Wagering requirements are the number of times you must bet a casino bonus before you can withdraw it or any winnings made from it. If you claim a £100 bonus with 30x wagering requirements, you need to place £3,000 in qualifying bets before the bonus and any associated winnings become withdrawable as real cash.
Also called playthrough requirements or rollover requirements, these terms apply to almost every deposit bonus, free spins offer and no deposit bonus across the online casino industry. They exist to protect operators from bonus abuse and to control the value players can extract from promotional offers. The good news is they follow simple maths, and once you know how to read them, you can quickly assess whether any given bonus is actually worth claiming.
Use the calculator below to work out exactly how much you need to wager on any bonus, then read on for a complete breakdown of how wagering requirements work, what counts as a good ratio, and how game weighting changes the numbers.
Wagering Requirements Calculator
Enter the number only (e.g. 30 for 30x wagering)
What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement is a multiplier attached to a casino bonus that determines how much you need to bet before the bonus funds and any winnings derived from them can be withdrawn. The multiplier is usually expressed as a number followed by an x, such as 20x, 35x or 50x.
The mechanism is straightforward. Once you accept a bonus, the funds are placed in a separate bonus balance, often locked from withdrawal. Every qualifying bet you make reduces the wagering counter until you have met the required amount, at which point the bonus funds and any winnings convert to your withdrawable cash balance.
If you try to withdraw before meeting the requirement, the bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited. Some casinos will allow you to withdraw your original deposit if you have not yet wagered it, but the bonus portion is always lost.
This system serves two purposes. It prevents players from depositing, claiming a bonus and immediately withdrawing the inflated balance, which would make bonuses commercially unsustainable. It also extends the time players spend on a site, increasing the statistical likelihood that the operator will recover the promotional cost through normal house edge.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The base calculation is simple multiplication. Take the bonus amount and multiply it by the wagering number, and you have the total amount you must wager in qualifying bets.
The table below shows the total wagering required across common bonus amounts and multipliers, assuming a bonus-only wagering structure on slots, which contribute 100%.
| Bonus Amount | 20x Wagering | 30x Wagering | 35x Wagering | 40x Wagering |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £20 | £400 | £600 | £700 | £800 |
| £50 | £1,000 | £1,500 | £1,750 | £2,000 |
| £100 | £2,000 | £3,000 | £3,500 | £4,000 |
| £200 | £4,000 | £6,000 | £7,000 | £8,000 |
| £500 | £10,000 | £15,000 | £17,500 | £20,000 |
The pattern is consistent. A £100 bonus at 35x demands £3,500 in qualifying bets. A £200 bonus at the same multiplier doubles that to £7,000. The wagering scales linearly with both the bonus amount and the multiplier, which is why larger bonuses are not always better value, especially when paired with high wagering numbers.
Bonus-Only vs Bonus + Deposit Wagering
One of the most important distinctions in any bonus offer is whether the wagering requirement applies to the bonus alone or to the combined deposit and bonus amount. This single detail can double the amount you need to wager.
Under bonus-only wagering, often referred to as B wagering, the multiplier applies to the bonus portion of your balance. If you deposit £100 and receive a £100 matched bonus at 30x, your wagering requirement is £100 multiplied by 30, giving you £3,000.
Under bonus plus deposit wagering, often labelled D+B wagering, the multiplier applies to both your deposit and your bonus combined. Using the same example, you would face £200 multiplied by 30, giving you £6,000.
The terms and conditions of any bonus will state which model applies, though the language can be subtle. Phrases such as "wagering applies to bonus and deposit" or "the deposit and bonus amount must be wagered 30 times" indicate D+B wagering. Always check before claiming, because two bonuses with identical headline numbers can have wildly different real-world costs.
Game Weighting Explained
Not every game contributes equally toward wagering requirements. Operators apply different contribution percentages to different game categories, a practice known as game weighting. This is partly to prevent low-edge games from being exploited to clear bonuses cheaply, and partly to steer players toward higher-margin titles.
The table below shows typical contribution rates across the major game categories. Exact figures vary between operators, so always check the bonus terms.
| Game Type | Typical Contribution | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Online Slots | 100% | Some progressive jackpot slots may be excluded |
| Scratch Cards and Bingo | 100% | Generally count fully |
| European Roulette | 10-20% | Often capped or excluded for even-money bets |
| Blackjack | 5-10% | Sometimes excluded entirely due to low house edge |
| Baccarat | 5-10% | Banker bet often excluded |
| Video Poker | 0-10% | Frequently excluded from bonus play |
| Live Dealer Games | 10-50% | Highly variable, often excluded entirely |
The practical impact of game weighting is significant. Take a £100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, where the base figure to clear is £3,000. If you played exclusively on blackjack at a 10% contribution rate, you would actually need to wager £30,000 to clear the same requirement. This is why slots remain the default choice for bonus play, regardless of personal preference.
Time Limits on Wagering Requirements
Almost every bonus comes with a time window in which the wagering must be completed. If you fail to meet the requirement before the deadline, the bonus and any unconverted winnings are forfeited.
Common time limits range from 7 days at the more aggressive end to 90 days at the more generous end, with 30 days being the industry standard. Smaller no deposit bonuses and free spins offers tend to have shorter expiry windows, often 24 to 72 hours, while larger matched deposit bonuses are usually given more time.
The time limit matters more than most players realise. A £200 bonus at 35x with a 7-day window requires £7,000 in qualifying bets in a single week. At an average bet size of £1, that is 7,000 spins, which is unrealistic for most players. The same bonus over 30 days becomes far more achievable. Always factor the time pressure into your assessment of any offer.
Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonuses
Wagering requirements behave differently depending on whether the bonus is classed as sticky or non-sticky, and the distinction affects how easily you can lock in winnings.
A non-sticky bonus, sometimes called a parachute bonus, sits separately from your deposit. Your real money is played first, and you can withdraw any winnings made from it at any time without forfeiting the bonus. Only when your real balance is depleted does the bonus activate, at which point standard wagering rules apply.
A sticky bonus is bundled with your deposit from the moment you claim it. Any withdrawal before completing wagering forfeits both the bonus and any winnings derived from it, regardless of whether you used the bonus funds or not. Sticky bonuses are far more common, particularly on larger matched deposit offers.
Non-sticky bonuses are substantially more player-friendly because they let you bank early winnings before any wagering is triggered. If you find an offer that explicitly states the bonus is non-sticky or that real money is played first, the value proposition is meaningfully better than the headline figures suggest.
What Counts as a Good Wagering Requirement?
Industry benchmarks have shifted over time as competition between operators has intensified, but the table below reflects current standards across the regulated UK and European markets.
| Wagering Range | Rating | What It Means |
|---|---|---|
| 0x | Best possible | No wagering, winnings withdrawable instantly |
| 1x to 10x | Excellent | Among the lowest in the industry, easily clearable |
| 15x to 25x | Player-friendly | Achievable with normal play, good value |
| 30x to 40x | Industry standard | The most common range, fair but demanding |
| 45x to 60x | High | Difficult to clear, only worth it for sizeable bonuses |
| 65x and above | Avoid | Mathematically punishing, generally not worth claiming |
UK-licensed operators tend to cluster around the 30x to 40x mark on welcome bonuses, with some sportsbook crossover offers going lower. Crypto and offshore casinos vary wildly, with some offering huge headline bonuses tied to wagering of 50x or more, which often makes the offer worth less in practice than a smaller bonus at 25x.
How to Beat Wagering Requirements
Beating wagering requirements is a question of game selection, bet sizing and bankroll discipline rather than luck. The fundamentals are simple. Stick to slots that contribute 100%, choose titles with the highest possible RTP, keep bet sizes consistent and within the maximum bet limits set out in the bonus terms, and avoid bonus-banned games entirely.
Maximum bet rules are particularly important. Most bonuses cap the bet size during wagering at around £5, and breaching this limit even once can void the bonus and any winnings. Always check the cap before increasing your stake.
For a deeper breakdown of game selection, RTP optimisation and the discipline strategies that improve your odds of clearing a bonus, see our full guide on how to beat wagering requirements, along with our list of the best slots for wagering.
No Wagering Casinos: The Alternative
The simplest way to avoid wagering requirements is to play at a casino that does not impose them. A small but growing segment of the UK market now offers no wagering bonuses, where any winnings from the bonus convert to withdrawable cash immediately.
The headline values are typically smaller than traditional matched bonuses, which is the trade-off for the removed wagering condition. A £20 no wagering bonus is often more valuable in real terms than a £200 bonus at 40x, simply because the smaller offer can actually be withdrawn.
For a full breakdown of operators offering this model, see our updated list of no wagering casinos.
Wagering Requirements - Frequently Asked Questions
What does 35x wagering mean?
35x wagering means you must bet the bonus amount 35 times before you can withdraw it. A £100 bonus at 35x requires £3,500 in qualifying bets to clear. If the wagering also applies to your deposit, the figure doubles for a £100 deposit and £100 bonus, requiring £7,000.
Are wagering requirements legal?
Yes. Wagering requirements are a standard and legally compliant feature of online casino promotions across all regulated markets. UK Gambling Commission rules require operators to clearly display wagering terms in plain language, and unfair or hidden conditions can result in regulatory action.
What is the lowest wagering requirement available?
The lowest possible wagering requirement is 0x, found at no wagering casinos where bonus winnings convert directly to withdrawable cash. Among standard bonuses, requirements as low as 1x to 10x exist but are rare and usually attached to smaller bonus values.
Do all casino bonuses have wagering requirements?
No. While the majority of casino bonuses carry wagering requirements, no wagering bonuses, free spins on selected sites, and certain cashback or reload offers can come with zero rollover. Always check the terms before claiming any bonus.
Why do casinos use wagering requirements?
Casinos use wagering requirements to protect against bonus abuse and to control the cost of promotional offers. Without them, players could deposit, claim a matched bonus and immediately withdraw the inflated balance, making bonuses commercially unsustainable. Wagering also extends time on site, allowing the house edge to recover the promotional cost statistically.
Can I withdraw my deposit before completing wagering?
This depends on whether the bonus is sticky or non-sticky. With a non-sticky bonus, you can usually withdraw your deposit and any winnings made from real money play without losing the bonus. With a sticky bonus, withdrawing before clearing wagering forfeits the bonus and any associated winnings entirely.
Does game weighting affect wagering requirements?
Yes, significantly. Slots typically contribute 100% to wagering, while table games like blackjack and roulette contribute 10% or less. Playing exclusively on a 10% contribution game means you need to wager ten times the base requirement to clear the same bonus.
What happens if I don't meet the wagering requirement in time?
If the time limit on the bonus expires before you complete the wagering requirement, the bonus funds and any winnings derived from them are forfeited. Your original deposit is generally retained, though specific terms vary between operators.
Gavin has spent over a decade writing about online casinos across every major operator and market. He has hundreds of published articles about online casinos, games like slots, blackjack, and roulette, and has played at all the top sites across the world.