How to Read Online Casino Bonus Terms & Wagering Requirements
Written by Angelina Vodenicharova
Gambling Commission GamCare
Table of Contents
Article Summary
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements tell you how much qualifying play you must complete with bonus funds before eligible bonus winnings can be withdrawn. They are also known as playthrough, rollover, and turnover. At UKGC-licensed online casinos, wagering requirements cannot exceed 10x the bonus funds.
Heads Up: UK-licensed online casinos cannot apply wagering requirements above 10x to bonus funds. Even with this cap, you should check the full bonus terms, as game weighting, validity periods and other restrictions can affect how easy it is to complete the wagering requirement.
If you claim a casino bonus, you will likely have to deal with wagering requirements. They are expressed as a multiplier, for example:
If you get a £10 bonus with a 10x wagering requirement, you need to place £100 in qualifying wagers (£10 x 10) to complete the wagering requirement.
The 10x cap is a maximum rather than a recommended wagering level. Some casino bonuses in the UK may have lower wagering requirements or no wagering requirements, making them easier to understand and complete.
Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice
“The lower the wagering requirement, the better. I also check the validity period, eligible games and game weighting before accepting a bonus. A low wagering requirement can still be restrictive if the other terms make it difficult to complete.”
Good Wagering Terms
- Low or No Wagering Requirement
- Clear Game Contribution Rules
- 30 Days Validity
Less Favourable Wagering Terms
- 10x Wagering Requirement
- Restrictive Game Weighting
- 7 Days Validity
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? Even with wagering requirements capped at 10x for UK-licensed casino sites, you still need enough time to complete the required qualifying play. If the bonus expires before you meet its terms, you may lose the remaining bonus funds and associated bonus winnings.
Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice
“Wagering requirements and validity go hand-in-hand. I only accept a bonus if I can conveniently fulfil the requirements within the specified time limits.”
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.
Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice
“Game restrictions can seriously impact your ability to fulfil wagering requirements. Check which games are eligible and how much each game contributes before accepting a bonus, as some games may contribute less or be excluded entirely.”
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.
Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice
“Always check for any payment restrictions before depositing. Remember – if you deposit with an excluded payment method, you will miss out on claiming the bonus.”
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.
Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
Our Expert’s Advice
“Don’t overlook maximum bet limits. They can affect how quickly you complete the wagering requirement, so check the maximum permitted bet and the bonus validity period before you start playing.”
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 example of an unusual betting pattern relates to significant changes in bet size or the type of bets placed while a bonus is active. Some bonus terms may restrict certain betting strategies, so you should check the applicable terms before playing.
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.
Video Summary
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Angelina Vodenicharova Author and Casino Analyst
About the Author
With a background in marketing, Angelina has a keen eye for emerging trends and stays ahead of the curve on the latest game releases and payment innovations. Her expertise extends to the growing world of gambling apps, where her tech-savviness allows her to offer valuable insights on optimizing gameplay.