Wagering Requirements Explained
Learn how casino wagering requirements work, how to calculate them and which bonus terms Canadian players should check before accepting an online casino promotion.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
A wagering requirement tells you how much qualifying play may be required before bonus-related funds become eligible for withdrawal.
$100 Bonus with 35x Wagering
In a simple bonus-only example, a $100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement would require $3,500 in qualifying wagers.
Casinos calculate wagering differently. Some apply the multiplier only to the bonus, while others may apply it to both the deposit and bonus. Always check the exact terms.
Why Do Casino Bonuses Have Wagering Requirements?
Casino bonuses often come with conditions that must be completed before bonus-related funds can be withdrawn. Wagering requirements are one of the most common conditions.
The requirement is usually expressed as a multiplier such as 10x, 20x, 35x or 40x. A lower multiplier can mean less required wagering, but the full bonus terms still matter.
Other conditions such as game contribution, maximum bets, expiry periods and withdrawal limits can have just as much impact on the practical value of an offer.
Bonus Terms That Matter
- Wagering multiplier
- What amount the multiplier applies to
- Game contribution percentages
- Maximum bet while wagering
- Bonus expiry period
- Withdrawal restrictions
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The calculation depends on whether the casino applies the requirement to the bonus only or to the deposit and bonus combined.
Bonus Only
$100 bonus × 20
$2,000 wageringThis example assumes the 20x requirement applies only to the $100 bonus amount.
Bonus Only
$200 bonus × 35
$7,000 wageringA larger bonus can result in considerably more required wagering even when the multiplier stays the same.
Deposit + Bonus
($100 + $100) × 35
$7,000 wageringIf the requirement applies to both the deposit and bonus, the required wagering can be significantly higher.
The casino’s promotion terms should clearly explain whether the wagering multiplier applies to the bonus, deposit, bonus plus deposit or another qualifying amount.
Do All Casino Games Count the Same?
No. Casinos may assign different wagering contribution rates to different games.
Slots
Slots often contribute more toward wagering requirements than table games, although specific titles may still be excluded.
Live Casino
Live dealer games may contribute at a lower percentage or may be excluded from some promotions.
Blackjack
Blackjack and similar table games often have lower contribution rates because of their different game mechanics.
Roulette
Roulette may contribute partially or not at all depending on the individual promotion.
Maximum Bet While Wagering
Many casino bonuses include a maximum bet rule while bonus wagering is active. Exceeding that limit may breach the promotion terms.
The allowed maximum can vary significantly between operators, currencies and promotions, so players should check the exact amount before placing bets with an active bonus.
Avoid Breaking Bonus Terms
- Check the maximum allowed stake
- Check whether different games have different limits
- Do not assume the site’s normal max bet applies
- Review the bonus rules before changing stake size
Bonus Expiry and Time Limits
A wagering requirement may also need to be completed within a specific period.
Claim Period
Some promotions must be activated within a defined period after registration or deposit.
Wagering Deadline
Bonus wagering may need to be completed before a stated expiry date.
Free Spin Expiry
Free spins may have their own activation and usage deadlines.
Bonus Balance
Unused bonus-related funds may be removed when a promotion expires.
Low vs High Wagering Requirements
A lower wagering multiplier can reduce the amount of required qualifying play, but it should not be considered in isolation.
Potential Advantages
- Less total required wagering
- Potentially simpler completion
- May make a smaller bonus more practical
Things to Consider
- More required qualifying play
- Longer time needed to complete requirements
- Greater importance of game contribution rules
A smaller bonus with lower wagering can sometimes have more favourable conditions than a very large headline bonus with restrictive terms. Always compare the complete promotion.
7 Things to Check Before Accepting a Bonus
Multiplier
Check the advertised wagering requirement.
Calculation Base
Find out whether it applies to bonus, deposit or both.
Game Contribution
Check which games count toward the requirement.
Maximum Bet
Check any bet limits that apply while wagering.
Expiry
Find out how long you have to complete the requirement.
Payment Restrictions
Some deposit methods may not qualify for promotions.
Withdrawal Rules
Check any conditions that apply before withdrawal.
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Do Not Chase a Bonus
A wagering requirement should never encourage you to keep gambling simply to unlock a bonus. Bonus money is not guaranteed value. Set a spending limit and never deposit or wager more than you can afford to lose.
CanadaCasinoGuides Responsible Gambling Resources →Wagering Requirements FAQ
Common questions about casino bonus wagering requirements.
What does 35x wagering mean?
It means the amount defined by the bonus terms must be wagered 35 times. If 35x applies to a $100 bonus, the simple calculation would be $100 × 35 = $3,500 in qualifying wagers.
Is lower wagering better?
A lower multiplier generally means less required wagering, but other terms such as game contribution, maximum bets and expiry should also be considered.
Does wagering apply to the deposit or bonus?
It depends on the promotion. Some casinos apply wagering only to the bonus, while others may calculate it using both the deposit and bonus.
Do slots count 100% toward wagering?
Not always. Many promotions give slots a high contribution, but individual games can have lower contribution rates or be excluded completely.
Do live casino games count toward wagering?
They may count at a reduced percentage or be excluded depending on the promotion.
Can I withdraw before completing wagering?
Bonus-related funds are generally subject to the promotion’s withdrawal conditions. Check the specific casino terms before requesting a withdrawal.
Can wagering requirements expire?
The requirement itself does not change, but promotions often have a deadline by which the required wagering must be completed.