1 What Is a Wagering Requirement?
A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough requirement) is the number of times you must wager a bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings derived from it. For example, a 30x wagering requirement on a £50 bonus means you must wager £1,500 total.
2 Bonus + Deposit vs Bonus Only
Some casinos apply wagering requirements to the bonus amount only, while others apply them to the combined bonus + deposit amount. The latter is significantly worse value. Always check which calculation method applies — it is a legal requirement for UKGC-licensed casinos to display this clearly.
3 Game Contribution Rates
Not all games contribute equally towards wagering requirements. Slots typically contribute 100%, while table games like blackjack may contribute only 10% or even 0%. Playing blackjack on a bonus could mean it takes 10x longer to meet the requirements — or you may find the bonus forfeited entirely.
4 Time Limits on Bonuses
Most casino bonuses come with a time limit of 7–30 days. If you don't meet the wagering requirement within that window, the bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited. This is another reason why high wagering requirements can be tricky for players who don't play regularly.
5 What Is a Good Wagering Requirement?
As a benchmark: below 25x is excellent, 25–35x is good to average, 35–45x is high, and above 45x is generally poor value for most players. Our casino reviews always highlight the wagering requirement prominently so you can factor it into your decision.