Wagering requirements are the most misunderstood part of casino bonuses. The definition takes one sentence; the consequences take a little arithmetic.
What is a wagering requirement?
A wagering requirement (also called playthrough or rollover) is the total amount you must bet before bonus money, and sometimes the winnings from it, can be withdrawn. It is written as a multiplier, such as 35x. See the glossary entry for wagering requirement.
How do you calculate it?
Two things change the answer: the multiplier and what it is applied to.
| Offer | Applied to | Calculation | You must wager |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 deposit + $100 bonus, 35x | Deposit + bonus | ($100 + $100) × 35 | $7,000 |
| Same offer, 35x | Bonus only | $100 × 35 | $3,500 |
| Same offer, 10x | Bonus only | $100 × 10 | $1,000 |
The same headline number can mean twice the required betting, depending on whether the terms apply it to the bonus alone or to deposit plus bonus. The terms and conditions state which. The requirement also takes time: at $1 a spin and 600 spins an hour (an illustration; your pace will differ), $7,000 is about 11.7 hours of play, while $1,000 is about 1.7 hours.
What does clearing a bonus cost on average?
Every bet carries the game’s house edge, so betting $7,000 has an expected cost. On a slot with a 96% RTP the edge is 4%: $7,000 × 4% = $280. In this example, the expected cost of clearing the bonus ($280) is higher than the bonus itself ($200). That does not mean every player loses; volatility means many outcomes are possible. It means the bonus is worth less than its face value on average, and sometimes worth nothing. The terms change the answer. For the bonus-only versions above, 35x costs $3,500 × 4% = $140, still above the $100 bonus, while 10x costs $1,000 × 4% = $40, which leaves the bonus worth about $60 on average. See RTP, Volatility and House Edge Explained.
Why does game weighting matter?
Not every bet counts equally. Terms typically assign each game type a contribution percentage. If slots count 100% and blackjack counts 10%, then every $1 bet on blackjack only clears $0.10 of the requirement. Clearing $3,500 through blackjack would take $35,000 of bets. Check the weighting table before choosing what to play. More traps like this are covered in The Hidden Bonus Terms That Trap Players.
Are there limits on wagering requirements?
It depends on the license. According to industry reporting on the UK Gambling Commission rules, wagering requirements on bonuses offered by UKGC-licensed operators have been capped at 10x the bonus since 19 January 2026. Outside that regime, there is no universal cap, and 30x to 50x or higher is not unusual. Check the terms of the specific offer and the regulator named on the site.
What mistakes do players make with wagering requirements?
The most common mistake is assuming the requirement is a net figure. It counts the amount you bet, not your losses, so a $1 spin that loses still adds $1 toward the total. A second mistake is overlooking the maximum bet: a player who raises stakes to finish faster can break the rule and risk the bonus. A third is reading “35x” without checking whether deposit money is included, which as the table shows can double the work.
A checklist before accepting a bonus
- Is the multiplier applied to the bonus only, or to deposit plus bonus? Write down the resulting dollar total.
- Which games count, and at what percentage?
- Is there a maximum bet while the bonus is active?
- How long do you have to finish?
- Is there a maximum amount you can withdraw from the winnings? A low cap can make a large requirement pointless.
- What happens to the bonus if you withdraw before finishing?
Frequently asked questions
Are wagering requirements the same as playthrough?
Yes. Casinos use wagering, playthrough and rollover to mean the same thing.
Do losing bets count toward wagering?
Yes, in most terms. The requirement is measured by the amount you bet, so winning and losing bets both count at the game’s contribution percentage. Confirm this in the offer’s terms.
Does a no-wagering bonus exist?
Some offers advertise no wagering. They usually come with other conditions, such as smaller amounts or a cap on winnings, so read the rest of the terms.
Is a bonus worth taking at all?
Sometimes. Work out the required wagering and expected cost, compare it with the bonus value, and decline if it does not add up. You are always free to play without a bonus.
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