Wagering Requirement

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What Is a Wagering Requirement?

A wagering requirement is a rule that applies to casino bonuses. It tells players how many times they must bet the bonus money before they can withdraw any winnings. This prevents players from taking the bonus and cashing it out immediately.

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For example, if a player gets a $50 bonus with a bonus wagering requirement of 20x, they must bet $1,000 ($50 x 20) before they can withdraw their winnings. This rule, also called a bonus rollover, helps casinos cover their costs while giving players a chance to turn bonus money into real cash.

What is Wagering Requirement?

Fast Facts for Players

  • Wagering requirements tell players how many times they must bet bonus money before they can withdraw winnings.
  • Bonuses have different rules – some have no wagering requirements, while others require up to 40x playthrough before cashing out.
  • Games contribute differently – slots usually count 100%, but table games count less or sometimes not at all.
  • Sports betting wagering requirements require bets on specific events with minimum odds.
  • To clear wagering requirements fast, choose low-wagering bonuses, read the terms, and use a wagering requirements calculator to track progress.

Wagering Requirements 101: How They Work

Wagering requirements tell players how many times they must bet their bonus money before they can withdraw any winnings. A multiplier, such as 10x or 30x, shows how much needs to be wagered.

For example, if a player gets a $100 bonus with a 30x multiplier, they must bet $3,000 ($100 x 30) before they can withdraw their winnings.

How wagering requirements apply to different bonuses:

  • Deposit match bonuses: Players must bet the bonus (and sometimes the deposit) a set number of times before withdrawing.
  • Free spins: Winnings from free spins often have playthrough requirements, meaning players must place more bets before they can cash out.
  • Free bets: In sports betting, players may need to place extra bets before they can withdraw winnings.

How winnings are locked until requirements are met:

  • Bonus winnings remain in a pending balance until players complete the bonus rollover
  • Some casinos allow players to withdraw part of their winnings after meeting part of the requirement
  • Others require players to complete the full playthrough before allowing any withdrawal

Watch Out for Hidden Rules

Before meeting bonus withdrawal conditions, players should check for hidden rules that might make it harder to withdraw winnings:

Restricted games
Not all games count the same toward wagering. Slots usually count 100%, but table games might only count 10%–50% or even 0%.
Time limits
Most casinos give players a set time to clear casino bonuses, usually between 7 and 30 days. If the deadline is missed, the bonus and winnings may be lost.
Maximum bet limits
Casinos set a limit on how much can be wagered per bet, stopping players from completing the requirement too fast.

Types of Wagering Requirements

What are Types of Wagering Requirements?

It’s important to understand high wagering vs. low wagering bonuses before choosing a casino promotion:

  • No wagering bonuses: Players can withdraw winnings right away without extra betting. These bonuses are rare and usually offer smaller rewards.
  • Low wagering bonuses: These have a playthrough requirement of 1x–10x, making it easier to withdraw winnings. Many players look for the best low-wagering casino bonuses to get better value.
  • High wagering bonuses: These require players to bet 30x or more before they can cash out. While they offer bigger bonuses, they are harder to complete.

How to Calculate Wagering Requirements

A wagering requirements calculator helps players figure out how much they need to bet before they can withdraw their winnings.

The basic formula is:

(Bonus Amount) × (Wagering Requirement) = Total Bet Needed

Some casinos also include the deposit in the requirement, which increases the total amount that must be wagered. Knowing the bonus rollover rules is important before accepting any bonus:

(Bonus Amount+Deposit)×Wagering Requirement=Total Bet Needed

Example calculations:

Bonus amount Wagering requirement Total bet needed
$50 30x $1,500 ($50 x 30)
$100 (deposit included) 30x $3,000 ($100 + $100) x 30)

Always check if the casino applies wagering to just the bonus or both the deposit and bonus.

Online Casino Free Wagers & Cash Bonus

Cash bonuses usually have higher playthrough requirements because they can be used on different games.

However, not all bonuses work the same way:

  • Sticky bonuses cannot be withdrawn and disappear after the wagering requirement is met
  • Non-sticky bonuses allow players to withdraw both the bonus and winnings after meeting the requirement

To clear wagering requirements fast, players should choose games that count 100% toward wagering, like slots. Always check the terms before playing.

Wagering Requirements for Free Spins: Online Casino Free Spins

Many casinos apply wagering requirements for free spins, which means players must bet their winnings multiple times before they can withdraw:

  • Standard free spins: Usually come with a low wagering casino bonus requirement, such as 10x on winnings.
  • No-wagering free spins: Winnings can be withdrawn immediately without extra betting, making them the best option for players.

Before claiming free spins, check if they are limited to certain games and whether they have an expiration date.

Sports Betting Wagering Requirements

Sports betting wagering requirements are different from wagering requirements for casino bonuses. Instead of betting a set amount on casino games, players must place wagers on specific sports events, often with minimum odds.

For example, a sportsbook might offer a promotion like “Bet $10, Get $30”, but with a 5x playthrough requirement.

This means:

  • The player must bet $30 x 5 = $150 before withdrawing any winnings.
  • Only bets placed on events with odds of -200 (1.50) or higher will count.
  • Some sportsbooks exclude certain types of bets, such as system bets or cash-out bets.

Unlike casino bonuses, where different games contribute different amounts, sportsbook bonuses usually require betting the full amount on selected sports markets.

Understanding sports betting wagering requirements helps players make the most of their bonuses and avoid withdrawal issues.

How to Beat Wagering Requirements

If you want to learn how to clear wagering requirements fast and increase your chances of withdrawing winnings, follow these tips:

  • Read the terms & conditions carefully to understand the rules before accepting a bonus.
  • Choose casinos with low or no wagering requirements – the best low-wagering casino bonuses are easier to complete.
  • Play slots, as they usually count 100% toward wagering, while table games often count less.
  • Use casino bonus wagering tips, such as choosing games with a high return-to-player (RTP), to improve your chances.
  • Use a wagering requirements calculator to figure out how much more you need to wager.

Are Wagering Requirements Fair? Pros & Cons

Wagering requirements help casinos control bonuses, but are they fair? Here are the main pros and cons:

Pros

  • Without wagering, players could claim bonuses and withdraw without playing, so casinos would then stop giving out bonuses
  • Even with high requirements, players get extra funds to enjoy more games
  • Some casinos have simpler conditions for faster withdrawals

Cons

  • High wagering requirements make it difficult to turn bonus money into real cash
  • Some games count less or not at all toward meeting the requirement
  • Players must meet the conditions before the deadline or lose the bonus

Choosing low wagering bonuses helps players enjoy fairer promotions with better chances of withdrawing winnings.

The Bottom Line

Knowing what is a wagering requirement helps players choose the right casino bonuses. Bonuses with low wagering are easier to cash out, while high wagering requirements take more time and bets to complete.

Always check the rules, pick fair offers, and use smart strategies to improve your chances of withdrawing winnings.

FAQs

What is a wagering requirement?

What is an example of a wagering requirement?

What does a 40x wagering requirement mean?

What does a 20x wagering requirement mean?

What happens if you don’t meet wagering requirements?

Are there bonuses without wagering requirements?

Can I cancel my wagering requirements?

How do I calculate wagering requirements?

What happens if I don’t meet the wagering requirements in time?

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Maria Webb
Technology Journalist
Maria Webb
Technology Journalist

Maria is Techopedia’s tech and iGaming writer with over five years of experience, specializing in data-driven and informational content that makes complex topics accessible and engaging. Her work has been featured on Eurostat, where she translated complex statistical data into compelling narratives for the statistical office of the European Union. Her background also includes journalism for Newsbook.com.mt, covering a range of topics from local events to international tech trends. Maria holds a Master of Science in Strategic Management and Digital Marketing and a Bachelor of Arts Honours in English from the University of Malta.