Most casino players know to check the “Wagering Requirement” (e.g., 30x) before accepting a bonus. However, many overlook the fine print known as Game Weighting or Wagering Contribution.
While Slots usually count 100% towards clearing your bonus, games like Blackjack, Roulette, and Live Dealer tables often contribute only 10% or even 5%. This means a standard “30x Wager” can mathematically transform into a brutal “300x Wager” without you realizing it. Our Wagering Contribution Calculator reveals the hidden truth, calculating exactly how much you need to bet to clear your bonus on your favorite game.
Wagering Contribution
Game WeightingHow to Use the Game Weighting Calculator
This tool calculates your Effective Wagering Requirement—the real amount of money you must bet to unlock your funds. Here is how to use it:
- Enter Bonus Amount: Input the cash value of the bonus you received (e.g., $100).
- Enter Wager Requirement: Input the multiplier stated in the T&Cs (e.g., 30x or 40x).
- Select Game Type: Choose the game you intend to play from the list.
- Note: The calculator will automatically fill in the standard industry percentage (e.g., 10% for Blackjack). If your specific casino has different rules, select “Custom” and enter the exact percentage.
- Review the Result: Look at the “Effective Wager”. This is the total volume of bets you must place. Compare the “Multiplier” to see how much harder it is than playing slots.
Related Tools: To understand why casinos lower the contribution for table games, check the Blackjack House Edge Calculator (lower edge = lower contribution). If you decide to clear the bonus on slots instead, use the Slot RTP Estimator to track your progress.
Real-World Examples: The “Table Game Trap”
The difference between a 100% contribution game and a 10% contribution game is massive. Let’s look at the math.
Example 1: The Slots Player (100% Contribution)
You accept a $100 Bonus with a 30x wagering requirement.
- Math: $100 × 30 / 1.00 (100%)
- Total Bets Needed: $3,000.
- Verdict: Standard difficulty. With a 96% RTP slot, you have a fair chance of clearing this.
Example 2: The Blackjack Player (10% Contribution)
You take the same $100 Bonus (30x wager) but decide to play Blackjack.
- Math: $100 × 30 / 0.10 (10%)
- Total Bets Needed: $30,000.
- Verdict: The “Effective Wager” is actually 300x. Even with perfect strategy, the sheer volume of bets required makes it mathematically unlikely that you will retain any profit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What is Wagering Contribution?
Wagering Contribution (or Game Weighting) is a rule that dictates what percentage of your bet counts towards the bonus rollover. If a game has 50% contribution, a $2 bet only clears $1 of your wagering requirement.
Why do table games have low contribution?
Casinos reduce contribution on skill games (Blackjack, Video Poker) and low-risk games (Roulette red/black) because the House Edge is very low. If they allowed 100% contribution on Blackjack (0.5% edge), players could easily mathematically beat the bonus and guarantee a profit.
What are “Restricted Games”?
Some games have 0% contribution. Playing these will not advance your bonus progress at all. Often, high-RTP slots (like Blood Suckers or 1429 Uncharted Seas) are placed on this restricted list. Always check the T&Cs.
Is it better to play Slots or Tables for bonuses?
Mathematically, it is almost always better to clear bonuses on Slots (100% contribution). While slots have higher variance, the 10x multiplier penalty on table games usually destroys any advantage you get from the lower house edge of Blackjack or Roulette.