1Wagering requirements
The wagering requirement (also called playthrough) is the number of times you must wager your bonus before you can withdraw winnings. It is the single most important term to check.
How to calculate wagering requirements:
Bonus amount x wagering requirement = total amount to wager
Example: R1,000 bonus x 30x = R30,000 to wager before withdrawing
Example: R1,000 bonus x 50x = R50,000 to wager before withdrawing
Some casinos apply wagering to the bonus only. Others apply it to the bonus plus your deposit. Always check which applies.
20-30x
Fair
30-40x
Average
50x+
Avoid
2Game contribution percentages
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Slots typically contribute 100%, but table games often contribute far less - or nothing at all.
| Game type | Typical contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Live casino games | 0-10% |
| Blackjack (RNG) | 10% |
| Roulette (RNG) | 10-20% |
| Video poker | 10% |
| Scratch cards | 50% |
If you play blackjack with a 10% contribution rate, you need to wager R100 to count R10 towards your wagering requirement. Stick to slots for the fastest bonus clearance.
3Max bet rule
Almost all bonuses include a maximum bet rule. While a bonus is active, you cannot bet more than a specified amount per spin or hand. Exceeding this limit can result in your bonus and winnings being voided.
Typical max bet limits:
Most SA casinos: R25-R50 per spin while a bonus is active
Some casinos: as low as R10 per spin
Breaching the max bet rule is the most common reason for bonus confiscation.
Always check the max bet rule before playing. If you want to bet more than the limit, you may need to forfeit the bonus first.
4Max cashout limit
Many bonuses cap the maximum amount you can withdraw from bonus winnings. Even if you win R50,000 from a bonus, a max cashout of R5,000 means that is all you can withdraw.
Max cashout limits are usually expressed as a multiple of the bonus amount. A R1,000 bonus with a 5x max cashout means you can withdraw a maximum of R5,000 from that bonus.
10x+ bonus
Good
5x bonus
Average
Under 5x
Avoid
5Time limit
Bonuses expire. You must complete the wagering requirement within a set time period, usually 7-30 days. If you do not clear the wagering in time, the bonus and any winnings from it are forfeited.
6Eligible games list
Some bonuses are restricted to specific games. A slot bonus may only be valid on a selection of slots, not the entire library. Playing an ineligible game while a bonus is active can void the bonus.
Always check the eligible games list in the bonus terms. If you want to play a specific game, confirm it is on the list before claiming the bonus. Good low-volatility options for bonus wagering include Starburst and Fruit Shop.
7Sticky vs non-sticky bonus
The bonus type determines how your bonus and deposit funds are separated:
Non-sticky bonus
Player-friendlyYour deposit and bonus are separate. When you withdraw, your deposit is returned first and the bonus is removed. You keep winnings made from your deposit.
Sticky bonus
Less flexibleThe bonus stays in your account and cannot be withdrawn. Only winnings above the bonus amount can be withdrawn after meeting wagering requirements.
Red flags to watch out for:
- Wagering requirement over 50x
- Max cashout under 5x the bonus amount
- Max bet under R25 per spin
- Time limit under 7 days
- Live casino excluded entirely from wagering