Terms are set by the operator, change over time and must be read in the cashier or promotion page; in some countries advertising gambling bonuses is restricted or banned.