Wagering requirements explained, with worked examples

How to calculate the requirement

Multiply the amount the terms apply to by the stated multiple. The first thing to check is what that amount is.

“35x” on deposit plus bonus is twice as demanding as “35x” on the bonus alone, although the two look identical in an advert.

What clearing it is expected to cost

Every bet you place while wagering is exposed to the house edge. Expected cost = total to wager × house edge.

On a 96% game the break-even point is 25x. Above it, the bonus is worth less than it costs to unlock on average. These are averages; real results vary widely, and many players run out of balance before finishing.

Terms that change the real requirement

• Game weighting. Slots usually count 100%; table games often count far less. The Gambling Commission gives the example of roulette weighted at 30%, where each £1 wagered counts 30p toward the requirement.
• Maximum bet. Staking above a set amount per spin while a bonus is active can void the bonus and winnings.
• Time limit. Unfinished requirements expire, often after 7 to 30 days.
• Maximum conversion or cashout. Some offers cap how much bonus winnings can become withdrawable cash.
• Excluded games. High-RTP titles are commonly excluded.
• Order of funds. Whether your own money is staked before the bonus decides if you can walk away early; see sticky and non-sticky bonuses.

The 10x cap in Great Britain

The Gambling Commission’s rules on rewards and bonuses now state that licensees must not apply wagering requirements of more than 10 times to bonus funds. The change took effect on 19 January 2026, alongside a ban on promotions that mix product types, such as free spins given for placing a sports bet.

The regulator’s reasoning was that very high requirements, in some cases up to 60 times, were confusing and could lead people to gamble for longer and faster than usual. The cap applies to operators licensed in Great Britain; offers elsewhere are governed by local rules, and 30x to 50x remains common in many markets.

A five-point check before accepting any bonus

1. Find the multiple and what it applies to: bonus only, or deposit plus bonus.
2. Multiply to get the total to wager and compare it with your normal play.
3. Check which games count and at what weighting.
4. Note the maximum bet, the expiry date and any cap on winnings.
5. Decide whether you would deposit the same amount without the bonus. If not, the offer is steering the decision.