How casino bonus wagering requirements work — full guide + calculator
What is a bonus wagering requirement (x35), how do you calculate it and how long does it take? We explain wagering terms with examples and link a free calculator.
A casino welcome bonus always looks bigger in the advert than it really is in your wallet. The reason is one number many players miss: the bonus wagering requirement (often written as x35 or 35×). This guide explains, simply and with examples, what a wagering requirement means, how to calculate it, how long it takes, and which hidden terms can make a bonus worthless. At the end you can work it all out with our free wagering calculator.
What is a wagering requirement?
A wagering requirement is a condition that says how many times you must bet the bonus amount before winnings from the bonus can be withdrawn. If the bonus is €100 and the requirement is 35×, you must place bets totalling €100 × 35 = €3,500. Only then does the bonus money become real, withdrawable cash.
It is one of the most important bonus terms, because it determines how much a bonus is really worth. See the full definition in our glossary: wagering requirement.
How to calculate a wagering requirement — formula and examples
The formula is simple:
Amount to wager = bonus amount × wagering multiplier
Example: a €100 bonus at 35×
You get a €100 welcome bonus with a 35× requirement. That means you must place bets totalling €100 × 35 = €3,500 before the bonus can be withdrawn. On a slot with 96% RTP the theoretical loss on that turnover is about €3,500 × 4% = €140. So freeing up a €100 bonus costs, on average, around €140 — the maths is less generous than the advert suggests.
Is only the bonus wagered, or bonus + deposit?
This is a critical detail. Some casinos count wagering on the bonus only (cheaper for you), others on bonus + deposit (more expensive). The same 35× on a €100 bonus means either €3,500 (bonus only) or €100 + €100 = €200 × 35 = €7,000 (bonus + deposit). Always read which model applies.
Game weighting — why blackjack barely moves a bonus
Not every game clears a bonus equally. Slots usually count 100%, while table and live games count much less: roulette and blackjack often only 10–20% or are excluded entirely. That is why the bonus bar barely moves when you play blackjack.
For example: a €100 bet on a slot (100%) contributes €100 toward the requirement; the same €100 on blackjack (10%) contributes only €10. To clear a bonus quickly, choose high-weighting games. Full explanation with a table: game weighting.
How long does wagering take?
Wagering time depends on your average bet and pace. €3,500 of turnover at a €1 average bet is roughly 3,500 spins; a more aggressive €2–3 bet gets you there two to three times faster, but swings are larger too. Get a precise time estimate from our playthrough time calculator, which factors in bet size, pace and game weighting.
The maximum bet rule and other traps
Beyond wagering, other terms can void a bonus:
- Maximum bet rule. Playing with bonus money usually has a max bet (e.g. €5 per spin). Exceeding it can void the bonus and any winnings. See: maximum bet rule.
- Time limit. Wagering usually allows 7–30 days; after that the bonus expires.
- Payment-method limits. Deposits with some e-wallets (Skrill, Neteller) may not qualify for a bonus.
- Maximum cashout. No-deposit bonus winnings often have a withdrawal cap.
All of these are in the bonus terms — read them before depositing.
No-wagering bonuses — are they better?
No-wagering bonuses let you withdraw winnings immediately with no turnover requirement. They are more transparent and usually more valuable, though the amounts are smaller. When comparing two offers, don't just compare bonus size — factor in the wagering requirement, game weighting and time limit, because they determine a bonus's real value more than the headline number.
Work out your own wagering
Don't trust the advert — calculate it yourself. Our free tools give an answer in seconds:
- Wagering calculator — enter the bonus and multiplier to see the total you must wager.
- Playthrough time calculator — estimate how long it takes at your bet size.
Looking for player-friendly offers? See the best welcome bonuses.
Types of wagering: sticky vs non-sticky bonus
With a sticky bonus you cannot withdraw the bonus money itself — winnings from wagering are paid out, but the bonus part disappears. With a non-sticky bonus you play your own money first and the bonus only activates once your cash is gone. A non-sticky bonus is often better for the player, because you lose less if you decide to stop early. See also no-deposit bonuses, whose wagering is usually higher but the money risk lower.
Common wagering mistakes
The most frequent mistakes that void a bonus: exceeding the maximum bet, playing excluded games with bonus money, requesting a withdrawal before meeting the requirement, and forgetting the time limit. Before you start, do three things: read the bonus terms, check the game weighting, and use the calculator to see whether the offer is even worth accepting.
Frequently asked questions
What does x35 or 40× mean? It is the wagering multiplier — how many times the bonus amount must be wagered. x35 means a €100 bonus requires €3,500 in bets.
Are the bonus and deposit counted separately? It depends on the casino: some count the bonus only, some bonus + deposit. The latter is more expensive.
Which game contributes most toward wagering? Usually slots (~100%). Table and live games count less.
What is the maximum bet rule and why does it void a bonus? It caps how large a bet you may place with bonus money; breaching it can void the bonus and winnings.
Is a no-wagering bonus a better choice? Often yes — winnings are instantly withdrawable, though amounts are smaller. Always compare real value, not just bonus size.