Wager Bonus
Brief Definition
A wager bonus (or wagering bonus) is a type of promotion used by online casinos and sportsbooks that credits eligible players with bonus funds that can only be withdrawn after the player bets a required total amount.
Detailed Explanation
The total amount that must be wagered before bonus funds become eligible for withdrawal is known as the wagering requirement.
The requirement is typically expressed as a multiplier, such as 5x or 12x – the applicable multiplier and calculation method may vary between online casinos and sportsbooks. The promotion’s terms specify the required wagering amount, which bets qualify, and how progress is counted.
A wager bonus differs from a free bet. It becomes withdrawable only after the player meets the wagering requirement.
Formula
When the wagering requirement applies to the combined value of the deposit and bonus, it can be calculated as follows:
Required wagering amount = (Deposit + Wager bonus) × Wagering multiplier
Calculation Example
A player deposits EUR 75 and receives a 100% wager bonus of EUR 75. The promotion applies a 12x wagering requirement to the combined deposit and bonus.
- Deposit: EUR 75
- Wager bonus: EUR 75
- Combined amount: EUR 75 + EUR 75 = EUR 150
- Wagering multiplier: 12x
- Required wagering amount: EUR 150 × 12 = EUR 1,800
The player must place qualifying bets totalling EUR 1,800 before the EUR 75 bonus becomes withdrawable.
Examples and Use Cases
First-Deposit Promotion
A sportsbook or online casino may award a wager bonus to encourage first-time deposits. For example, the player may receive bonus funds equal to a percentage of the deposited amount. The promotion’s terms specify how the wagering requirement is calculated, which bets count towards it, and when the bonus becomes withdrawable.
Sporting Event Promotion
A sportsbook may offer a wager bonus as part of a campaign built around a major sporting event. The bonus may be available to eligible players placing bets connected with the event. The promotion’s terms define the qualifying markets, wagering multiplier, and how progress towards the requirement is counted.
