How to Read Online Casino Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements

Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements tell you how many times you must play a bonus before you can withdraw any winnings. Wagering requirements are also known as playthrough, rollover, and turnover.

If you claim a casino bonus, you will likely have to deal with wagering requirements. They are expressed as a multiplier, like 30x. By playing the bonus the required number of times, your bonus winnings become real cash that you can withdraw.

For example:

If you get a £10 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you need to bet £300 (£10 x 30) before you can withdraw. If the requirement includes both your £10 deposit and £10 bonus, you’d need to bet £600 (£20 x 30).

Heads Up: Wagering requirements are calculated in one of two ways: on your deposit and bonus combined, or on the bonus alone. The difference matters more than you might think.

Most casinos use the less favourable method, calculating on the combined total. Dream Vegas is a notable exception – with one of the best casino bonuses in the UK, it applies wagering requirements to the bonus amount only.

Casino Bonus Validity

Most casino bonuses come with time limits. Validity refers to the length of time you get to complete the wagering requirements. Why is validity important? If you don’t play through the bonus in time, it will expire, along with any winnings made with it.

Game Restrictions and Weighting

Not all bonuses can be used to play all games. You may only be able to play specific games with a bonus. You could also find that games have different weightings towards bonus wagering. So, only a percentage of your bets would contribute to bonus playthrough.

Slots usually contribute 100%. But table games like blackjack and roulette generally have a lower wagering contribution or are excluded entirely.

For example:

If you bet £10 on slots, the full £10 would contribute to the wagering requirements. If blackjack has a 10% weighting, only £1 of every £10 you bet would count towards the playthrough.

Deposit Requirements

The bonus terms usually include a minimum deposit. This is the smallest payment you can make that will trigger the offer. If you make a smaller deposit, you will not get the bonus.

The minimum deposit required to activate a bonus is usually £10 – £20. Some welcome bonuses come as a package deal. After claiming the first deposit bonus, you could also get bonuses on subsequent deposits.

Payment Restrictions

Online casinos accept various payment methods. However, they could restrict the deposit options you can use to claim a bonus. For example, Skrill and Neteller deposits are often excluded from claiming bonuses.

Betting Limits and Restrictions

Some casino bonus terms include a maximum bet limit. This means you cannot exceed the max bet size when playing with a bonus.

Betting limits could be indirectly applied by providing a limited pool of games. If you want to place bigger or smaller bets with a bonus, you should check the games in advance.

Unusual Betting Patterns

Casinos include terms to stamp out promotional abuse. The bonus terms could refer to unusual betting patterns, playing strategies, and irregular play.

One such example of an unusual betting pattern relates to bet size and volatility. This involves placing large bets on high variance outcomes, hitting a big win, and then switching to small bets on low variance outcomes to clear wagering requirements. As explained in detail in our guide on how to avoid unusual betting behaviour, here are a few examples to be wary of:

• High Variance Bets – For example, placing large bets on a single number in roulette, winning a large payout, then switching to smaller, even-money bets. Avoid this by placing consistent bet sizes and types.
• Minimal-Risk Bets – For example, placing bets on red and black on roulette, meaning you are removing virtually all risk. Avoid this by not making these types of bets.
• Progressive Betting Strategies – For example, progressively increasing your bet size after losses and reducing it after a win. Avoid this by placing consistent bets.

Balance Restrictions

Under UK gambling laws, players must be allowed to withdraw their deposit balance at any time. This includes when a bonus is active. If you withdraw your deposited funds when you have an active bonus, you will forfeit any remaining bonus funds.

In keeping with the UKGC’s rules, your deposit and bonus balances will always be displayed separately. Bonuses that lock your deposit and bonus together are prohibited at licensed UK online casinos. Here are some references to balance restrictions you may encounter in bonus terms:

• Sticky Bonuses – Also known as a non-cashable bonus. You can withdraw winnings made with the bonus after completing the wagering requirements, but the bonus amount itself cannot be withdrawn.
• Parachute Bonuses – A type of deposit bonus where you play with your deposit balance first. You will only start playing with bonus money after you have exhausted your real cash balance.
• Cashable Bonuses – You can withdraw the bonus amount and any winnings made with it upon fulfilling the wagering requirements.