What is playthrough online casino?

Quick Answer

In the context of online casinos, a “playthrough” (also called wagering requirement or turnover requirement) is a condition attached to a bonus, such as a welcome offer or free spins. It specifies how many times you must bet the bonus amount (or sometimes the bonus plus deposit) before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, a 30x playthrough on a $100 bonus means you need to place $3,000 in bets before cashing out. In Australia, the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA) prohibits licensed operators from offering most real-money casino games to residents, but many players access offshore sites that still use playthrough requirements.

How Playthrough Works

Playthrough is a standard mechanism used by online casinos to prevent bonus abuse and ensure players engage with games before withdrawing. It is expressed as a multiplier (e.g., 20x, 40x, or 60x) and applies to different parts of a bonus:

• Bonus-only playthrough: The requirement applies only to the bonus amount. Example: $50 bonus with 30x playthrough = $1,500 in bets.
• Deposit + bonus playthrough: The requirement applies to both your deposit and the bonus. Example: $100 deposit + $100 bonus with 30x playthrough = ($100 + $100) x 30 = $6,000 in bets.
• Free spins playthrough: Winnings from free spins often have a playthrough (e.g., 40x) before withdrawal.

Most casinos also specify which games contribute differently to the playthrough. Slots usually count 100%, while table games like blackjack or roulette may count only 10-20% or be excluded entirely. Always check the terms—some games (e.g., progressive jackpots or live dealer games) may contribute 0%.

Why Casinos Use Playthrough

Playthrough protects the casino from players who would otherwise claim a bonus, win a small amount, and immediately withdraw. It ensures that the bonus serves its intended purpose: to encourage extended play and generate house edge over time. For players, it means you must accept a mathematical disadvantage—the longer you play, the more likely the casino’s edge (e.g., 2-5% on slots) will eat into your bonus funds.

Example of Playthrough Calculation

Imagine you deposit $200 at an offshore casino and receive a 100% match bonus ($200), with a 35x playthrough on the bonus amount:

• Total bonus: $200
• Playthrough requirement: $200 x 35 = $7,000
• You must wager $7,000 before any withdrawal of bonus-related winnings.
• If you win $500 during play, you cannot withdraw until you meet the $7,000 wagering target.

If the casino instead uses “deposit + bonus” playthrough, the requirement would be ($200 + $200) x 35 = $14,000—a much steeper hurdle.

Australian Laws and Playthrough

Under the Interactive Gambling Act 1997 (IGA), it is illegal for Australian-licensed operators to offer “click-to-play” casino games like slots, blackjack, or roulette to residents. However, the IGA does not specifically regulate playthrough requirements—it focuses on prohibiting unlicensed offshore operators from targeting Australians. Many offshore casinos (e.g., those licensed in Malta, Curacao, or the UK) accept Australian players, but they are not bound by Australian consumer protections. This means:

• No Australian regulator enforces fair playthrough terms.
• Offshore casinos may impose high playthrough (e.g., 50x-70x) with hidden terms, such as maximum bet limits or game restrictions.
• If a dispute arises over playthrough, Australian players have limited legal recourse—they must rely on the casino’s jurisdiction (e.g., Curacao eGaming) or third-party mediators.

Since 2017, the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) has blocked over 600 illegal gambling websites, but many offshore operators still accept Australians. Players should be aware that any bonus from an unlicensed offshore site carries higher risk, including unclear playthrough rules.

Common Playthrough Pitfalls

To avoid losing your bonus winnings, watch for these traps in the terms and conditions:

• Maximum bet limits: Many casinos cap your bet size while playthrough is active (e.g., $5 or $10 per spin). Exceeding this voids the bonus.
• Game restrictions: High-RTP games (e.g., blackjack with 99.5% RTP) may be excluded or contribute only 5% to playthrough.
• Time limits: You may have only 7-30 days to meet the playthrough, or the bonus and winnings are forfeited.
• Maximum cashout: Some bonuses cap winnings after playthrough (e.g., max withdrawal of $500 from a bonus win).
• Sticky bonuses: The bonus amount is removed from your balance when you withdraw, even if you meet playthrough.

How to Evaluate Playthrough Terms

When considering a bonus from an offshore casino (since Australian-licensed sites cannot offer real-money casino games), use this checklist:

1. Identify the playthrough multiplier (e.g., 30x bonus, 40x deposit+bonus).
2. Calculate the total wagering required: Multiply the applicable amount by the multiplier.
3. Check game contribution percentages—slots at 100% are best; avoid bonuses where table games contribute less than 50%.
4. Look for low maximum bet limits—these can make playthrough impossible if you’re forced to bet small amounts slowly.
5. Ensure the time limit is reasonable (at least 30 days for large bonuses).
6. Read the “maximum cashout” clause—if it’s too low (e.g., $100), the bonus may not be worth it even with low playthrough.

Mathematically, a bonus is only valuable if the expected value (EV) is positive. For example, a $100 bonus with 30x playthrough on slots (RTP 96%) has an expected loss of $100 x (1 – 0.96) x 30 = $120—meaning you’re likely to lose more than the bonus itself. Only bonuses with very low playthrough (e.g., 10x) and high RTP games offer positive EV.

Key Takeaways for Australian Players

• Playthrough is a wagering requirement that dictates how much you must bet before withdrawing bonus winnings—always read the terms.
• Australian law (IGA 1997) prohibits licensed operators from offering real-money casino games, so any bonus you claim is from an offshore site with no local oversight.
• High playthrough (e.g., 50x+) is often a trap—avoid bonuses with excessive requirements, low game contributions, or short time limits.
• Calculate the real cost: Use the formula (bonus amount x playthrough multiplier x house edge) to see if the bonus is mathematically worthwhile.
• Never chase playthrough with bets you can’t afford—the house edge means you’re more likely to lose than win over the long run.
• If in doubt, skip the bonus. Playing without a bonus (i.e., just depositing your own money) has no playthrough and gives you full control over withdrawals.