A wagering requirement is how many times you have to bet through a bonus before you can cash out. 25× on the bonus only is fair; 35× on deposit plus bonus is much worse than it looks.
Every bonus has a wagering requirement, a multiplier that says how much you have to bet before the bonus becomes real, withdrawable cash. The multiplier is the visible number; the invisible number is the basis the multiplier applies to.
The two bases.
Bonus-only: a 30× wagering requirement on a £100 bonus means you have to wager £3, 000. Your deposit is unaffected. This is the fair form.
Deposit plus bonus: same 30× multiplier, same £100 bonus and £100 deposit, but now the wagering base is £200. You have to wager £6, 000, and your deposit is locked up until the wagering completes. This is the trap form. Half the value of the same-headline offer disappears here.
Fair, mediocre, poor.
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Fair: 25× to 35× on bonus only, with slots contributing 100%, table games at 20% or better, and a €5 maximum bet while wagering.
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Mediocre: 40× on bonus only, or 25×-30× on deposit plus bonus.
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Poor: 40× on deposit plus bonus, or wagering with heavy game restrictions (live dealer excluded, table games at 5% or zero).
The maximum-bet trap.
Almost every bonus caps the maximum bet you can place while wagering, usually €5. Exceed it even once and most operators will void the bonus and any winnings. Some operators set unusually low caps (€2) specifically to catch players out. Always check this number before you play.
When to skip the bonus.
Every operator lets you decline the welcome bonus. If the wagering is 40× on deposit plus bonus with a low max bet and a short expiry, declining is often the better move, your deposit stays as real money and you can withdraw at any time.
Full details in our wagering requirements guide.