Wagering Requirements Explained: What They Mean for Bonuses
Wagering requirements are the single most important number in any casino bonus. They tell you how many times you must bet the bonus funds before you can withdraw any winnings — and getting this wrong is the most common reason players feel cheated by a promotion that looked generous on paper. This guide explains how playthrough works, how to calculate your real cost, and what the UKGC’s new 10× cap means for UK players.
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What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement — also called playthrough or turnover — is a multiplier attached to a casino bonus. It sets the total amount you must wager before the bonus funds (and any winnings generated from them) become withdrawable cash.
For example, if you receive a €100 bonus with a 35× wagering requirement, you must place a total of €3,500 in bets before you can cash out. You do not need to win €3,500 — you need to bet that amount in total, regardless of wins and losses along the way.
Every bonus listed on online casino bonus pages comes with some form of wagering requirement. Understanding the multiplier before you opt in is the difference between a genuine benefit and an unreachable target.
How Wagering Requirements Are Calculated
The calculation depends on what the wagering applies to. This distinction dramatically changes how much you actually need to bet.
Bonus-Only Wagering
The multiplier applies to the bonus amount only. This is the more favourable type.
- €100 bonus × 35× = €3,500 total bets required
- €50 bonus × 20× = €1,000 total bets required
Deposit Plus Bonus Wagering
The multiplier applies to your deposit and the bonus combined. This effectively doubles the playthrough compared to bonus-only wagering at the same multiplier.
- €100 deposit + €100 bonus = €200 × 35× = €7,000 total bets required
- €50 deposit + €50 bonus = €100 × 20× = €2,000 total bets required
Always check whether the terms say “bonus only” or “deposit plus bonus.” A 20× requirement on deposit plus bonus is harder to clear than a 35× requirement on bonus only at the same deposit level.
Free Spin Winnings Wagering
For free spin bonuses, the wagering usually applies to whatever you win from the spins, not to the spins themselves. If you win €15 from 50 free spins and the wagering is 40×, you need to place €600 in bets to withdraw those winnings.
Game Contribution Rates
Not every game counts equally toward clearing your wagering requirement. Casinos assign contribution percentages to different game types, and this changes how much you actually need to bet.
| Game Type | Typical Contribution | Effective Bet Required (on €3,500 playthrough) |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | 100% | €3,500 |
| Live casino (general) | 50% | €7,000 |
| Roulette | 10–50% | €7,000–€35,000 |
| Blackjack | 10–25% | €14,000–€35,000 |
| Video poker | 5–25% | €14,000–€70,000 |
| Baccarat | 0–10% | €35,000 or excluded |
| Progressive jackpot slots | 0% | Excluded at most casinos |
The logic behind unequal contributions is straightforward: table games like blackjack have a lower house edge, so casinos reduce their contribution rate to prevent players from clearing wagering at minimal cost. Slots contribute 100% because their RTP is generally lower and their variance makes outcomes less predictable.
If you plan to clear wagering requirements, slots are the most efficient option. A €3,500 playthrough at 100% contribution means you bet exactly €3,500. The same playthrough at 10% contribution on blackjack means you need to bet €35,000 — ten times more.
What Counts as a Fair Wagering Requirement?
Before the UKGC’s 2026 reform, wagering requirements varied wildly across the industry. Here is how different ranges compare in practice:
| Wagering Level | Multiplier Range | Total Bets on €100 Bonus | Assessment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Very low | 1×–10× | €100–€1,000 | Genuinely achievable — real value for players |
| Low | 15×–25× | €1,500–€2,500 | Reasonable — clearable with normal play |
| Average | 30×–40× | €3,000–€4,000 | Standard pre-reform — requires dedicated play |
| High | 45×–60× | €4,500–€6,000 | Difficult — most players will not clear in time |
| Predatory | 65×+ | €6,500+ | Designed to be nearly impossible to clear |
A lower multiplier is always better, but context matters. A 25× bonus-only requirement is more achievable than a 15× deposit-plus-bonus requirement at the same deposit level. Always calculate the total bet amount before deciding whether a bonus is worth claiming. Checking wagering terms is part of evaluating a safe online casino.
The UKGC 10× Cap: What Changed
On 19 January 2026, the UK Gambling Commission introduced a mandatory 10× maximum wagering requirement for all bonuses offered by UKGC-licensed operators. This is the most significant change to UK bonus regulation in years.
The key reforms:
- 10× cap: No bonus can require more than ten times the bonus value in total bets. A £50 bonus can require at most £500 in wagering
- Cross-product ban: Operators can no longer combine casino, sports betting, bingo, or lottery into a single promotion. Each bonus must apply to one product only
- Clearer terms: The UKGC rewrote Social Responsibility Code 5.1.1 of the LCCP to improve transparency
The reform followed the UKGC’s autumn 2023 consultation, which found that high wagering requirements and mixed-product promotions caused avoidable player harm. For UK players, this means bonuses are now significantly easier to clear — and any UKGC-licensed casino offering requirements above 10× is in breach of its licence. The change reflects how casino licensing requirements directly shape the bonuses you are offered.
Outside the UK, wagering requirements remain unregulated at most jurisdictions, so MGA and Curaçao-licensed casinos may still apply 35×, 50×, or higher multipliers.
Hidden Rules That Can Cost You
The wagering multiplier is only one part of the equation. These additional conditions can make or break a bonus.
| Hidden Rule | What It Means | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Time limit | You must clear wagering within a set period (7–30 days is common) | Uncleared bonuses are forfeited — along with any winnings |
| Max bet per spin | A cap on how much you can bet while bonus funds are active (typically €5) | Exceeding it can void the bonus and all associated winnings |
| Max cashout cap | A limit on how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings | You might clear wagering and win €500, but only be allowed to withdraw €100 |
| Game restrictions | Certain games are fully excluded from wagering (0% contribution) | Playing an excluded game does not count — you waste time and money |
| Forfeiture on withdrawal | Withdrawing your deposit before clearing wagering cancels the bonus | You lose the bonus and all winnings generated from it |
Every one of these conditions should be clearly stated in the bonus terms. If you cannot find them, ask customer support before opting in. Our casino guides cover how to read bonus terms in more detail.
How to Clear Wagering Requirements Efficiently
If you decide a bonus is worth claiming, these steps give you the best chance of actually converting it to withdrawable cash:
- Calculate the total before opting in: Multiply the bonus (or bonus + deposit) by the wagering multiplier. If the number feels unreachable for your bankroll, skip the bonus
- Play slots at 100% contribution: They clear wagering fastest. Choose games with a high RTP (96%+ ideally) to minimise losses during playthrough
- Stay within the max bet limit: Exceeding the per-spin cap — often €5 — can void the entire bonus with no warning
- Track your progress: Most casinos display wagering progress in the account section or bonus tab. Check regularly to avoid playing beyond what is needed
- Mind the time limit: Set a reminder if the bonus expires in 7, 14, or 30 days. Starting early gives you flexibility
- Avoid excluded games: Check the contribution table in the terms. A single bet on a 0% game does not count at all
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a good wagering requirement?
At UKGC-licensed casinos, the maximum is now 10×, which is very achievable. Outside the UK, anything under 25× on bonus-only wagering is considered favourable. Above 40× is difficult to clear, and above 60× is rarely worth attempting.
Do all casino games count toward wagering?
No. Slots typically count 100%, but table games count far less — blackjack is often 10%, and some games like baccarat or progressive slots may be excluded entirely at 0%. Always check the game contribution table in the bonus terms before you start playing.
What happens if I do not clear wagering in time?
The bonus and all winnings generated from it are forfeited. Most casinos set time limits of 7 to 30 days. Your deposited funds that are not part of the bonus are unaffected — UKGC rules require casinos to let you withdraw your deposit balance at any time.
Can I withdraw my deposit before clearing wagering?
You can usually withdraw your deposited funds, but doing so will cancel the active bonus and any winnings from it. Some casinos automatically deduct the bonus balance if you request a deposit withdrawal mid-wagering. Check the terms for the specific forfeiture policy.
Will clearing wagering delay my withdrawal?
Not directly — once wagering is complete, the withdrawal process follows normal timelines. However, if you request a withdrawal before clearing, the casino will hold the payout until wagering is finished. Completing KYC verification early also avoids stacking a verification delay on top of wagering. Our guide to casino withdrawal times covers what to expect after you cash out.
Conclusion
Wagering requirements are not inherently unfair — they exist because casinos cannot give away free money with no conditions. But the difference between a fair requirement and a predatory one is enormous. Always calculate the total bet amount before opting in, check whether it applies to the bonus only or deposit plus bonus, review the game contribution table, and watch for hidden rules like max bet caps and time limits. For UK players, the new 10× cap makes bonuses significantly more achievable. For everyone else, doing the maths first is the best protection you have.
