What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) are conditions set by online casinos that determine how many times you must bet your bonus — or bonus plus deposit — before you can withdraw any winnings derived from it.
For example, if you receive a £50 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you must place bets totalling £1,500 before you can cash out. That's a significant amount, and understanding it upfront saves a lot of frustration.
How Wagering Requirements Are Applied
The exact calculation varies between casinos. The three most common models are:
- Bonus only: Wagering applies to the bonus amount only. (e.g., 30x on £50 bonus = £1,500 wagering)
- Bonus + deposit: Wagering applies to both. (e.g., 30x on £50 deposit + £50 bonus = £3,000 wagering)
- Winnings only: Less common — wagering applies only to what you win from free spins.
Always read the bonus terms carefully to confirm which model applies.
What Counts as a "Good" Wagering Requirement?
| Wagering Multiplier | Assessment |
|---|---|
| 10x – 20x | Excellent — relatively easy to clear |
| 21x – 35x | Average — achievable with careful play |
| 36x – 50x | High — requires significant play to clear |
| 50x and above | Very high — the bonus may offer little real value |
Game Contribution Rates
Here's a critical detail many players miss: not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Slots typically contribute 100%, meaning every £1 staked on eligible slots counts as £1 toward the requirement. But other games contribute less — or nothing at all.
- Slots: Usually 100% contribution
- Roulette: Often 10–20% contribution
- Blackjack: Often 10% or excluded entirely
- Live casino games: Often 0–20% contribution
- Video poker: Varies widely; often excluded
If you plan to use a bonus primarily on table games, check the contribution rates — the effective wagering requirement may be much higher than the headline number suggests.
Other Bonus Terms to Check
Wagering requirements are the headline condition, but these other terms matter too:
- Expiry date: Most bonuses must be claimed and wagered within 7–30 days.
- Max bet per spin: Many bonuses cap your stake (e.g., £5 per spin) while wagering. Breaching this can void your bonus.
- Eligible games list: Some bonuses are restricted to specific slots only.
- Max cashout: Some bonuses limit how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings (e.g., 5x the bonus amount).
How to Evaluate Whether a Bonus Is Worth Taking
A simple way to estimate a bonus's real value is to factor in the RTP of the games you'll play against the wagering requirement:
Estimated value = Bonus amount − (Wagering requirement × House edge)
If a slot has a 96% RTP, its house edge is 4% (0.04). For a £50 bonus with 30x wagering: £50 − (£1,500 × 0.04) = £50 − £60 = −£10 expected value. In other words, on average the house edge will cost you more than the bonus is worth. This doesn't mean bonuses have no value — they provide more playtime and a chance at hitting big wins — but it's important to have realistic expectations.
Key Takeaways
- Always read the full bonus terms before claiming any offer.
- Lower wagering requirements (under 30x) represent better value.
- Check game contribution rates — not all games count equally.
- Watch for max bet limits, expiry dates, and cashout caps.
- Treat bonuses as extra playtime, not guaranteed profit.