How Wagering Requirements Work (With Clear Examples)

Wagering requirements are one of the most important parts of any casino bonus. They determine how many times you must play through bonus funds (or winnings from free spins) before your balance becomes withdrawable. For beginners, wagering rules can be confusing, but understanding them helps you choose the best bonuses and avoid common mistakes. This guide breaks everything down with simple examples and practical tips.

What Are Wagering Requirements?

Wagering requirements tell you how many times you have to “turn over” a bonus before you can withdraw real money.
They exist to prevent players from claiming bonuses and instantly cashing out.
For example:
You receive a €50 bonus with 30x wagering.
You must wager €50 × 30 = €1500 before you can withdraw.
The lower the wagering requirement, the easier the bonus is to complete.

Common Wagering Multipliers (x20, x35, x50)

Different casinos use different wagering levels. The most common ones are:

• x20 — fairly low and beginner-friendly
• x30 — average industry standard
• x35 — common for welcome bonuses
• x40–x50 — high wagering, harder to complete
• 50x+ — usually not worth claiming

Lower wagering means better chances to convert the bonus into real cash.

Wagering on Bonus vs Wagering on Bonus + Deposit

There are two major wagering systems you will encounter:

Wagering on Bonus Only

Example:
Deposit €50 → get €50 bonus with 30x wagering.
You wager only the bonus amount:
€50 × 30 = €1500.
This is the most player-friendly model.

Wagering on Bonus + Deposit

Example:
Deposit €50 → get €50 bonus with 30x wagering.
Wagering applies to both amounts:
€100 × 30 = €3000.
This is twice as hard to complete and should be avoided when possible.

Wagering Requirements for Free Spins

Free spins usually generate bonus money that must be wagered before being withdrawn.
For example:

• 50 free spins
• You win €12
• Wagering requirement is 35x

You must wager:
€12 × 35 = €420.
Some casinos offer wager-free free spins, which means any winnings are paid as real cash — no conditions.

Game Contribution Percentages

Not all games contribute equally toward wagering. Casinos apply different percentages to reduce abuse.
Typical contribution rates:

• Slots — 100%
• Jackpot slots — 0%
• Table games — 5–20%
• Live casino games — 0–10%
• High RTP slots — sometimes excluded

Always check the bonus terms before choosing a game.

Maximum Bet Rule

Most bonuses limit the maximum bet you can place while wagering.
Common limits range from €3 to €5 per spin.
Placing a larger bet may void the bonus, including winnings.

Time Limits for Wagering

Bonuses have expiration periods, such as:

• 24–72 hours for free spins
• 7–30 days for deposit bonuses

If wagering is not completed in time, the bonus and winnings are removed.

The Most Honest Wagering Conditions

These are the fairest and easiest terms for players:

• bonus-only wagering
• wagering of 20x–35x
• high contribution on most slots
• no-capped withdrawals
• wager-free cashback
• wager-free free spins

Modern casinos increasingly use low or zero wagering to attract players with more transparent promotions.

Examples of Real Wagering Calculations

Example 1: Bonus Only Wagering

You receive €40 bonus with 25x wagering:
€40 × 25 = €1000 total wagering.

Example 2: Bonus + Deposit Wagering

You deposit €50 and get a €50 bonus with 35x wagering:
€100 × 35 = €3500 total wagering.

Example 3: Free Spins Wagering

You win €8 from 20 free spins with 40x wagering:
€8 × 40 = €320 total wagering.
These examples show why reading the terms is essential before opting in.

Tips for Completing Wagering More Efficiently

• Choose slots with 96%+ RTP
• Avoid high-volatility games unless you have a large bankroll
• Stick to allowed games only
• Use smaller, consistent bets
• Track your wagering progress

A strategic approach makes completing wagering more realistic.