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Here’s something to chew on: more than 70% of new UK players either don’t know about wagering requirements or misunderstand them. If you ask me, that’s a fast track to wasted deposits. Let’s fix that!
First off, online casinos may be generous and throw away crazy bonuses, but they’re always in the win, remember? It’s all down to the fine print (aka terms and conditions), where you’ll find the wagering requirements. Those sneaky playthrough conditions won’t allow you to withdraw till you meet ‘em.
In this kinda guide, I’ll break down what wagering requirements are (in plain English for newbies), how they actually work, and how to find your way around like a pro. No fluff, just the essentials that will help you start playing smart.
What’s the difference between 20x and 40x? How to spot red-flagged bonuses? How to convert a bonus into withdrawable cash?
Find all the answers below!
What Are Wagering Requirements? (Why Should You Care?)
As a former poker pro turned bonus hunter, I’m here to debunk the truth about bonuses and what’s going on behind the scenes of wagering requirements.
It’s actually simpler than you think. Bonuses at online casinos have the so-called wagering requirements. It’s the number of times you have to wager the bonus amount (and sometimes the deposit amount as well) before you’ll be allowed to withdraw any winnings linked to the bonus. Think of it as the playthrough condition.
Did you really think you were going to take the bonus and run? Nope.
There’s more to it. There are various wagering requirements. Not all games contribute equally. And there can also be time limits on meeting these requirements, or you risk losing both your bonus and winnings.
So, yeah, you should definitely care about the playthrough conditions, way before you claim a bonus. See, high requirements mean you’ll have to wager more funds, and there’s a lower chance of profiting from the bonus. Plus, some casinos apply the playthrough requirement on both the bonus and the deposit. Reading those terms before claiming your bonus doesn’t sound that boring now, right?
How Wagering Requirements Actually Work?
Got it – the rollover requirement is the number of times you have to wager the bonus amount before cashing out. Ok, but how does it actually work?
Let me break down some actual offers to show you how wagering requirements work, sometimes without you even knowing about it.
Say, you claim a 100% Deposit Match Bonus of Up to £250. The terms tell you it’s got a 30x wagering requirement. The math is pretty simple: £250 x 30 = £7,500 to wager.
But you can also claim a bonus of, say, 100% Deposit Match of Up to £100 + 100 Free Spins with a 35x wagering requirement on the deposit bonus (need to wager £3,500) and a 40x wagering requirement of the free spins bonus.
Yep, bonus spins usually have a separate wagering requirement, meaning the number of times you’ll have to wager your winnings from extra spins before cashing out.
These are just a few of the examples. But there are various reload bonuses, free spins, no-deposit bonuses, and many more, each with its own wagering requirement. Seems like worth checking those terms, after all, ain’t it?
Top UK Casinos for Wagering Requirements
The Fine Print You Cannot Skip
Look, the wagering requirement, meaning the exact number of times you have to wager your bonus, is one thing. But there are also terms that come with it. I’ll tell you what to pay attention to.
Not All Games Are Equal (or “Game Contribution”)
If it weren’t enough that you have to wager your bonus to cash out, you’ll also have to play the right games, or it’s all in vain.
Just imagine snagging a crazy bonus, playing and thinking you’re meeting the wagering requirement, doing everything right, and you end up with nothing cuz you’ve been playing the wrong games the whole time.
Here’s a breakdown:
- Slots: They usually contribute 100% towards meeting the wagering requirement.
- Table Games: Blackjack, roulette, often contribute 10-25%.
- Live Casino: It’s typically 0%.
If you check the terms and conditions, you’ll notice that some casinos have lists of specific games that don’t count towards the playthrough condition.
Max Bet Limits (the Hidden Trap)
Did you know that casinos cap the max bet while a bonus is active? It’s usually £5 per spin. Take your chance and exceed this limit, and you’ll lose your bonus and all your winnings.
Time Limits (the Countdown Begins)
Bonuses come with expiration dates, you know. But so do the wagering requirements. So, better check those terms for time limits for meeting the rollover requirement. Most of them have a time limit of 7 days. Fail to meet ‘em within this time frame and lose your bonus, together with your hard-earned winnings.
My Quick Tips for Smashing Through Wagering Requirements
I wouldn’t be giving you advice on something I haven’t done hundreds of times, so here’s a sneak peek into how to navigate the wagering requirements like a pro:
- Hunt for low wagering requirements (everything higher than 30x, max 35x, is way harder to meet, especially for new players).
- Focus on high-return games (it’s usually slots, so prioritize games with RTPS higher than the industry’s average of 96% to help you meet the wagering requirement faster).
- Play low-volatility games (games with frequent, smaller wins keep your bankroll progressing through wagering requirements).
- Play games with 100% contribution (focus on slots).
- Adjust your bets accordingly (start with smaller ones to extend your playtime and increase gradually).
- Always read the fine print (check for anything from game contribution to time limits, max bet, restrictions, and so on for every bonus in part).
Bottom Line: Know the Terms, Beat the Trap
There’s a golden rule you should follow: always read the fine print before claiming anything. Once you choose your bonus, take your time (a few seconds max) to go through the terms and conditions, especially the wagering requirements and any terms related to them.
You can use the info to play it safe, but also to increase your chances of meeting the wagering requirements even faster and walk away with bigger wins. After all, you’ll see from the start whether a bonus is worth your time or not.
Did you know there are also wager-free bonuses? Everything you win is yours. It’s pretty rare, but absolutely worth it (P.S. Playojo Casino got some of those).
Either way, as they say, play smart, not hard.
- Wagering Requirements Explained: What They Are - May 22, 2025