If you have signed up at an online casino and accepted a welcome offer, you have likely encountered wagering requirements. These requirements are mentioned in the small print of almost every bonus. However, you might have to figure out what they mean. These requirements play an important role in how and when you can access any winnings tied to bonus money. Knowing the basics gives you more control over your gameplay and helps you avoid the common mistakes that many new players make.
Wagering requirements tell you how many times you need to play through a bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings. If a casino gives you a £50 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement, you would need to place £1,500 worth of bets before any winnings from the bonus can be withdrawn.
It’s essential to note that the required total is not the amount you must deposit or lose. Rather, it is how much you must wager. You can hit this amount through multiple bets. The rule exists to stop players from claiming bonuses and cashing out instantly without much gameplay.
Why Do Casinos Use These Rules?
Online casinos use bonuses to attract new players and reward loyal ones. But they also need to protect their business. Without rules, bonuses would lead to losses for the casino. Wagering requirements create a fair balance. They encourage more play without giving away free money with no conditions. These terms help separate genuine players from those looking for quick wins.
Bonus Types and Their Conditions
Here is a rundown of the common types and their usual conditions:
- Deposit Bonuses. Your deposit is matched with your bonus funds. A 100% match up to £100 is a common offer. These almost always come with wagering terms on the bonus money.
- No Deposit Bonuses. You get bonus money without needing to deposit anything. These often come with higher wagering requirements and withdrawal caps.
- Free Spins. These are used mainly in slots. Winnings from free spins usually count as bonus funds, so they follow the same rules.
How to Calculate the Requirement
Multiply the bonus amount by the wagering requirement number. If the rule says 25x and you get a £40 bonus, that’s £1,000 in wagers required. Some casinos also include your deposit amount in the calculation, so check the terms carefully. Wagering rules might apply to only the bonus, the deposit, or both.
Games That Count Toward Wagering
Slots usually contribute 100%, so they are ideal if you want to complete the requirement faster. Blackjack or roulette often contributes less, sometimes only 10% or not at all. Always check the casino’s contribution table. Playing games with a low contribution can slow down your progress or waste your efforts completely.
Watch Out for Time Limits
Most casinos give you a limited time to complete the wagering requirement, often 7 to 30 days. The bonus and any related winnings disappear if you do not finish in time. Players in Edinburgh enjoy a wide range of online options, so they can easily get distracted by other games. Thus, they should set a reminder and pace themselves. Also, some bonuses are only valid on specific games. If you wager on the wrong ones, it won’t count. Double-check the bonus terms before you play.