Casino Bonuses Demystified: Wagering Requirements Explained

This guide explains wagering requirements in clear, simple words. You will learn what a wagering requirement is, how it changes your bonus, and how to check if a deal is fair. We use short examples with numbers. You get a checklist and FAQs. We also link to trusted help and regulators. Gambling is for adults only. Offers and rules change by country and license.

Quick Definition: What Is a Wagering Requirement?

A wagering requirement (WR) is how many times you must bet your bonus, or your deposit plus bonus, before you can withdraw money from that bonus. It tells you the “playthrough” or “rollover.”

Fast example: You get a $100 bonus with 35x wagering on the bonus. You must bet $100 × 35 = $3,500 before you can cash out money from that bonus.

Why Casinos Use Wagering Requirements

Casinos use bonuses to attract players. Without WR, some people could take the bonus and cash out at once. WR helps stop that. It also helps block bonus abuse (for example, using many accounts or VPNs). WR is part of risk control and is common across the industry. Good casinos also follow laws and rules set by their regulators. You can read more about fair play and rules on trusted sites like the UK Gambling Commission at gamblingcommission.gov.uk and the Malta Gaming Authority at mga.org.mt.

How Wagering Requirements Actually Work

The core formulas

There are two common bases:

• Bonus-only: Required wagering = Bonus amount × WR multiple.
• Deposit + Bonus: Required wagering = (Deposit + Bonus) × WR multiple.

Bonus-only is lighter. Deposit+Bonus makes WR bigger. Always check which one applies in the terms.

Game contribution percentages

Not all games count the same toward WR. Slots often count 100%. Many table games count 5%–20%. Some games may be excluded. If a game counts 10%, every $10 bet counts as $1 toward the WR. This can make WR much harder. Always read the game list in the bonus terms. For fair advertising rules on gambling, see the UK Advertising Standards Authority: asa.org.uk.

Other key terms that change the math

• Max bet (bet cap): A limit on how big one bet can be while clearing WR (for example, $5 per spin).
• Time limit: You may have 7–30 days to finish WR. If you miss the deadline, the bonus and winnings can be removed.
• Eligible games: Some games are included, some are excluded.
• Max cashout: Some bonuses limit how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings (for example, 5× the bonus).
• Order of funds: In some casinos, real money is used first, then bonus money. In others, the order is different. This changes when WR starts.

Independent testing labs, like eCOGRA, audit games and systems for fairness. If you have a dispute in the UK, you can also check IBAS (an ADR service).

Worked examples

• Example 1 (bonus-only): You deposit $100 and get a $100 bonus. WR is 35× bonus. Required wagering = $100 × 35 = $3,500. If slots count 100%, every $1 bet moves WR down by $1.
• Example 2 (deposit+bonus): You deposit $100 and get a $50 bonus. WR is 30× deposit+bonus. Required wagering = ($100 + $50) × 30 = $4,500. This is much heavier than Example 1, even though the bonus is smaller.
• Example 3 (free spins): You get 50 spins at $0.20. You win $12 from the spins. WR is 25× winnings. Required wagering = $12 × 25 = $300.

Types of Bonuses and How Their WR Differ

Deposit match (cashable vs sticky)

A deposit match gives extra money based on your deposit (for example, 100% up to $100). A cashable (non-sticky) bonus lets you withdraw the bonus after WR. A sticky (non-cashable) bonus helps you play, but you cannot withdraw the actual bonus amount, only the winnings after WR. Sticky can look big, but check the true value and any max cashout.

No-deposit bonuses

No-deposit bonuses give small funds or free spins with no deposit. WR is often high (for example, 35x–60x), and max cashout is often low (for example, $50–$100). Read the terms with care.

Free spins

With free spins, the winnings usually get WR (for example, 20x–40x). Some offers have “no-wager” spins, but they are rare. If they exist, they may have other limits (for example, small max win).

Cashback and insurance

Cashback gives back a percent of losses over a period. Some cashback is “real money” with no WR. Some has WR (for example, 1x–10x). Insurance is similar. Check if it is cashable at once, or if you must play it first.

Fair vs Predatory Terms: How to Spot the Difference

Green flags (good signs)

• Clear, short bonus terms in one page.
• Reasonable WR like 10x–20x on bonus-only for welcome offers.
• Slots count 100%; table games have a clear % list.
• No hidden max cashout on deposit match bonuses.
• Fair bet cap (for example, $5) and a fair time limit (for example, 14–30 days).
• Strong license and clean payment history.

Red flags (warning signs)

• Very high WR (for example, 40x+ on deposit+bonus or 60x+ bonus-only).
• Tricky rules: changing contribution, many excluded games, or very short time (for example, 3–5 days).
• Strict bet cap (for example, $2) or more hidden limits in fine print.
• Max cashout on deposit bonuses (not just no-deposit) or on “no-wager” bonuses.
• Vague terms or terms that change after you opt in.

Licensing and reputation checks

Check the license and player help links:

• UK: UK Gambling Commission
• Malta: Malta Gaming Authority
• ADR (UK disputes): IBAS
• Testing lab: eCOGRA
• US industry info: American Gaming Association

Smart Strategies to Complete Wagering (Responsibly)

Bankroll management and variance

Set a budget you can afford to lose. Do not chase losses. Variance means results can swing up or down in the short term. A lower bet size can reduce risk spikes and help you play longer to clear WR. Stop if it is no longer fun.

Picking games for contribution and RTP

Games with 100% contribution help clear WR faster. Higher RTP (return to player) often means a lower expected loss over many bets. But RTP is long-term. Short-term results are random. Never see RTP as a promise. For tips on safer play, visit BeGambleAware, GamCare, the US NCPG, or Canada’s Responsible Gambling Council.

Quick EV intuition

Think of WR as “how much you must bet.” If you must bet $3,500 on a slot with 96% RTP, the house edge is about 4%. A simple way to think about expected loss is 4% of $3,500 = $140. If the bonus is $100, the net EV could be around -$40. This is only a rough guide. Variance can change results a lot. Use it to compare offers, not to predict exact outcomes.

When to skip a bonus

• Very high WR or deposit+bonus WR when the bonus is small.
• Low max bet and short time limit together.
• Low contribution on the games you want to play.
• Max cashout on a deposit bonus.
• Terms feel unclear or unfair.

If gambling feels hard to control, pause and seek help from Gamblers Anonymous or the services linked above.

How to Compare Casino Bonuses Like a Pro

Use this quick checklist before you opt in:

1. Is WR on bonus-only or on deposit+bonus?
2. What is the WR multiple (for example, 10x, 20x, 35x)?
3. Which games count, and by how much (% contribution)?
4. What is the max bet while clearing WR?
5. What is the time limit?
6. Is there a max cashout? On which bonuses?
7. In what order does the casino use real and bonus funds?
8. Are any games excluded or capped?

If you want side-by-side checks with clear, verified notes, you can visit https://casino-norge.net/. There you can compare WR bases, game contribution rules, and any max cashout limits in one place before you opt in.

FAQs About Wagering Requirements

Is 35x wagering good or bad?

It depends. 35x on bonus-only is common and can be okay. 35x on deposit+bonus is much heavier. Always check the base.

What is the difference between wagering on bonus-only vs deposit+bonus?

Bonus-only multiplies just the bonus amount. Deposit+bonus multiplies both amounts. Deposit+bonus is much harder.

Do free spins winnings always have wagering?

Often yes. Some offers have “no-wager” spins, but they may have small max cashout or other limits. Read the terms.

Can I complete wagering on table games?

Sometimes, but many table games count less (for example, 10%). This makes WR take longer. Some may not count at all.

Why is there a max bet rule?

It limits high-risk bets that can swing the bonus in one or two spins. It helps control bonus abuse and risk.

What happens if I withdraw before I finish WR?

The casino will likely remove the bonus and bonus winnings. You may keep only real-money funds, if allowed by terms.

Are “no-wager” bonuses real?

Yes, some exist. But check for other limits like max win or game caps. If a deal looks too good, read the fine print twice.

Can casinos change terms after I claim?

Good casinos avoid that. If they do, it should not hurt you. If you feel it is unfair, contact support or an ADR like IBAS (UK).

Do progressive jackpots count toward wagering?

Often no. Many casinos exclude jackpot games from WR. Check the excluded games list.

Do VPNs or multiple accounts void bonuses?

Yes. Using a VPN or more than one account can void the bonus and winnings. It can also lead to account closure.

Glossary

• Wagering requirement (WR): How many times you must bet before you can cash out bonus money.
• Playthrough / Rollover: Other words for wagering requirement.
• Contribution: The % of each bet that counts toward WR for a game.
• Bet cap / Max bet: The biggest bet allowed while clearing WR.
• Max cashout: The most you can withdraw from bonus funds or wins.
• Sticky bonus: You cannot withdraw the bonus itself, only the wins (after WR).
• Cashable bonus: You can withdraw the bonus after WR.
• RTP: “Return to player,” long-term % paid back by a game.
• Variance: How swingy the results can be in the short term.

Sources and Further Reading

• UK Gambling Commission
• Malta Gaming Authority
• UK Advertising Standards Authority — Gambling ads guidance
• eCOGRA — Testing and certification
• IBAS — Independent Betting Adjudication Service
• American Gaming Association
• BeGambleAware | GamCare | NCPG (US) | Responsible Gambling Council (CA)
• EU Online Dispute Resolution (ODR)

Conclusion

To judge a casino bonus, first check the WR base (bonus-only or deposit+bonus). Then check the multiple, game contribution, bet cap, time limit, max cashout, and order of funds. Use the checklist and examples above to see the true cost. Compare offers on trusted review sites, read the terms, and play within your limits. If you need help, use the responsible gambling links in this guide.