What Are Wagering Requirements?
Almost every casino bonus comes with a condition called a wagering requirement (also called a playthrough requirement). This is a multiplier that tells you how many times you must bet the bonus — or the bonus plus deposit — before any winnings can be withdrawn.
For example, a £50 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement means you must place a total of £1,500 in bets before you can cash out. Understanding this number is essential before claiming any offer.
How to Calculate the Real Value of a Bonus
To assess whether a bonus is worth your time, use this approach:
- Find the wagering requirement multiplier (e.g., 30x, 40x, 50x).
- Identify what it applies to — bonus only, or deposit + bonus?
- Factor in the RTP of eligible games. If the games you must use have a 96% RTP, you'll statistically lose 4% of every bet placed during wagering.
Example: £50 bonus at 35x wagering = £1,750 to wager. At a 96% RTP, expected loss during wagering = £1,750 × 4% = £70 — more than the bonus itself. At those terms, the bonus has negative expected value.
Key Terms to Check Before Claiming Any Bonus
- Wagering multiplier: Lower is better. Under 30x is generally reasonable; above 50x is very high.
- Bonus applies to: "Bonus only" is better than "deposit + bonus," as the latter requires wagering a much larger total.
- Game contributions: Not all games count equally. Slots may contribute 100%, while table games might contribute 10% or 0%.
- Time limit: How long do you have to meet the wagering requirement? 7 days is tight; 30 days is more manageable.
- Max bet rule: Many bonuses limit bets to £5 per spin while a bonus is active. Breaching this can void your bonus entirely.
- Eligible games: Some games are excluded from wagering entirely. Always check the list.
Types of Casino Bonuses Explained
| Bonus Type | How It Works | Watch Out For |
|---|---|---|
| Welcome Bonus | Match on first deposit (e.g., 100% up to £100) | High wagering, game restrictions |
| Free Spins | Set number of spins on specific slots | Low value per spin, high wagering on winnings |
| No Deposit Bonus | Small bonus credited on sign-up, no deposit needed | Very high wagering requirements, strict limits |
| Reload Bonus | Match bonus on subsequent deposits | Lower match %, still carries wagering terms |
| Cashback Bonus | Percentage of losses returned | May still have wagering attached |
Are No-Wagering Bonuses Better?
A growing number of casinos now offer no-wagering bonuses — where any winnings are yours to keep immediately, with no playthrough required. These are almost always better value in real terms, even if the headline figure looks smaller. A £20 no-wagering bonus is often worth more than a £100 bonus with 50x wagering requirements.
Practical Tips for Getting the Most from Bonuses
- Read the full terms and conditions before clicking "claim" — bonus pages are not always accurate summaries.
- Use high-RTP, low-volatility slots to clear wagering requirements efficiently.
- Don't claim a bonus if you're not sure you can meet the wagering requirements — an uncompleted bonus can sometimes restrict your ability to withdraw at all.
- If in doubt, play without a bonus. Bonus-free play gives you full freedom over when and how you withdraw.
Bonuses can add genuine value to your play — but only when you understand what they actually require. Take time to read the small print, and you'll make far better decisions about when an offer is worth taking.