Welcome Bonuses Explained: Wagering Requirements Demystified

When we see a high welcome bonus, it’s tempting to click that sign-up button right away. Bonuses like “100% up to $300” or “free 300 spins” are hard to ignore. But there’s a little string attached to every bonus. It hides under a single line of the terms. It’s the wagering requirement. In this article, we’ll explain how it works and how to identify the best bonuses. We’ll show you some examples so that you know how to evaluate an offer in an eye’s glance. We’ll also point out some common pitfalls that you should avoid.

What are wagering requirements?

Wagering requirements (also called “playthrough” or “rollover”) tell you how much you must bet before you can withdraw bonus money and winnings from that bonus. It is usually a number like 20x, 30x, or 35x. This number is not your profit. It is how many times you must “turn over” a set amount. Why do casinos use this? It stops people from taking a bonus and cashing out right away. It also gives the casino time to earn a house edge on your bets. That is how casino games work. Wagering can apply to many offer types:

Why do casinos use this? It stops people from taking a bonus and cashing out right away. It also gives the casino time to earn a house edge on your bets. That is how casino games work.

Your jurisdiction may have its own rules. For basic rules and protections for customers, you can visit the website of your local authority. Examples include the UK Gambling Commission , Malta Gaming Authority , Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario , New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement , and Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board .

Deposit match bonuses (example: 100% match up to $100)
Free spins (wagering on the spin winnings)
Welcome packages (bonus over several deposits)

Below are typical formats casinos structure wagering in. Be sure which one you have before you get going.

The main types of wagering requirements

Here are the common ways casinos set wagering. Know which one you have before you start.

Bonus-only wagering: The wagering number applies to the bonus amount only. Example: 35x on a $100 bonus = you must bet $3,500 in total.
Deposit + bonus wagering: The number applies to the sum of your deposit plus your bonus. Example: 30x on ($100 + $100) = $6,000 in total bets. This is harder to clear.
Sticky vs. non-sticky bonuses: Sticky (bonus stays): You cannot withdraw the bonus money itself. You can withdraw only the winnings after you meet the wagering. Non-sticky (parachute): Your real money is used first. You can withdraw early if you win before touching the bonus. If you switch to bonus funds, then the wagering rules start. Non-sticky is more flexible.
Sticky (bonus stays): You cannot withdraw the bonus money itself. You can withdraw only the winnings after you meet the wagering.
Non-sticky (parachute): Your real money is used first. You can withdraw early if you win before touching the bonus. If you switch to bonus funds, then the wagering rules start. Non-sticky is more flexible.
Free spins wagering: The wagering number applies to the money you win from the spins. Example: You win $20 from free spins with 20x wagering. You must bet $400 total.
Pooled vs. per-bonus wagering (for welcome packages): Some sites let you clear each part one by one. Others mix them. Read the terms so you do not double-count or miss a step.
Time limits: You may have 7, 14, or 30 days to finish wagering. Short time limits increase pressure and risk.

Sticky (bonus stays): You cannot withdraw the bonus money itself. You can withdraw only the winnings after you meet the wagering.
Non-sticky (parachute): Your real money is used first. You can withdraw early if you win before touching the bonus. If you switch to bonus funds, then the wagering rules start. Non-sticky is more flexible.

How to calculate wagering: simple steps and examples

Use this simple plan:

Find the wagering number (for example, 35x).
Check what the number applies to (bonus-only or deposit + bonus).
Multiply the number by that base amount.
Adjust for game contribution (if your game counts less than 100%).

Example 1: Bonus-only wagering

Offer: 100% up to $100. You deposit $100. You get a $100 bonus. Wagering is 35x on bonus only.

Base = $100 (bonus)
35 × $100 = $3,500 total bets needed

Example 2: Deposit + bonus wagering

Offer: 100% up to $100. You deposit $100. You get a $100 bonus. Wagering is 30x on deposit + bonus.

Base = $100 + $100 = $200
30 × $200 = $6,000 total bets needed

Example 3: Free spins wagering

Offer: 50 free spins. You win $20 from the spins. Wagering is 20x on spin winnings.

Base = $20
20 × $20 = $400 total bets needed

Adjust for game contribution

Most sites have a “contribution table.” It shows how much each game type counts toward your wagering:

Example: Your required bets are $3,500. If your game counts 50%, then you must place $7,000 in real bets to reach $3,500 “counted” for wagering. Always check the game list in the terms.

Game contribution: why your game choice matters

Most sites have a “contribution table.” It shows how much each game type counts toward your wagering:

Slots: often 100%
Blackjack, roulette, video poker: often 10%–20%
Live dealer: often 0%
Jackpot slots: often 0% (or fully blocked)

And these are valuable. Insisting on having them can sour a decent proposal.

RTP (Return to Player): A slot with 96% RTP has a 4% house edge on average. Over many bets, that edge is your expected cost.
Volatility: High-volatility slots can swing fast. You may bust your balance before you finish wagering, even if the RTP is solid.

More rules to check beyond wagering

Let me give you a simple bonus evaluation method. Look at your “expected loss” from wagering bonus with an honest recall of your average slot stake. This is not a guarantee. This is a best estimation, a ballpark. Formula: Expected loss ≈ Stakes · House edge. Scenario: $100 bonus, 35× wagering on bonus. Stakes required = $3,500. Let’s play a slot with 96% RTP (“return-to-player”, 4% house edge). So:

Max bet while wagering: Many sites cap bets (for example, $5). If you go over, they can void your bonus and winnings.
Max cashout: Some bonuses cap what you can withdraw (for example, 5× the bonus). This can cut big wins. Be careful.
Excluded games and features: Some games do not count or are blocked. Bonus-buy features are often banned while wagering. See your site’s list.
Payment method limits: Some e-wallets (for example, Skrill or Neteller) may not qualify for bonuses.
Opt-in details: You may need a code, a checkbox, or to claim in the cashier.
KYC (Know Your Customer): You must verify ID before you can withdraw. Do this early to avoid delay. For fairness rules, see testing bodies such as eCOGRA.
Country rules: Laws and bonus rules change by country and state. Check your regulator (for example, the UKGC or NJ DGE) for local guidance.

Is a bonus worth it? A simple way to think about value

Here is a plain way to judge a bonus. Think about your “expected loss” while you clear the wagering. This is not a promise. It is a rough guide.

So the next time you’re evaluating welcome bonus offers, ask yourself these questions:

Example: You take a $100 bonus with 35x bonus-only wagering. Total bets needed = $3,500. If you play a slot with 96% RTP (4% house edge), then:

Expected loss ≈ $3,500 × 0.04 = $140
Bonus value = up to $100

So, on average, the cost to clear may be higher than the bonus. But results vary a lot. You could win big or lose fast. With deposit + bonus wagering, the total bets are even higher, so the expected loss may be higher too.

This is why “no-wagering” or “low-wagering” offers can be good. They are more flexible. But always read the rules and watch for max cashout caps.

How to choose fair wagering requirements

Use this quick checklist when you compare welcome offers:

Wagering multiple: Fair is often 25x–35x on bonus-only. Be careful with high “deposit + bonus” numbers.
Game contribution: Slots 100% is best. Clear table for other games.
Max bet: A clear, reasonable cap (for example, $5) is fine. Do not exceed it.
Max cashout: No cap, or a very high cap, is best for welcome offers.
Time limit: 14–30 days is common. Very short limits add risk.
Excluded games and methods: Clear and short list is better.
Clean terms: Easy to read, no hidden tricks, no tiny traps.

Cities differ. A few notes:

Tips to clear wagering in a safe and smart way

Pick games that count 100% and have solid RTP.
Keep bets under the max bet at all times.
Use steady bet sizes to manage swings.
Do not open excluded games while wagering. Even one spin can cause issues.
Track your progress. Many sites show a bar or a number. If not, keep a simple note.
Set a budget for the whole wagering period. Do not chase losses.
Take breaks. Use time-outs or deposit limits if you feel stress. See help at GambleAware, GamCare, or the National Council on Problem Gambling.

Common pitfalls and how to avoid them

Breaking max bet: Even once can void winnings. Set your bet size first and lock it in.
Using games with low contribution: This makes wagering take much longer. Stick to 100% games unless the terms say otherwise.
Starting a blocked feature: Bonus-buy or some side bets may be banned. Do not use them while wagering.
Wrong payment method: Some methods do not qualify. Check first.
Missing the time limit: Set a reminder for the deadline on your phone.
Not completing KYC: Upload ID early. It avoids stress at withdrawal time.

Region and regulator notes

This means you have to wager 35 time some base value. If it’s bonus only, and the bonus is $100, then you have to wager $3,500 total. If it’s deposit + bonus, and the deposit is $100 and the bonus is $100, then you have to wager $7,000 (35 × $200).

United Kingdom: Terms must be clear and fair. See the UKGC and consumer fairness actions by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA).
Malta/EU: Many international sites are under the MGA. Terms and KYC rules still apply. Read them before you claim.
United States: Rules differ by state. Check your state regulator like the NJ DGE or the PA Gaming Control Board.
Canada (Ontario): See the AGCO for standards and player protection.

Quick glossary (plain words)

Wagering / Playthrough / Rollover: How much you must bet before you can withdraw bonus funds and wins from that bonus.
Contribution: How much a game counts toward wagering (for example, slots 100%).
Sticky bonus: Bonus money cannot be withdrawn. You can only cash the winnings.
Non-sticky bonus: Your cash is used first. You can withdraw early if you win before the bonus starts.
RTP (Return to Player): The percent a game pays back over time. 96% RTP means 4% house edge.
Variance / Volatility: How wild the wins and losses can swing.
Max bet: The largest bet allowed while you clear wagering.
Max cashout: The most you can withdraw from a bonus, even if you win more.

FAQs

What does 35x wagering mean?

Instead, they’re easier to claim, and there are fewer restrictions. You can claim these and cash out right away if you wish. However, there may be other restrictions; for example, a maximum cashout cap or free spins that are capped at just a few dollars.

Do free spins have wagering?

"Table games like blackjack and roulette have low house edges if people know how to play them well. Casinos restrict how much people can use these games to prevent easy clearing of the bonus. Usually video slots count 100%."

Can I withdraw before I finish wagering?

These usually entail the casino taking away your bonus and winnings. The most frequent errors tend to involve betting above the maximum bet, wagering on excluded games, or exceeding the bonus expiry period. In the case of unclear sign explaining the rule, that you could question with support and see advice from the UKGC or you local regulator.

Are no-wagering bonuses better?

Gambling can be enjoyable and fun. Set a spend that you can afford. If it starts to become stressful then just take a break. There are ways we can help like setting deposits limits, time-outs and setting your own loss limits. But if you are worried then it is best to speak to Gamstop or Begambleaware:

Why do table games often count less?

18+ only. Please play responsibly and check your country's legislation for legality. If an online casino or game isn't legit or rigged, it will not have an eCOGRA or other accredited certificate, and you should file a complaint to licensing authority, such as UK's Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, or New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement.

What happens if I break a bonus rule?

The casino may remove the bonus and related winnings. Common mistakes are betting over the max bet, playing blocked games, or missing the time limit. If you think a rule was not clear, you can ask support or check guidance from the UKGC or your local regulator.

Responsible play and where to get help

The math that makes or breaks the bonus - always check that. How many spins, what's the house edge, and which games are eligible. Even if it uses multiple coupons and cashback, factor that in. Otherwise, avoid or look for a low-wagering bonus - or a no-wagering sign-up bonus - and try to get another one. That's why I like https://usonlinecasinos.biz/ for quality information that allows for a quicker assessment. Be responsible and have fun!

GambleAware (UK)
GamCare (UK)
National Council on Problem Gambling (US)
Responsible Gambling Council (Canada)

18+ only. Check your local laws. If you think a site is not fair, look for certification by bodies like eCOGRA or raise a complaint with your regulator (for example, UKGC, MGA, NJ DGE).

Sources and further reading

UK Gambling Commission — rules and guidance
Malta Gaming Authority — licensing and player info
Alcohol and Gaming Commission of Ontario — standards and compliance
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement — US state regulator
Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board — US state regulator
eCOGRA — testing and fairness certification
UK Competition and Markets Authority: Online Gambling Fairness
GambleAware — help and tools
GamCare — support and advice
National Council on Problem Gambling — US help

Conclusion

Wagering rules decide the true value of a welcome bonus. Read the terms. Do the simple math. Check the game list, max bet, and cashout rules. If the expected cost looks too high, skip it or pick a low- or no-wagering deal. If you want to compare fair options fast, try https://usonlinecasinos.biz/" rel="noopener" target="_blank">https://usonlinecasinos.biz/ for clear reviews. Play safe, set limits, and have fun.