Understanding Wagering Requirements
Learn what wagering requirements mean, how they work, and how to calculate them before accepting a casino bonus.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) tell you how many times you need to bet your bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. They're one of the most important bonus terms to understand.
How Wagering Requirements Work
Let's say you receive a £100 bonus with 35x wagering requirements:
£100 × 35 = £3,500
This means you need to place a total of £3,500 in bets before you can withdraw bonus winnings.
Types of Wagering Requirements
Bonus-Only Wagering
Only the bonus amount counts towards wagering. If you deposit £100 and receive a £100 bonus with 35x wagering:
Bonus + Deposit Wagering
Both your deposit and bonus count. Using the same example:
Always check which type applies before accepting a bonus!
What Counts Towards Wagering?
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements:
Example: If you bet £10 on slots, £10 counts towards wagering. If you bet £10 on blackjack with 10% contribution, only £1 counts.
Other Important Terms
Maximum Bet
Most bonuses limit your bet size (often £5) while wagering. Exceeding this can void your bonus.
Time Limits
Bonuses typically expire if wagering isn't completed within 7-30 days.
Maximum Cashout
Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from winnings (e.g., max 10x bonus amount).
Game Restrictions
Certain games may be excluded from bonus play entirely.
Tips for Choosing Bonuses
1. Lower is better: Look for wagering under 35x
2. Check game contributions: Make sure your favourite games count
3. Read the small print: Look for max bet limits and time restrictions
4. Calculate the real value: A £500 bonus with 60x wagering is harder than £100 with 25x
Red Flags to Watch For
Remember: a bonus is only valuable if you can realistically complete the requirements. Sometimes no bonus is better than a bad bonus!