One of the biggest indicators of an online casino promotion’s true value is its wagering requirements. However, many myths persist about how this important condition is enforced and whether they can be neglected. To help demystify bonus wagering requirements, we’ve talked to online gambling expert and CEO of Casino Alpha Tudor Turiceanu.
Wagering Isn’t Always Required
Before we delved too deep into the topic of wagering requirements, Tudor Turiceanu was quick to point out that not all casino promotions have these terms and conditions. In fact, there are several types of wager-free bonuses that allow users to collect promotion winnings without needing to meet playthrough terms.
These include no-deposit free spins, no wagering welcome bonuses, bonus funds, deposit bonuses, and bonus codes. It’s Turiceanu’s opinion that any bonus that can be triggered without making a deposit or meeting wagering requirements is the most valuable bonus there is.
The Wagering Requirements Aren’t Everything
Although high wagering requirements will indicate a reduced chance of profiting from a bonus, Turiceanu points out that there are other essential terms to consider. These terms are important to look at in conjunction with the wagering requirements as they correlate with the potential to convert free spins or bonus funds into real money.
On his team’s process of reviewing bonuses, Turiceanu said, “We look at the betting limits and how easy they are to complete within the bonus availability. We also check if the RTP of eligible games is high enough compared to the playthrough requirements to give you a winning chance.”
Another important element is the contribution rates of the compliance-tested games. Slots usually contribute 100% to meeting the wagering requirements, so are often the best games to play with bonus funds. Table games, on the other hand, tend to contribute only 10% if anything at all, so are much harder to convert bonuses.
Time is of the Essence
Sometimes, a low wagering requirement may convince casino players to claim a promotion without considering the validity period. However, Turiceanu advises caution when it comes to the expiry date, saying that they last, “usually between a week and up to two weeks. Certain exceptions extend it to a month, though that is rare.”
With the average playthrough hovering between 30x and 40x, players must consider that any validity period of less than a week will make it incredibly difficult to convert the funds. On the question of whether wagering requirements can be disregarded, Turiceanu firmly advises against attempting to do this, as bonus terms and conditions are very clear that an attempt to withdraw funds without meeting any terms will void the offer. In the most extreme case, a breach of contract can even result in the suspension of player accounts or lifetime bans.
A Necessary Condition
Despite the fact that they can be difficult to meet, wagering requirements are an essential term that ensures the sustainability of bonuses. Turiceanu advises players to consider no-wagering bonuses first before analysing whether the other conditions negatively impact a player’s chance at converting bonuses into withdrawable funds.
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