Wagering requirements, explained simply

Almost every casino bonus comes with a wagering requirement: the number of times you have to bet the bonus before you can withdraw it as real money. It's the most important number in any bonus, and it's usually in the small print.

The quick version

If you get a $100 bonus with 35x wagering, you need to place $3,500 in bets ($100 × 35) before you can withdraw the bonus and anything you win with it.

That doesn't mean you lose $3,500. It's the total of all your bets added together, including money you win and bet again.

Bonus only, or bonus + deposit?

Check this part of the terms first. Some casinos apply wagering to the bonus only. Others apply it to your deposit plus the bonus, which doubles the work:

• Deposit $100, get a $100 bonus, 35x on the bonus = $3,500 to bet
• Same deal, 35x on deposit + bonus = $7,000 to bet

Not every game counts the same

Slots usually count 100%. Table games, live dealer games and some low-risk bets often count 10% or less, or not at all. If blackjack counts 10%, a $10 hand only clears $1 of your wagering.

The small print that catches people out

• Time limit: you might only have 7–30 days to finish wagering. Miss it and the bonus is gone.
• Max bet: while a bonus is active there's usually a cap per bet, often around $5. Going over it can cancel your winnings.
• Max cashout: some bonuses cap how much you can win, for example 10x the bonus.
• Withdrawing early: asking for a withdrawal before you finish wagering usually cancels the bonus.
• Excluded games: some games can't be played, or don't count, while a bonus is active.

So, is a bonus worth it?

A rough rule: under 30x is good, 30–40x is normal, 50x and up is hard work. A smaller bonus with fair terms is often worth more than a huge one with heavy wagering. Rakeback and cashback paid with no wagering are the easiest rewards to actually keep.

You can also just say no. If you want to be able to withdraw whenever you like, skip the bonus.

Bonuses exist to keep you playing. Set a budget before you start, and never chase losses to clear wagering. Gambling should be fun, not a way to make money.