What is game weighting?
Game weighting determines what percentage of each bet counts toward your wagering requirement. At 100% contribution, every £1 you bet clears £1 of wagering. At 10% contribution, you need to bet £10 to clear £1.
Casinos set low contributions on games like blackjack and roulette because they have higher RTPs. It's how they stop players from grinding bonuses with minimal house edge.
Typical contribution rates
These are industry averages. Individual casinos vary, and some exclude specific high-RTP slots entirely. Always check the bonus terms before you start playing.
| Game | Contribution | Effective multiplier (at 30x) | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Most slots | 100% | 30x as stated | Best choice |
| Live casino slots | 100% | 30x as stated | Fine |
| Scratch cards | 50% | 60x effective | Avoid if possible |
| Video poker | 10-20% | 150-300x effective | Avoid |
| Live roulette | 10-20% | 150-300x effective | Avoid |
| Blackjack | 10% | 300x effective | Never use for wagering |
| Baccarat | 10-15% | 200-300x effective | Avoid |
The maths: why this matters so much
Say you have a £100 bonus with 30x wagering. Total playthrough = £3,000. You decide to play blackjack at £25/hand with basic strategy (99.5% RTP, 10% contribution).
- Each £25 hand only clears £2.50 of wagering
- To clear £3,000 you need to bet £30,000 at blackjack
- Expected loss at 0.5% house edge = £150
- Net value = £100 − £150 = −£50
Same scenario with slots at 96% RTP and 100% contribution:
- Required playthrough = £3,000 (no multiplier effect)
- Expected loss at 4% house edge = £120
- Net value = £100 − £120 = −£20
Still negative EV at 30x either way, but slots lose £70 less than blackjack for the same bonus. Game choice doubled the damage.
What I use for clearing wagering
If I'm going to clear wagering, I pick the highest-RTP slot that counts at 100%. These usually work:
- Blood Suckers — 98% RTP, best maths but some casinos exclude it
- Book of Dead — 96.21% RTP, industry standard for bonus clearing
- Starburst — 96.09% RTP, low variance means steadier progress
- Sweet Bonanza — 96.51% RTP, most casinos allow it
Always check the excluded games list first. Some casinos block high-RTP slots from bonus wagering entirely.
Some slots are 0% contribution
High-RTP slots are sometimes completely excluded from bonus wagering. If you play an excluded slot, your bets contribute nothing toward the requirement. Look for a "restricted games" section in the terms before you start.
UKGC rules require casinos to publish game contribution rates clearly. If the terms are vague, contact live chat and get written confirmation before you deposit. Screenshot it.
Frequently asked questions
Why do table games have low contribution rates?
Table games like blackjack have lower house edges (0.5% with optimal strategy vs 4% for slots). Casinos set low contributions to prevent players from exploiting bonuses with near-fair games. It's protection against bonus abusers, not a technical limitation.
Do all slots count at 100%?
Most do, but high-RTP slots (98%+) are often excluded or reduced. Blood Suckers, Mega Joker, and 1429 Uncharted Seas are commonly restricted. Always check the excluded games list in the terms.
What happens if I accidentally play a 0% game?
Your bets simply don't count toward wagering — they're not wasted, they just don't help you clear the requirement. At some casinos, playing excluded games may void your bonus entirely. Read the terms carefully.
Can game weighting change mid-bonus?
Technically no — the terms you accepted when opting in should apply throughout. In practice, if a casino updates their terms and you haven't completed wagering, disputes can be tricky. Complete wagering promptly to avoid this.