Casino Bonus Wagering Requirements Explained, With Worked Examples
A bonus is only as good as its terms. Here is how to calculate what a wagering requirement really costs.
Table of contents
Quick answer
A wagering requirement is the amount you must bet before bonus money can be withdrawn. A 100 bonus with 35x wagering means betting 3,500. On a 96% RTP slot the expected cost of that wagering is about 140 — more than the bonus itself. Game weighting, maximum-bet rules and time limits make it harder still.
The arithmetic
Source: Worked example: 100 bonus, 35x on bonus, 96% RTP slot.
If wagering applies to deposit + bonus, a 100 deposit and 100 bonus at 35x means betting 7,000 — an expected cost of about 280.
Terms to check
- Wagering on bonus only, or deposit + bonus?
- Game weighting.
- Maximum bet while wagering.
- Time limit.
- Maximum withdrawal from bonus winnings.
Our view
Lower wagering and clear terms beat a bigger headline number. We score bonus fairness in every casino review.
Frequently asked questions
What does 35x wagering mean?
You must stake 35 times the bonus (or bonus + deposit, depending on the terms) before withdrawing.
What is game weighting?
The share of each bet that counts toward wagering. Table games often count less than slots.
Sources & references
- UK Gambling Commission — fair terms guidance www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
- BeGambleAware www.begambleaware.org
- National Council on Problem Gambling www.ncpgambling.org
We check every figure against the source listed. Spotted an error? Request a correction.
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