Wagering requirements are the most important yet least understood aspect of casino bonuses. These conditions determine how many times you must wager your bonus or winnings before withdrawal, significantly affecting whether you’ll ever see your money. This comprehensive guide demystifies wagering requirements, explains how they work, and provides strategies for meeting them successfully whilst keeping more of your winnings.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements, turnover requirements, or rollover requirements) specify the number of times you must bet your bonus amount, deposit plus bonus, or bonus winnings before you can withdraw funds. They prevent players from simply claiming bonuses and immediately withdrawing them without playing.
These requirements are expressed as multiples (e.g., 30x, 40x, 50x) and vary significantly between casinos and bonus types. Understanding how to calculate and meet them is essential for anyone claiming casino bonuses.
How Wagering Requirements Work
Basic Calculation
The formula for calculating total wagering needed is:
Bonus Amount or Winnings × Wagering Requirement = Total Wagers Required
Example 1 – Bonus Cash:
- £20 bonus with 40x wagering
- Calculation: £20 × 40 = £800
- You must wager £800 before withdrawal
Example 2 – Free Spin Winnings:
- £10 won from free spins with 35x wagering
- Calculation: £10 × 35 = £350
- You must wager £350 before withdrawal
What Counts as Wagering?
Every bet you place contributes to your wagering requirement, but the contribution percentage varies by game type.
Slots: Typically 100% contribution
Table Games (Blackjack, Roulette): Usually 10-20% contribution or excluded entirely
Live Casino: Often excluded or 10% contribution
Video Poker: Varies, often 10% contribution
Example of Game Weighting:
- You need to wager £1,000
- £100 wagered on slots counts as £100 (100%)
- £100 wagered on blackjack counts as £10 (10%)
- £100 wagered on live roulette counts as £0 (excluded)
Types of Wagering Requirements
Bonus Only Wagering
The simplest and most common type. You must wager only the bonus amount itself.
Example:
- £20 bonus with 30x wagering
- Total wagering needed: £600 (£20 × 30)
- Your deposit remains separate
Deposit Plus Bonus Wagering
You must wager the combined amount of your deposit and bonus.
Example:
- £100 deposit with £100 bonus (100% match)
- 30x wagering on deposit + bonus
- Total wagering needed: £6,000 (£200 × 30)
Impact: Significantly higher wagering requirement for the same multiplier.
Winnings Only Wagering
Common for free spins. You must wager only what you win from the bonus, not the bonus itself.
Example:
- 100 free spins (no specified value)
- You win £15 from the spins
- 40x wagering on winnings
- Total wagering needed: £600 (£15 × 40)
Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonuses
Sticky Bonuses: The bonus amount itself can never be withdrawn, only winnings above it. The bonus amount is deducted upon withdrawal request.
Non-Sticky Bonuses: Both the bonus and winnings can be withdrawn once wagering is complete.
Example:
- £20 non-sticky bonus, you finish with £100 balance = withdraw £100
- £20 sticky bonus, you finish with £100 balance = withdraw £80 (£100 – £20)
Typical Wagering Requirements by Bonus Type
No Deposit Bonuses
Range: 40x-70x
Reason: High requirements offset the casino’s risk with free offers
Example: 50 free spins no deposit with 60x wagering on winnings
Welcome Deposit Bonuses
Range: 30x-50x
Reason: Lower than no deposit bonuses as players invest their own money
Example: 100% match up to £100 with 35x wagering (bonus only)
Reload Bonuses
Range: 30x-45x
Reason: Similar to welcome bonuses, incentivising existing customers
Example: 50% reload bonus with 40x wagering
Free Spins from Deposits
Range: 20x-50x wagering on winnings
Reason: Varies widely; some casinos offer no wagering free spins
Example: 100 free spins with 30x wagering on winnings
Cashback Offers
Range: 0x-10x
Reason: Low or no wagering as these are partial loss refunds
Example: 10% weekly cashback with 1x wagering
No Wagering Bonuses
Range: 0x
Reason: Winnings are immediately withdrawable; increasingly popular
Example: 20 no wagering free spins—keep what you win immediately
How to Calculate if Requirements Are Achievable
The Realistic Assessment Formula
Not all wagering requirements are realistic. Use this assessment:
- Calculate total wagering needed
- Estimate your average bet size
- Calculate spins/hands needed: Total wagering ÷ average bet
- Consider time available: Can you play this many rounds before expiry?
- Factor in house edge: Expect to lose 2-5% of total wagering to house edge
- Check maximum withdrawal cap: Is the cap worth the effort?
Example Assessment:
- £10 bonus with 60x wagering = £600 needed
- £1 average bet = 600 spins required
- 96% RTP slot means you’ll lose approximately £24 (4% of £600)
- Maximum withdrawal: £50
- Time limit: 14 days
- Verdict: Achievable but marginal value considering effort
Red Flags for Unrealistic Requirements
Combination of:
- Wagering above 60x
- Maximum withdrawal under £30
- Expiry under 7 days
- Very small bonus amounts requiring extensive play
- High house edge games only
Strategies for Meeting Wagering Requirements
Choose the Right Games
Optimal Choice: High RTP slots (96%+) that contribute 100% to wagering
Best Examples:
- Blood Suckers (98% RTP)
- Mega Joker (99% RTP)
- Starburst (96.1% RTP)
- Gonzo’s Quest (96% RTP)
Avoid:
- Low RTP slots (below 94%)
- Progressive jackpot slots (typically lower RTP)
- Games with low contribution percentages
Manage Your Bet Sizes
Lower Volatility Approach:
- Smaller bets extend playing time
- More spins increase chances of hitting bonus features
- Reduces risk of complete balance loss
Practical Example:
- £100 bonus with 40x wagering = £4,000 needed
- Betting £1 per spin = 4,000 spins
- Betting £0.20 per spin = 20,000 spins (better odds of completion but more time-consuming)
Balance Point: Find bet sizes that keep you engaged without excessive risk.
Respect Maximum Bet Limits
Most bonuses impose maximum bet restrictions (typically £5 per spin/hand).
Critical: Exceeding this limit voids bonuses and winnings, even accidentally
Safety Margin: Bet well below the limit (£2-£3 when £5 is max) to avoid accidental violations
Track Your Progress
Use the casino’s bonus tracker or calculate manually:
Manual Tracking:
- Note starting wagering requirement
- Record your total bets periodically
- Calculate remaining wagering needed
Casino Trackers: Most modern casinos display real-time progress in your account
Plan Your Sessions
Time Management:
- Divide wagering requirements into manageable sessions
- Don’t try to complete everything in one sitting
- Take breaks to maintain focus and enjoyment
Example Plan:
- £2,000 wagering needed
- Play 5 sessions of £400 wagering each
- Sessions spread over available days
Understand Variance
Low Variance Slots: Frequent small wins; steadier bankroll; better for completing wagering
High Variance Slots: Infrequent large wins; higher risk; more exciting but riskier for wagering
Strategy: Choose low-medium variance slots for bonus wagering unless you have significant buffer
Know When to Walk Away
If you’re not enjoying the process or your bankroll is depleting rapidly:
Options:
- Forfeit the bonus and withdraw your deposit (if non-sticky)
- Take a break and return later within the time limit
- Accept that not all bonuses are worth completing
Common Wagering Requirement Mistakes
Not Reading the Full Terms
Assuming you understand requirements without reading detailed terms leads to surprises.
Solution: Always read complete terms before claiming bonuses
Confusing Bonus-Only with Deposit+Bonus Wagering
Misunderstanding which amount requires wagering dramatically affects calculations.
Solution: Clarify whether wagering applies to bonus only or deposit + bonus
Playing Excluded or Low-Contribution Games
Playing roulette thinking it contributes to wagering, only to find it’s excluded.
Solution: Verify eligible games and contribution percentages before playing
Exceeding Maximum Bets
One £6 bet when the limit is £5 voids everything, even if accidental.
Solution: Set safe bet limits well below maximums
Ignoring Expiry Dates
Losing track of time and letting bonuses expire with progress lost.
Solution: Note expiry dates and plan realistic completion schedules
Withdrawing Before Completion
Some players request withdrawal before meeting requirements, forfeiting all bonuses and winnings.
Solution: Check wagering progress before withdrawal requests
Mixing Multiple Bonuses
Claiming new bonuses before completing current ones creates confusion about terms.
Solution: Complete one bonus fully before claiming another
Reducing the Impact of Wagering Requirements
Choose Bonuses with Lower Requirements
Target: 20x-35x wagering requirements
Benefit: Significantly easier to complete and more likely to profit
Prioritise No Wagering Bonuses
Increasingly popular, these bonuses allow immediate withdrawal of winnings.
Trade-off: Smaller bonus amounts but transparent value
Consider Cashback Instead
Cashback offers typically have minimal (1x-10x) or no wagering requirements.
Advantage: More realistic to complete and withdraw
Select Casinos with Fairer Terms
Some casinos consistently offer better bonus conditions than competitors.
Research: Compare terms across multiple casinos before deciding where to play
Calculate True Bonus Value
A smaller bonus with better terms often provides more value than a larger bonus with harsh requirements.
Example:
- Bonus A: £50 with 30x wagering, £100 max withdrawal
- Bonus B: £100 with 60x wagering, £50 max withdrawal
- Bonus A provides better realistic value despite smaller amount
How Casinos Determine Wagering Requirements
Business Model Considerations
Casinos balance customer acquisition costs against profitability.
Factors:
- Cost of bonus funds
- Expected player lifetime value
- Competition in the market
- Regulatory requirements
- Player retention goals
Preventing Bonus Abuse
High wagering requirements deter bonus hunters who claim offers at multiple casinos without genuine engagement.
Protection: Requirements ensure only engaged players complete wagering and withdraw
Game Contributions Explained
Why different games have different contribution rates:
Slots (100%): House edge 2-15%, reasonable casino profit margin
Blackjack (10% or excluded): House edge 0.5-2% with strategy; too favourable for bonus clearing
Roulette (Often excluded): Players could bet red and black simultaneously, reducing risk artificially
Purpose: Contributions protect casinos from advantage play and ensure profitability
Legal and Ethical Considerations
UK Gambling Commission Regulations
The UKGC requires:
Transparency: Clear, prominent display of wagering requirements in all bonus advertising
Fairness: Requirements must be achievable and reasonable
Clarity: Terms must be unambiguous and easily accessible
Ethical Casino Practices
Reputable casinos:
- Display terms prominently before players claim bonuses
- Provide real-time wagering progress tracking
- Don’t change terms mid-bonus
- Process withdrawals promptly after completion
- Provide clear explanations when requested
Player Responsibilities
Ethical Play:
- Read and understand terms before claiming
- Play honestly without exploiting loopholes
- Don’t create multiple accounts to abuse bonuses
- Provide accurate personal information
- Accept terms or forfeit bonuses
When Wagering Requirements Become Unfair
Warning Signs
Unreasonable Terms:
- Wagering exceeding 80x
- Maximum withdrawals under £20
- Expiry periods under 5 days
- Combination of high wagering with low caps
- Deliberately vague or contradictory terms
Your Rights
Under UK consumer protection and gambling regulations:
Right to Clear Information: Terms must be transparent and accessible
Right to Fair Treatment: Requirements must be achievable
Right to Complain: File complaints with casinos, then the UK Gambling Commission if unresolved
Red Flag Example
Unethical Offer:
- £10 bonus
- 100x wagering requirement = £1,000 needed
- Maximum withdrawal: £15
- Expiry: 7 days
- Maximum bet: £1
Assessment: Nearly impossible to complete; designed for failure
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are Good Wagering Requirements?
20x-35x is reasonable. Below 20x is excellent. Above 50x becomes difficult. Above 70x is unrealistic for most players.
Do Wagering Requirements Apply to My Deposit?
Depends on bonus type. “Bonus only” wagering affects only the bonus. “Deposit + bonus” wagering affects both. Always check specific terms.
Can I Withdraw Before Meeting Requirements?
Yes, but you forfeit all bonus funds and any winnings derived from them. Only your original deposit (if any) remains.
Do All Games Count Equally?
No. Slots typically contribute 100%, whilst table games contribute 10-20% or are excluded. Check game contribution percentages.
What Happens If I Exceed Maximum Bets?
Your bonus and all winnings are voided, even if the excess was accidental. Stick well below maximum bet limits.
Can Wagering Requirements Change?
Not once you’ve claimed the bonus. Casinos can’t change terms mid-bonus, though they can alter future offers.
Are No Wagering Bonuses Really No Wagering?
Legitimate no wagering bonuses allow immediate withdrawal. Always verify there are truly no hidden wagering requirements.
How Long Do I Have to Meet Requirements?
Varies by casino and bonus type, typically 14-30 days. Check specific expiry dates before claiming.
Conclusion
Wagering requirements are fundamental to casino bonuses, determining whether offers provide genuine value or merely marketing illusions. Understanding how they work, calculating whether they’re achievable, and employing smart strategies dramatically improves your chances of successfully completing requirements and withdrawing winnings.
The keys to success are choosing bonuses with reasonable requirements (30x-40x), playing high RTP slots that contribute 100%, managing bet sizes appropriately, respecting terms strictly, and maintaining realistic expectations. Not all bonuses are worth claiming—sometimes declining offers with harsh terms is the smartest decision.
The UK’s strict regulatory environment ensures wagering requirements are clearly stated and reasonably fair, but players must still exercise due diligence. Read terms thoroughly, calculate realistic completion prospects, and never claim bonuses blindly based solely on advertised amounts.