Casino Bonus Calculator — Expected Value | Zykur
Calculate the true expected value of any casino bonus. Most bonuses have negative EV — this tool shows you exactly how much you stand to gain or lose.
Bonus EV Formula
Bonus EV = Bonus Amount − (Wagering Requirement × House Edge)
Example: $100 bonus with 30x wagering and 2% house edge = $100 − ($3,000 × 0.02) = $100 − $60 = +$40 expected profit
Key Factors
- Wagering requirement — Lower is better. Below 20x is excellent; above 40x is poor value for typical house edges.
- Game contribution % — Most bonuses restrict which games count. Blackjack often contributes only 10–20%. Slots typically 100%.
- Max bet limit — Exceeding the max bet while bonus is active can void the bonus entirely.
- Time limit — Bonuses expire. Check how many days you have to complete wagering.
- Game RTP — Use high-RTP games to drain your balance most slowly during wagering.
When Bonuses Are Worth Taking
A bonus has positive EV when: Bonus > (Wagering × House Edge). With a 1% house edge game (like dice or optimal video poker), a 30x wagering bonus: $100 − ($3,000 × 0.01) = +$70 EV. This is strongly positive.