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 |
All three Mates Win platforms use bonus-only wagering — the better option. Crikey7 at 30x, Bonza7 at 35x, Dinkum33 at 40x. 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.
- Stay under the max bet. A single bet above the max ($5 at Crikey7/Bonza7) voids the entire bonus. Lock your bet size 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
30x wagering — the lowest among our partners. 30-day expiry. Best wagering value.
Crikey7 review →35x wagering. 21-day expiry. Includes 75 free spins — separate wagering on spin winnings.
Bonza7 review →40x wagering. 14-day expiry. Higher max bet ($10) speeds up clearing for active players.
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. All three Mates Win platforms use bonus-only wagering.
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?
Crikey7 has the lowest wagering at 30x. Start there.
18+ only. Gamble responsibly. See Responsible Gambling and Affiliate Disclosure.