A Complete Breakdown of Wagering Requirements
Last update: 26 Aug 2025, 10:04
Understanding how wagering requirements work can significantly impact your online casino experience. They’re the bridge between your bonus and your real money withdrawal, a crucial set of rules every new player must navigate. If you’ve ever wondered why you couldn’t instantly withdraw your bonus winnings, this guide will explain everything.
In this blog, we break down what wagering requirements are, how they apply to different types of bonuses, and how you can turn that bonus money into actual cash. Whether you’re chasing free spins or a deposit bonus, knowing how to meet the wagering requirements is essential.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wager requirement (also called a playthrough requirement) is the number of times you must bet your bonus before you can withdraw any associated winnings. Think of it as a way the casino protects itself from players who want to claim a bonus and cash out immediately.
So, if you get a €100 bonus with a 20x wagering requirement, you must place bets totalling €2,000 (100 x 20) before you can withdraw. That’s how wagering requirements work: they attach strings to your bonus.
Importantly, not all bonus terms are equal. Some offers require you to wager only the bonus amount, while others require you to bet both the bonus and deposit. This distinction is crucial, as it significantly affects how fast you can withdraw.
Why Do Casinos Use Wagering Requirements?
From a casino’s point of view, it’s about minimising bonus abuse. If players could claim bonuses and withdraw instantly, online casino operators would lose millions. So, they add wagering conditions as a buffer.
These rules also help regulate casino bonus wagering, ensuring fairness and sustainability. For players, it means more playtime but also more hoops to jump through before accessing your real money.
Still, not all wagering requirements are punishing. Some casino sites offer low wagering requirements or even bonuses that do not require wagering. These are rare and highly sought after.
How Do Wagering Requirements Work?
Let’s use a practical example:
- You claim a deposit match bonus of €50.
- The offer has a 10x wagering requirement on the bonus amount.
- You would need to bet €500 before you can withdraw the bonus and any winnings.
However, not all bets count equally. Here’s how:
- Slots usually contribute 100%.
- Table games like blackjack might contribute only 10%.
- Some games might not count at all, depending on the terms and conditions.
Understanding these rules can help you complete the wagering conditions more quickly and efficiently.
Terms and Conditions: The Fine Print
Always read the terms and conditions. It’s in the small print where online casinos limit your maximum bet, specify game exclusions, and set expiry dates for your bonus funds.
Common clauses include:
- Max bet per round (€5 is typical).
- Some slots may be excluded.
- Bonus expires in 7-30 days.
- Certain bets don’t count toward wagering.
All of these can delay or even ruin your chances of withdrawing the bonus. Skipping the fine print may cause you to lose the bonus and any winnings.
Understanding Different Types of Casino Bonuses and Their Wagering Requirements
Casinos use different types of bonuses, each with its wagering quirks:
Welcome Bonus: Often a deposit and bonus combo for new players. A 100% match bonus up to €200 with a 30x wagering requirement is standard.
Deposit Bonus: Tied to how much you put in. Often includes both bonus spins and cash.
No Deposit Bonus: No deposit amount needed, but very high wager requirements often apply.
Free Spins: Winnings from these usually have to be wagered before withdrawal.
Each of these comes with wagering requirements. You must know what you’re agreeing to before you claim a bonus.
Deposit Bonuses and Playthrough Requirements
A deposit bonus gives you extra funds based on how much you put in. If it’s a €50 bonus with a 20x playthrough requirement, you’ll need to wager €1,000.
Sometimes, the playthrough applies to the bonus and deposit, so you might have to wager the bonus money and your initial funds. Always check the bonus terms before you start playing casino games.
Bonus Wagering Requirements Explained
Here’s how to calculate them:
- Bonus amount x wagering multiplier = total wagering requirement
- A €100 bonus with a 20x wagering requirement = €2,000 in total bets
- If the wager applies to the bonus and deposit, double the total
This is why higher wagering makes it harder to complete the wagering. Choosing bonuses with lower wagering makes more sense for casual players.
Strategies for Managing Wagering Requirements
To beat the wagering requirements, you need a strategy:
- Choose games with 100% contribution (like most slots)
- Avoid table games unless they count fully
- Never break the maximum bonus bet rule
- Always check expiry dates
It also helps to track your progress. If the casino shows how much you have left to wager, use it. Some casinos even offer a progress bar.
Lastly, understand when to stop. Sometimes it’s not worth pushing if you’re running out of funds or time. Don’t need to bet the bonus out of obligation. Play smart.
Wagering Requirements at Online Casinos: What to Look For?
Not all online casino wagering terms are the same. Here’s how to spot the best ones:
- 1x wagering requirement: Rare, but best-case scenario
- 10x wagering requirement: Reasonable
- 30x or higher: Be cautious
Also, look for:
- Fast withdrawals after meeting the wagering requirements
- Clear and fair bonus terms
- Reputable casino brands
Compare offers before you get a bonus. One casino bonus might look generous, but it could hide a 50x wagering requirement in the fine print.
That’s why smart players value transparency over huge numbers.
Conclusion
Understanding wagering requirements is critical for anyone looking to win and withdraw from an online casino. From deposit bonuses to bonus spins, every offer has its own rules. Knowing how bonus wagering requirements work can help you avoid common traps.
Before you wager your bonus, read the terms and conditions, choose games wisely, and calculate your total bonus and deposit obligation. Stick to casino offers that suit your playstyle and avoid those with overly strict rollover requirements.
If you want to withdraw any bonus money, you must complete the wagering requirements; there are no shortcuts. And when you’re lucky enough to beat the wagering requirements, enjoy the feeling of converting virtual perks into real money.
Now that you understand how casino wagering requirements work, you can make more informed choices and play with greater confidence. That’s how you stay ahead in the game.
