What Are Wagering Requirements?

Entering the world of online casinos often means coming across various bonuses and promotions and each has its own small print. One term that appears consistently is “wagering requirements,” a concept that can initially seem perplexing. Wagering requirements represent a casino’s mechanism to ensure that bonus funds are used for actual gameplay which prevents players from simply withdrawing any free money handed out. Although wagering requirements are standard across the industry it’s important to understand them thoroughly before diving in at Ivy Casino. This will help you avoid unwanted surprises and possibly maximise the value you derive from promotions.

What Does Wagering Requirements Mean?

Wagering requirements are terms imposed by an online casino to regulate how players use bonus funds, free spins, and any associated winnings. In simple terms, a wagering requirement indicates the number of times you must stake or “play through” your bonus (and sometimes the deposit plus bonus) before you’re allowed to withdraw any resulting winnings. 

For instance, imagine a scenario in which you receive a £50 bonus with a 20x wagering requirement. This means you need to wager a total of £1,000 (£50 x 20) using that bonus money before you can request a payout of your bonus winnings. While the concept may seem strict at first glance, it’s crucial to remember that wagering these amounts happens naturally over multiple spins or bets. As you play slots, roulette, or other qualifying games, each stake counts toward satisfying that wagering threshold.

It’s also worth noting that different online casinos may set varying requirements. One platform might specify 35x the bonus, another might set it at 40x the deposit plus bonus and another could incorporate free spins winnings into the total you must wager. The important part is to read the bonus terms carefully so you know exactly which amounts count and under what conditions.

Common Types of Wagering Requirements

Wagering requirements can be structured in many ways which often depends on the nature of the bonus and how the casino chooses to regulate it. Below is a table summarising some of the most common types you’ll encounter along with key points illustrating how each type functions in practice.

Types Of Wagering Requirement	Description	Example
Deposit Match Wagering	Applied when the casino matches your deposit with bonus funds (e.g., 100% up to £100). You must wager the combined total—or sometimes just the bonus amount—a set number of times before withdrawing.	A 35x wagering requirement on a £50 deposit match bonus means you must stake £1,750 in total.
Bonus-Only Wagering	Here, the requirement applies strictly to the bonus portion of your funds rather than your deposit + bonus combined.	If you receive a £30 bonus at 20x wagering, you need to bet £600 using the bonus money.
Free Spins Wagering	Winnings from free spins often get converted into a bonus which must then be wagered a certain number of times before you can cash out.	Suppose you earn £10 from 10 free spins, and that amount must then be played 25x, requiring £250 in bets.
No-Deposit Bonus Requirements	Even though you didn’t deposit funds you might still need to meet wagering conditions on any winnings. These can be stricter to balance the casino’s risk.	A £10 no-deposit bonus might carry a 45x wagering requirement, totalling £450 in wagers before withdrawals are permitted.
Winnings Capped on Bonuses	Some casinos cap how much real money you can withdraw from a bonus or free spins. If you exceed that cap the additional winnings may be forfeited despite meeting the wager.	A £100 maximum cash-out limit means even if you meet wagering, you can’t withdraw more than £100 from bonus-related funds.
Mixed Contribution Rules	Different games may contribute differently toward wagering. Slots often contribute 100%, whereas table games might only count at a lower percentage.	If you play blackjack, which contributes 10%, staking £100 only reduces your remaining requirement by £10.

How To Meet Wagering Requirements

Many players new to casino gaming wonder how to meet wagering requirements without jeopardising their bankroll or missing potential withdrawal opportunities. While there is no shortcut to bypass the conditions, approaching them systematically can reduce confusion and help you move through the process efficiently.

Step 1: Familiarise Yourself with the Terms

Before committing to any promotion, carefully review the bonus rules. Determine whether the wagering applies to the bonus amount only or includes your deposit and confirm if game weighting impacts your choice of slots or table games, and look for any time limits. This initial step ensures you won’t be caught off guard later.

Step 2: Calculate the Total Amount Required

Once you know the wagering multiple you can multiply that figure by the relevant amount (bonus or deposit + bonus). If you also have free spins winnings, add that sum into your calculations, particularly if you’re aiming to learn how to meet free spins wagering requirements.

Step 3: Choose Games Wisely

Not all casino games contribute equally to wagering requirements. Many casinos list percentages: slots may count 100% while live dealer or table games might only count 10% or 20%. If you prefer table games you’ll move more slowly toward clearing the requirement unless you’re able to locate higher-contribution tables or accept that the process will take longer. 

Step 4: Monitor Your Progress

Keep an eye on how much of the requirement you have left to fulfil. Some casinos provide a handy progress bar within your account. If not you can track it yourself by subtracting your stakes from the total you initially calculated.

Step 5: Set Time and Bankroll Limits

Many bonuses come with expiration dates—commonly 7, 14, or 30 days—within which you must finish wagering. Plan your sessions to spread out the wagers rather than rushing through all at once. Set personal limits on daily or weekly play.

Step 6: Aim for Consistent Bets

Bet sizing can have a major impact on how smoothly you progress. Placing extremely large bets in an attempt to clear the requirement in one go can be risky and might lead to quick bankroll depletion. Striking a balanced approach—where your stakes are neither too large nor too minimal—often yields the best results.

Step 7: Know When to Withdraw

Once you’ve met the wagering requirements you’re usually free to withdraw your winnings if the bonus terms don’t specify additional constraints.

Wagering Requirements FAQs