Wagering requirements are the part of casino bonuses that most players skip over — until it’s too late. But if you’ve ever tried to cash out a win and got hit with a wall of fine print, you already know how important they are. This guide is here to break it down like a smart friend would: no hype, no jargon, just the stuff you actually need to know.
TL;DR – Wagering Requirements in One Sentence
Wagering requirements are how many times you have to bet your bonus (or sometimes your deposit too) before you’re allowed to withdraw anything. Lower is better.
So What Are Wagering Requirements?
You know that “free” bonus money casinos throw around? Yeah, it’s not free. Wagering requirements are the strings attached.
When you accept a bonus, you’re agreeing to play through it a set number of times before you can take any winnings out. That number is usually written like x35 or 35x — and it matters a lot.
A Real Example:
- You deposit €100 and get a 100% bonus (another €100)
- The wagering is 35x the bonus amount
- That means you need to bet €100 × 35 = €3,500 before you can withdraw anything
Now compare that to a bonus with 10x wagering. You’d only need to play through €1,000. Big difference.
Not All Wagering Requirements Are the Same
Here’s where it gets messy — casinos don’t always apply wagering in the same way. Here’s what to look out for:
- Bonus only: You just have to wager the bonus. This is the most common.
- Deposit + bonus: You have to wager the total of your deposit and bonus. This one’s sneakier and often twice as hard.
- Free spin winnings: Even those “free” spins usually come with strings. Always check if they come with playthrough requirements.
- Cashback: Sometimes wager-free, sometimes not. Depends on the casino.
If the terms aren’t clear or easy to find, it’s usually not a good sign.
Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonuses (and Why It Matters)
Wagering plays out differently depending on whether the bonus is sticky or non-sticky. If you don’t know the difference, here’s the quick version:
- Sticky bonus: You can win with it, but you can’t withdraw it. Once you cash out, the bonus disappears.
- Non-sticky bonus: You play with your own money first. If you win before touching the bonus, you can cash out — no strings.
Still confused? We’ve got a full Sticky vs Non-Sticky Bonus Guide that breaks it down with examples.
What’s a “Good” Wagering Requirement?
Here’s a quick cheat sheet:
- 0x – Perfect. What you win is yours.
- 1x–10x – Very fair. You’ve actually got a shot.
- 11x–30x – Doable, but you’ll need a bit of luck.
- 31x–50x – High. Only worth it if the other terms are solid.
- Over 50x – Unless you just like spinning for fun, skip it.
Red Flags to Watch For
Casinos don’t always make it easy to spot the traps. Here are a few things that should make you hit pause:
- Wagering on deposit + bonus — You’re working twice as hard to cash out.
- Max cashout limits — Like “you can only withdraw 3x your bonus.” That’s a cap on your winnings.
- Game restrictions — Not all games count toward wagering. Often, the ones you want to play are excluded.
- Max bet rules — Usually €2–€5 per spin. Go over, and you might void the bonus.
If the bonus terms read like a trap? Trust your gut and move on.
Final Tip: Don’t Let Wagering Ruin the Fun
Bonuses should make the game more fun — not more frustrating. If you’re stuck grinding €3,000 worth of spins for a chance to win €50, that’s not a bonus, that’s a chore.
That’s why we built ZeroWagerBonus.com — to highlight casinos that offer no wagering or player-friendly terms that won’t waste your time.
Want to skip the fine print? Check out our No Wagering Casino list. We’ve tested everything so you don’t have to.
FAQ – Wagering Requirements
What are wagering requirements?
They’re the number of times you need to bet your bonus (or deposit + bonus) before you can withdraw anything.
What’s a fair wagering requirement?
Under 20x is decent. Under 10x is great. Zero is even better.
Are there any no-wager bonuses?
Yes — and we’ve listed them. They’re rare, but they’re out there.
How do I know if a bonus is sticky or not?
If your real money is used first and you can cash out before touching the bonus, it’s non-sticky. If not, it’s sticky.
Why do casinos even use wagering requirements?
To stop bonus abuse. Otherwise, people would just grab the money and run.
What happens if I try to withdraw too early?
Usually, the bonus and winnings are voided. That’s why it’s key to understand the rules before you start playing.
Always play with control. Gambling should be fun – not stressful, rushed, or used to fix problems. If you’re feeling pressure, chasing losses, or just not enjoying it anymore, it’s okay to take a step back. For free, confidential help, visit BeGambleAware.org.
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