Choosing the right games during bonus wagering can determine whether you clear requirements comfortably or burn through your balance before completing them. Not all games contribute equally to wagering, and many bonuses restrict certain games entirely. Playing a restricted game can void your entire balance, while choosing games with poor contribution rates means you're wagering far more than the progress tracker shows. Game selection for bonuses isn't about finding an edge over the casino or guaranteed profit. It's about understanding contribution percentages, recognizing which games offer reasonable clearing potential while staying enjoyable, and avoiding the games that create unnecessary risk or violate bonus terms. This guide explains how game contributions work, which games typically offer the best balance of contribution and safety, and how to verify you're making progress without accidentally breaking rules. GameGuard keeps you informed with honest analysis, not promises of beating the system.
How Game Contribution Percentages Work
When bonus terms state a wagering requirement, they also specify how much different game types contribute toward meeting that requirement.
Understanding Contribution Rates
100% contribution: Every dollar you wager counts as one dollar toward the requirement. Wager $10, get $10 of progress.
50% contribution: Every dollar wagered counts as 50 cents toward the requirement. Wager $10, get $5 of progress. You need to wager double the nominal requirement.
10% contribution: Every dollar wagered counts as 10 cents. Wager $10, get $1 of progress. You need to wager ten times the nominal requirement.
0% contribution: Wagers on these games don't count at all toward clearing the bonus, though you can still play them.
Why Casinos Use Different Rates
Contribution percentages reflect the house edge and volatility of different game types. Games with higher RTP or lower house edge (like blackjack) typically have reduced contribution rates because they give players better mathematical odds. Casinos compensate by making these games less effective for clearing bonuses. Slots generally have 100% contribution because their house edge is higher and variance smooths out over the required wagering volume.
Typical Game Contribution Breakdown
While terms vary by casino, these are common patterns:
Slots (Usually 100%)
Nearly all slot games contribute fully to wagering requirements. This includes: - Video slots - Classic slots - Progressive jackpot slots (sometimes excluded) - Megaways slots
Exception: Some high-RTP slots are specifically excluded or have reduced contribution. Always check the restricted games list.
Table Games (Usually 10%-20%)
Most table games contribute minimally: - Blackjack: 10%-20% - Roulette: 10%-50% (varies significantly) - Baccarat: 10%-20% - Craps: 10%-20% - Poker variants: 10%-20%
Exception: Some casinos exclude table games entirely from bonus play. Wagers may be allowed but contribute nothing.
Live Casino Games (Usually 10% or Excluded)
Live dealer games often have the same low contribution as their RNG counterparts: - Live blackjack: 10%-20% - Live roulette: 10%-20% - Live baccarat: 10%-20% - Game shows: Varies widely, often excluded
Specialty Games (Varies Widely)
- Scratch cards: Often 100% - Keno: Usually 50%-100% - Bingo: Often 100% - Virtual sports: Sometimes 50%-100% - Crash games: Varies by casino
Finding the Right Balance
The "best" game for clearing bonuses depends on contribution rate, RTP, volatility, and personal enjoyment.
High-RTP Slots That Contribute 100%
Look for slots with RTP above 96% that aren't on the restricted list:
Good characteristics: - RTP of 96.5%-97%+ - Medium volatility (balances wins and losses) - Clear, simple mechanics (reduces chance of mistakes) - Engaging enough that you'll enjoy extended play
Examples of high-RTP categories (verify specific games in terms): - Blood Suckers (98% RTP, often restricted) - Mega Joker (99% RTP, frequently restricted) - Goblin's Cave (99.3% RTP, rarely available) Many casinos restrict these specific games because their RTP is too favorable. Check the excluded games list before playing.
Medium-Volatility Slots
Medium volatility slots provide steady, moderate wins that help maintain your balance through wagering:
Benefits: - Less dramatic swings than high volatility - More frequent small wins keep balance stable - Lower risk of quick balance depletion - Psychologically easier to manage over long wagering
Drawbacks: - Big wins are less common - Can feel repetitive during extended clearing For bonus wagering, stability often matters more than excitement.
Why High Volatility Slots Are Risky for Bonuses
High volatility slots feature infrequent but large wins. While appealing normally, they create problems during bonus clearing:
Risk factors: - Long dry spells can deplete your balance before wagering completes - Variance can exceed your bankroll capacity - You might hit maximum win caps before completing wagering - Progress feels inconsistent and stressful High volatility works when you're playing for entertainment with no obligations. Under wagering pressure, it increases the chance you'll fail to clear.
Games to Avoid During Bonus Play
Certain games create unnecessary risk or violate terms without adding value.
Explicitly Restricted Games
Always check the bonus terms for a "restricted games" or "excluded games" section. Playing these can: - Void your bonus - Forfeit any winnings - Void your deposit in some cases Common restrictions include: - Specific high-RTP slots (Blood Suckers, Dead or Alive 2, etc.) - Progressive jackpot games - Certain table games - Some live casino games If a game is listed as restricted, don't play it while a bonus is active, even if the casino technically allows you to open it.
Games with Low Contribution
If you prefer table games but they only contribute 10%, the mathematics become unfavorable:
Example: $1,000 wagering requirement at 10% contribution - Real wagering needed: $10,000 - At $5 per hand: 2,000 hands required - Expected loss to house edge: Significant even with optimal play Unless you genuinely enjoy the game and accept the extended requirements, it's often better to clear with slots or forfeit the bonus.
Progressive Jackpot Slots
Many bonuses exclude progressive slots or cap winnings from them. If you hit a major jackpot during bonus play: - You might receive only a capped amount (often 10x bonus) - The casino might void the win entirely if the game was restricted - You've still completed wagering but without the actual win Check progressive jackpot eligibility before playing them with bonus funds.
Checking Game Eligibility Before Playing
Don't assume a game is allowed just because it loads while you have an active bonus.
How to Verify
1.
Read the complete bonus terms: Look for "restricted games," "excluded games," or "game weighting" sections 2.
Check the games contribution list: Some casinos publish detailed lists showing each game's contribution percentage 3.
Contact support if unsure: Ask specifically if a game is allowed and what percentage it contributes 4.
Test with minimum bets first: Make one minimum bet and check if wagering progress increases appropriately
Warning Signs a Game Might Be Restricted
- The game loads with a warning message - Progress tracker doesn't update after playing - Game appears on an exclusion list in other bonus terms - High RTP games (97%+) at casinos known for restricting them When in doubt, play a clearly allowed game instead.
Practical Game Selection Strategy
Here's a methodical approach to choosing games during bonus wagering:
Step 1: Read and Save the Terms
Before claiming, identify: - Full list of restricted games - Contribution percentages for different game categories - Maximum bet limits per game type - Any special rules or conditions
Step 2: Identify Safe Options
Make a short list of games that: - Contribute 100% - Have RTP above 96% - Have medium volatility - You find reasonably enjoyable
Step 3: Test Your Choice
Play one minimum bet on your selected game and verify: - Wagering progress increases correctly - No warning messages appear - Your balance updates normally
Step 4: Stick to Your Selection
Once you've verified a safe game, stick with it for the entire bonus period. Switching games increases the chance of accidentally playing something restricted.
Step 5: Monitor Progress
Check wagering progress every session: - Is it tracking consistently? - Is your balance holding steady or declining? - Are you on pace to complete before expiry? Inconsistent tracking might indicate a game contribution issue.
When Table Games Make Sense
Despite low contribution rates, table games can work for bonus clearing in specific situations:
When they're appropriate: - The bonus is small and wagering low (clearing $500 total is manageable) - You genuinely prefer table games over slots - Contribution is 50% or higher - You have a larger bankroll to absorb the extended play - Time isn't a constraint
When to avoid them: - Contribution is 10% or less - Wagering requirement is already high - Bonus has a tight expiry timeframe - Your bankroll is limited Don't force yourself to play slots if you hate them, but recognize that table games make bonus clearing significantly harder.
The "No Game Restrictions" Red Flag
If a bonus claims no game restrictions and allows table games at 100% contribution, examine other terms carefully. Casinos typically compensate with: - Much higher wagering requirements - Stricter maximum bet rules - Shorter expiry periods - Lower maximum win caps The absence of game restrictions doesn't automatically make a bonus better.