Wagering Requirements Explained
A complete guide to understanding casino bonus terms, playthrough requirements, and how to find the best value offers.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) are conditions attached to casino bonuses that specify how many times you must bet the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, a £100 bonus with 35x wagering means you need to place £3,500 in bets before withdrawing.
How to Calculate Wagering
Formula: Bonus Amount × Wagering Multiplier = Total Wagering Required
Example: £50 bonus × 30x = £1,500 total wagering needed
Some casinos apply wagering to the bonus only, while others apply it to the bonus + deposit combined. Always check the specific terms — "35x (bonus only)" is significantly better than "35x (bonus + deposit)".
What's a Good Wagering Requirement?
Realistic to complete. No-wagering bonuses (0x) let you withdraw immediately.
Industry standard. Achievable with regular play over a few days.
Difficult to complete. Statistically unlikely to profit from these bonuses.
Key Terms to Watch
- Maximum Bet Limit
- Most bonuses cap individual bets at £5 while wagering. Exceeding this can void your bonus.
- Game Weighting
- Not all games contribute equally. Slots typically count 100%, while table games may only count 10-20%.
- Time Limit
- Most bonuses expire if wagering isn't completed within 7-30 days.
- Maximum Withdrawal
- Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw, regardless of your balance.