What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements or turnover requirements) are conditions attached to casino bonuses that determine how many times you must bet the bonus amount — and sometimes the deposit amount too — before any winnings can be withdrawn. They are the primary mechanism casinos use to prevent players from immediately cashing out bonus funds.
The Two Main Formats
Understanding which formula applies to your bonus is essential for calculating the real amount you need to wager.
Bonus-Only Wagering
The requirement applies only to the bonus amount received. If you receive a £50 bonus with a 30x bonus-only requirement: £50 × 30 = £1,500 total wager required.
Deposit + Bonus Wagering
The requirement applies to both your deposit and the bonus combined. If you deposit £100 and receive a £100 bonus with a 30x deposit+bonus requirement: (£100 + £100) × 30 = £6,000 total wager required — four times more demanding than it appears at first glance.
| Bonus Type | Deposit | Bonus | Multiplier | Total Wager |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bonus-Only 30x | £100 | £100 | 30x | £3,000 |
| Deposit+Bonus 30x | £100 | £100 | 30x | £6,000 |
Game Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Casinos typically assign contribution percentages per game category:
- Slots: 100% — every £1 wagered counts as £1 toward the requirement.
- Live Casino / Blackjack: 10–20% — only a fraction of each bet counts.
- Roulette: 20–50% — varies widely between platforms.
- Video Poker: 0–20% — often excluded entirely.
- Excluded Games: 0% — some progressive jackpot slots or specific titles may be fully excluded.
This means if you prefer table games, you may need to wager significantly more in real terms to clear a bonus compared to playing slots exclusively.
Maximum Bet Rules During Wagering
Most casinos impose a maximum bet cap while bonus funds are active — commonly £5 per spin or per hand. Exceeding this limit often results in the bonus and any associated winnings being voided, regardless of how much wagering you've already completed. Always confirm the maximum bet limit before starting any bonus-linked play.
Bonus Expiry
Every bonus has an expiry window — typically between 7 and 30 days from the date it's credited. If the wagering requirement isn't completed within this period, the bonus and any winnings from it are removed from your account. Be realistic about whether you can comfortably complete the requirement within the timeframe.
A Practical Checklist Before Claiming a Bonus
- Is the wagering based on bonus only, or deposit + bonus?
- What is the total wager amount in real money terms?
- Which games contribute 100%, and which are restricted?
- What is the maximum bet per spin/hand while the bonus is active?
- How many days do you have to complete the requirement?
- Is there a maximum withdrawal limit on winnings derived from the bonus?
When It's Better to Skip a Bonus
Sometimes the most financially sensible decision is to opt out of a bonus entirely. If a bonus carries a 50x+ requirement with tight game restrictions and a short expiry window, you may be better served depositing without a bonus — giving you full flexibility over your bankroll, including unrestricted withdrawal access at any time.
Many platforms now allow players to opt out of bonuses during the deposit process. This is worth considering if you primarily play table games or prefer full control of your funds.