Wagering requirements explained
A wagering requirement is the number of times you must stake a bonus (or its winnings) before that money becomes withdrawable. It's the single most important figure in any bonus offer, and the one most often glossed over in marketing copy.
How it's actually calculated
Multiply the wagering figure by whichever amount it applies to — either the bonus itself, or your winnings from it (check the terms carefully, as this changes the maths significantly). A 30x wagering requirement on a $10 bonus means $300 in total bets before withdrawal; a 30x requirement on $18 of winnings from that bonus means $540. Not every bet counts equally either — see the game weighting section below.
Typical wagering multipliers by offer type
No deposit offers carry the highest multipliers of any bonus type, precisely because the operator is giving something away for nothing — a high wagering figure keeps that cost controlled. It's a trade-off, not a red flag by itself; the number to actually worry about is the maximum cashout cap that usually accompanies it.
Worked example: FS100
- Claim. 100 free spins at $0.10 each on Big Atlantis Frenzy — $10 of stake.
- Finish with winnings. Say your spins finish with $18 in your bonus balance.
- Apply the multiplier. At 40x on winnings, that's $720 in total wagers required before it's withdrawable.
- Withdraw, up to the cap. Once cleared, you can cash out — but only up to the offer's maximum cashout, which is often well below $720.
The wagering figure tells you the effort; the cashout cap tells you the ceiling. Read both together before deciding whether an offer is worth the time — our free spins guide walks through this exact calculation from the spin side.
Not every bet counts the same
| Game type | Typical contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Live dealer | 10–20% |
| Table games (blackjack, roulette) | 0–10% |
| Video poker | 0–10% |
This is called game weighting, and it's why wagering a bonus on the "wrong" game can leave your progress barely moving even after hours of play. Always check the eligible games list in the bonus terms — on a no deposit offer, it's usually just the one slot the spins were credited to.
Frequently asked questions
What happens if I don't clear the wagering requirement in time?
Uncleared bonus winnings are typically removed from your account once the bonus expires. Any funds already converted to real balance are unaffected.
Can I withdraw part of my balance while still wagering?
No — while a bonus is active, your real and bonus balances are usually locked together until wagering is cleared or the bonus is forfeited.
Is a lower wagering requirement always better?
Generally yes, all else equal, but check the cashout cap and bonus size too — a small bonus with low wagering can be worth less overall than a larger one with higher wagering.