Wagering requirements: the arithmetic behind every bonus
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough or rollover) state how much you must bet before bonus funds turn into withdrawable money. They are the single most important line in any offer. We have not verified Cardwin's current requirements; this page gives you the method to evaluate them yourself.
Visit CardwinThe five inputs
- Multiple — e.g. 30x or 40x.
- Base — bonus only, or deposit plus bonus.
- Game contribution — how much of each bet counts.
- Time limit — days available to finish.
- Max bet — the largest stake allowed while wagering.
Game contribution in numbers
| Game type | Contribution (illustrative) | Bets needed for €1,000 wagering |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 100% | €1,000 |
| Table games | 20% | €5,000 |
| Live games | 0% | cannot be completed |
Illustrative example, not a Cardwin term. If you prefer roulette or blackjack, a bonus with these contributions is close to worthless.
Expected cost
Required stakes × (100% − RTP) gives the average loss while wagering. A €25 bonus at 40x means €1,000 in bets; at 96% RTP the expected loss is €40, more than the bonus. On a slot listed at 97.25%, such as Merge Up by its studio's figures, the expected loss would be €27.50 — still above €25, and only if that game is allowed under the bonus. Volatility then decides how far a single attempt strays from the average.
Time limit and pace
€1,000 of wagering in 7 days means roughly €143 of bets a day. If you usually stake €20 a week, the bonus asks you to play many times faster than normal. That mismatch is a strong sign to decline.
Which balance is used first?
With both a cash balance and a bonus balance, the terms decide the order. If cash is used first, you can still withdraw before touching the bonus. If bonus money is used first — or both are locked together — your own deposit may be tied to the wagering. Look for this line in the general bonus terms.