What Are Wagering Requirements? (Casino Bonus Explained)
Introduction
If you’ve ever claimed a casino bonus and then wondered why you couldn’t withdraw your winnings, the answer is almost always the same: wagering requirements.
Wagering requirements are the most important — and most misunderstood — casino bonus rule. Many players accept bonuses without realizing they may need to wager thousands of dollars before a withdrawal is allowed.
This article explains what wagering requirements are, why casinos use them, and how they affect your bonus play.
👉 For a complete overview of all casino bonus rules, see our full guide here:
What Does “Wagering Requirements” Mean?
In simple terms:
A wagering requirement tells you how many times you must bet a bonus amount (or bonus + deposit) before you can withdraw any winnings.
It is usually written as a multiplier, such as:
-
20x
-
30x
-
40x
For a more specific example of how bonus terms work in practice, read our guide on what does 30x wagering mean and see how a common playthrough requirement is calculated. For a more specific example, read our guide on what does 20x wagering mean in casino and see how this common playthrough requirement works in practice.
Simple Example
-
Bonus received: $100
-
Wagering requirement: 30x
→ You must place $3,000 worth of bets before withdrawing.
Until that amount is wagered:
-
Your balance is restricted
-
Withdrawals are blocked
-
In many cases, your deposit is also locked
Why Do Casinos Have Wagering Requirements?
Casinos use wagering requirements to:
-
Prevent instant withdrawals
-
Protect against bonus abuse
-
Ensure the bonus is actually played
Without wagering:
-
Players could deposit, claim a bonus, and withdraw immediately
-
Bonuses would be unprofitable for casinos
Wagering requirements are the trade-off for receiving bonus funds.
Bonus-Only vs Bonus + Deposit Wagering
Not all wagering requirements are calculated the same way. If you want a practical walkthrough of the full withdrawal process, including wagering, verification, and max cashout rules, read our how to withdraw bonus winnings guide.
Bonus-Only Wagering
You only wager the bonus amount.
Example:
-
Deposit: $100
-
Bonus: $100
-
Wagering: 30x bonus
→ Total wagering = $3,000
This is the more player-friendly option.
Bonus + Deposit Wagering
You wager both your deposit and the bonus.
Example:
-
Deposit: $100
-
Bonus: $100
-
Wagering: 30x (bonus + deposit)
→ Total wagering = $6,000
This dramatically reduces your chances of clearing the bonus. For real examples of how these terms vary between operators, see our casino with bingo comparison, where we break down bonuses, minimum deposits, and wagering in one place.
How Wagering Requirements Affect Withdrawals
You cannot withdraw:
-
Bonus money
-
Bonus-related winnings
until wagering is fully completed.
If you try to withdraw early:
-
The bonus is usually canceled
-
Any winnings from bonus play may be removed
Are All Bets Counted Toward Wagering?
No. This is a critical detail many players miss.
Casinos apply game contribution rules, meaning:
-
Some games count 100%
-
Others count partially
-
Some don’t count at all
Typical contributions:
-
Slots: 100%
-
Roulette: 0–20%
-
Blackjack: 0–10%
Is Wagering the Same as Playthrough?
Yes.
“Wagering requirement” and “playthrough requirement” mean the same thing.
Casinos may use:
-
Wagering
-
Playthrough
-
Rollover
They all describe the same rule.
How High Are Typical Wagering Requirements?
Most online casinos offer wagering in these ranges:
-
10x–20x → Rare, very good
-
25x–35x → Average
-
40x–50x → High, risky
-
50x+ → Usually not worth it
If you want a more specific example, read our guide on what does 40x wagering mean to see how a common casino bonus requirement works in practice.
Common Misunderstandings About Wagering Requirements
“If I win, I can withdraw anytime”
False. Wagering must be completed first.
“All games count the same”
False. Game contribution rules apply.
Not always. Deposits are often locked during wagering.
If you want to see how these rollover rules apply to real offers, check our no deposit bonus Germany casino guide, where we compare free spins, bonus codes, max cashout limits, and wagering terms for German players.
Should You Accept Bonuses With Wagering Requirements?
Accept a bonus if:
✔️ You understand the wagering
✔️ You play eligible games (usually slots)
✔️ The wagering is reasonable
Avoid bonuses if:
❌ You prefer table games
❌ You want fast withdrawals
❌ The wagering is extremely high
If you want to move from the basic definition to a real strategy, read our guide on how to beat wagering requirements legally and avoid the terms that make a bonus much harder to clear.
Final Thoughts
Wagering requirements aren’t tricks — but they are strict rules.
If you understand them, bonuses can add value to your play.
If you ignore them, they often lead to frustration.
Responsible gambling means playing for entertainment, setting limits, and knowing when to stop to avoid harm.
If gambling stops being fun, seek help and learn more at https://www.begambleaware.org