Ever claimed a casino bonus, won something, and then been told you can’t cash it out? Yeah. That’s probably because of something called a wagering requirement. And if you’ve ever scratched your head wondering what 30x means or why your bonus winnings are locked, you’re not alone.
This guide breaks it all down in plain English – how wagering works, what rollover actually means, and why some players are ditching these bonuses altogether for something cleaner.
What Are Wagering Requirements, Really?
Wagering requirements are the hoops you have to jump through before you can withdraw any winnings from a bonus. Most casinos give you a bonus, but they don’t just let you walk away with the cash. Instead, they ask you to “wager” that bonus a certain number of times first.
Let’s say you get a £10 bonus with 30x wagering. That means you’ll need to bet £300 before the casino lets you cash out anything. Doesn’t matter if you win or lose during that time – you’ve got to play through the full amount.
Some bonuses apply the wagering to the deposit and bonus combined. Others only apply it to the bonus. And sometimes, your free spins winnings are locked behind it too. It’s all in the small print, and it’s where most players get caught out.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The math sounds scary, but it’s actually pretty simple once you get the hang of it.
Let’s say you claim a £20 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement. All that means is you need to wager £20 thirty-five times before you can withdraw any winnings. So:
£20 bonus x 35 = £700 in total bets.
You’d have to spin or play through £700 before that bonus becomes withdrawable. If the wagering applies to both your deposit and bonus, you’ll need to double it. For example:
£20 deposit + £20 bonus = £40 x 35 = £1,400 to wager.
That’s a steep climb just to unlock a bonus. And here’s the catch – there’s no guarantee you’ll win anything during that process. You might burn through your balance before getting close.
This is why so many players are switching to no wagering bonuses. There’s no math, no confusion, and you keep what you win right away.
What Counts Toward Wagering?
Not all games are treated equally when you’re trying to clear a wagering requirement. This is where something called game weighting comes in.
Game weighting is how much each game contributes toward your wagering total. Most of the time, slots count 100 percent. That means if you bet £1 on a slot, the full £1 goes toward meeting the requirement.
But if you play something like blackjack or roulette, you might only get 10 percent or less. So a £1 bet on blackjack might only count as 10p toward your wagering. Some games are even excluded completely.
Here’s a rough idea of how it usually breaks down:
- Slots – almost always count 100 percent.
- Table games – often count 10 to 20 percent.
- Live dealer games – usually excluded or very low.
- Jackpot slots – usually excluded entirely.
This is why most people stick to regular slots when trying to meet wagering terms. It’s faster, and your bets count fully.
Are Wagering Requirements a Scam?
Not quite. But they’re definitely not your friend.
Casinos include wagering requirements in the small print, so technically they’re not hiding anything. The problem is most players don’t read that fine print. And even if they do, the true impact of 30x or 40x rollover isn’t always obvious.
It’s not a scam, but it’s designed to make it hard for you to walk away with real money.
You might think you’re getting a free £50, but by the time you’ve wagered through hundreds, or even thousands, of pounds, your balance is long gone. Add in game restrictions, time limits, and max cashout rules, and it becomes clear these bonuses are stacked in the house’s favour.
That’s why no wagering casinos are becoming so popular. They flip the script. You get a bonus, and if you win, you can cash out. It keeps things simple, and that’s the way it should be.
No Wagering Bonuses – The Alternative That’s Catching On
Tired of jumping through hoops? You’re not alone. That’s why more players are ditching traditional offers and going straight for no wagering free spins.
With these, there’s no rollover to worry about. If you claim 50 free spins and win £18, that £18 is yours. You can withdraw it or keep playing. The casino doesn’t lock your money behind a wall of terms.
There are different types too. Some give you free spins with no strings. Others offer cashback as real cash, or a deposit match you can cash out from the start. The best part? You know exactly where you stand.
Bonuses are meant to be fun, but gambling can easily spiral if you’re not careful. Always set limits, take breaks, and never chase losses. If things feel out of control, you can self-exclude or take a cooling-off period through tools like GamStop. For confidential support, visit BeGambleAware.org or call 0808 8020 133.
FAQs – Wagering Requirements, Simplified
Q. What does 40x wagering mean?
It means you need to bet your bonus forty times before you can cash out. If you get a £10 bonus, you’d need to wager £400 total.
Q. Can I withdraw bonus winnings?
Only after you meet the wagering requirement, unless you’re playing at a no wagering casino. In that case, yes, your winnings are yours right away.
Q. Do all games count toward wagering?
No. Slots usually count 100 percent, but table games and live dealer games often count less or not at all. This is called game weighting.
Q. Is there a way to beat wagering requirements?
You can try, but it’s tough. Your best shot is to stick to low volatility slots that stretch your bankroll. Even then, it’s a grind. That’s why no wagering offers are a better deal for most players.
Q. Are no wagering casinos safe?
Yes, as long as you choose licensed, regulated sites. Look for UKGC or MGA badges, fast payouts, and clear terms.