What is a casino wagering requirement?
Casino bonuses often seem like free money, but they come with strings attached—the most important being wagering requirements. These conditions determine how many times you must bet before you can withdraw your winnings. If you’ve ever wondered “What is a wagering requirement?”, “How does it affect my bonus?”, or “Are there casinos without wagering?”, this guide will break it all down with clear examples and expert insights.
By the end of this article, you'll know how wagering requirements work, which games contribute the most, and how to spot the best casino bonuses—ensuring you never get caught by unfair terms again.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
If you've ever claimed an online casino bonus, you’ve likely encountered the term wagering requirement. While casino promotions may look like free money at first glance, they come with conditions that determine when and how you can withdraw your winnings.
A wagering requirement (also known as a playthrough requirement) is a multiplier applied to a casino bonus. It tells you how many times you need to wager the bonus (or sometimes the deposit and bonus combined) before you can cash out.
For example:
- A £100 bonus with a 10x wagering requirement means you must bet £1,000 (£100 × 10) before withdrawing.
- A £50 bonus with a 20x requirement means wagering £1,000 total before cashing out.
These requirements are not just random rules—they serve a specific purpose in protecting online casinos from abuse and ensuring compliance with anti-money laundering regulations.
Why Do Casinos Use Wagering Requirements?
There are two main reasons why wagering requirements exist:
1. Preventing Bonus Abuse
Without wagering requirements, players could claim a bonus and withdraw it immediately without ever playing. This would bankrupt casinos and eliminate any incentive for them to offer promotions.
2. Ensuring Legal Compliance
Casinos must follow strict financial regulations, particularly anti-money laundering (AML) laws. If players could deposit, claim a bonus, and cash out instantly, it would open the door to illegal financial activities.
Example:
- In the UK, the Gambling Commission requires casinos to verify player identities and track betting activity to prevent fraud and illegal cash withdrawals.
How Wagering Requirements Work
To understand how wagering requirements impact your bankroll, let’s break down a few scenarios:
Example 1: Bonus-Only Wagering Requirement
💰 You receive a £100 bonus with a 10x wagering requirement.
✅ You must wager £1,000 (£100 × 10) before withdrawing.
Pros:
✔ You don’t have to wager your own deposited money.
Cons:
✖ You might lose the bonus before reaching the target.
Example 2: Deposit + Bonus Wagering Requirement
💰 You deposit £100 and receive a 100% bonus (£100).
🔄 The wagering requirement is 20x on deposit + bonus.
✅ You must wager £4,000 (£200 × 20) before withdrawing.
Pros:
✔ A bigger bankroll to play with.
Cons:
✖ Harder to complete the wagering requirement.
Example 3: Free Spins Wagering Requirement
🎰 A casino gives you 50 free spins with 30x wagering on winnings.
✅ You win £20 from the free spins.
🔄 You must wager £600 (£20 × 30) before withdrawing.
Casino Games & Wagering Contribution
Not all casino games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Here's a typical breakdown:
|
Game Type
|
Contribution to Wagering
|
|---|---|
|
Slots |
✅ 100%
|
|
Roulette |
⚠ 10-25%
|
|
Blackjack |
❌ 0-10%
|
|
Poker |
❌ 0%
|
Why do table games contribute less?
Because they have higher RTP (Return to Player) rates, meaning skilled players could clear wagering requirements too easily.
Example:
- If you bet £1,000 on slots (100% contribution), it fully counts toward wagering.
- If you bet £1,000 on blackjack (10% contribution), only £100 counts.
How to Choose the Best Casino Bonus
Not all bonuses are worth claiming. Here’s how to evaluate whether a bonus is fair:
- Check the Wagering Multiplier : Lower is better. A 5x requirement is much better than 50x.
- See If Wagering Applies to Deposit + Bonus : A bonus-only wagering requirement is much easier to clear.
- Look for Wager-Free Bonuses : Some casinos offer wager-free spins or no-wager deposit bonuses, meaning you can withdraw winnings instantly.
Example Casinos with Low Wagering Requirements:
Common Wagering Requirement Traps
Before claiming a bonus, watch out for these hidden conditions:
❌ Maximum Bet Limits:
Some casinos limit your maximum bet size while clearing wagering.
❌ Game Restrictions:
Some bonuses exclude jackpot slots or live dealer games.
❌ Expiration Dates:
Most bonuses expire within 7-30 days, so check the timeframe.
Final Verdict: Are Casino Bonuses Worth It?
✅ When Wagering Requirements Are Low
If a bonus has a low multiplier (5x-20x) and applies only to the bonus, it’s worth considering.
❌ When Wagering Is Too High
If you see a 50x+ wagering requirement, you’re unlikely to profit unless you get lucky.
💡 Pro Tip: Read the Terms & Conditions
The best casinos clearly state their requirements. Avoid sites with hidden terms that make it nearly impossible to withdraw.
FAQs About Wagering Requirements
🔹 What is a wagering requirement?
A condition that requires players to wager their bonus a certain number of times before withdrawing.
🔹 Can I find casinos without wagering requirements?
Yes! Some casinos like MrQ offer wager-free bonuses.
🔹 Do all games count towards wagering requirements?
No. Slots usually count 100%, but table games contribute much less.
🔹 What happens if I try to withdraw before meeting the requirement?
Your bonus winnings will be voided, and you may lose the bonus entirely.
Final Thoughts
Understanding wagering requirements helps you make smarter decisions when claiming casino bonuses. By reading the fine print, choosing low-wagering casinos, and avoiding hidden restrictions, you can maximize your chances of profiting from casino promotions.
📌 Key Takeaways:
- A lower wagering multiplier is always better.
- Slots contribute 100%, but table games contribute less.
- Avoid high-wagering traps (50x+ multipliers, game exclusions, max bet limits).
- Look for wager-free bonuses when possible.
Now that you're an expert on wagering requirements, you can claim bonuses with confidence!
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