Compare the live welcome offers we can model from our research. The calculator strips the headline down to deposit, bonus cap, wagering requirement and house edge, so the result is closer to expected value than marketing copy.
Expected Value (EV) = Bonus Amount - (Total Wagering Requirement x House Edge)
Most bonuses are -EV (negative expected value) because the wagering requirement forces you to risk more than the bonus is worth. A 40x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus means you must wager $4,000. At 4% house edge (96% RTP slots), you'll lose ~$160 on average to clear a $100 bonus.
Only take bonuses with +EV or close to breakeven. Casinos know most players won't do this math — that's how they profit.