Why does the basis matter more than the multiplier?

Because it doubles the amount you have to bet. A 30x requirement on a 100 bonus is 3,000 of betting. The same 30x on deposit plus bonus, with a 100 deposit, is 6,000. A 40x bonus-only offer is a better deal than a 25x deposit-plus-bonus offer, which is the opposite of what the headline numbers suggest.

What is expected loss and why show it?

It is the house edge multiplied by everything you have to wager. It is the honest answer to the question of what clearing a bonus actually costs on average, and it is usually a large fraction of the bonus itself.

Does game contribution change the result?

Yes, and often drastically. If table games contribute 10%, every unit you bet counts as 0.1 toward the requirement, so the effective wagering is ten times what the multiplier states. The calculator lets you set contribution for exactly that reason.

Is a bonus ever worth taking?

When the basis is bonus-only, the multiplier is 30 or lower, the games you actually play contribute 100%, and the expiry gives you enough time. Outside that, declining the bonus and keeping your deposit as withdrawable cash is frequently the better decision.

Tool

What does this bonus actually cost to clear?

Enter the numbers from the operator's bonus terms. The calculator shows total wagering required, the expected loss from the house edge over that volume, and whether the bonus is worth more than it costs. Nothing is sent anywhere, it runs in your browser.

How the wagering basis changes the real cost of a bonus

02The cost

Total you must wager

3,500

35x on the bonus only

Expected loss

140

house edge over that volume

Bonus net value

-40

bonus minus expected loss

Expected loss is an average over many repetitions, not a prediction for one attempt. Actual results swing widely either side of it. The calculation ignores maximum cashout caps and maximum bet limits, both of which can make a bonus worse than these numbers suggest.

Questions

Why does the basis matter more than the multiplier?: Because it doubles the amount you have to bet. A 30x requirement on a 100 bonus is 3,000 of betting. The same 30x on deposit plus bonus, with a 100 deposit, is 6,000. A 40x bonus-only offer is a better deal than a 25x deposit-plus-bonus offer, which is the opposite of what the headline numbers suggest.
What is expected loss and why show it?: It is the house edge multiplied by everything you have to wager. It is the honest answer to the question of what clearing a bonus actually costs on average, and it is usually a large fraction of the bonus itself.
Does game contribution change the result?: Yes, and often drastically. If table games contribute 10%, every unit you bet counts as 0.1 toward the requirement, so the effective wagering is ten times what the multiplier states. The calculator lets you set contribution for exactly that reason.
Is a bonus ever worth taking?: When the basis is bonus-only, the multiplier is 30 or lower, the games you actually play contribute 100%, and the expiry gives you enough time. Outside that, declining the bonus and keeping your deposit as withdrawable cash is frequently the better decision.