Wagering requirements are the multiple of a bonus, or sometimes a bonus plus deposit, that a player must stake before the associated funds or winnings become withdrawable. They are also called playthrough requirements.
How wagering requirements work in practice
A 100 bonus with 35x wagering requirements creates a target of 3,500 in qualifying stakes: 100 multiplied by 35. This is turnover, not 3,500 deposited and not necessarily 3,500 lost. Wins from earlier rounds can fund later stakes while the player completes the target.
The promotion terms define the base and the qualifying activity. If 35x applies to a 100 deposit plus a 100 bonus, the target becomes 7,000. Game weighting, stake limits and expiry can further change how progress accrues.
What wagering requirements mean for an operator
The multiple shapes expected bonus cost and the player experience together. A higher target usually reduces the chance that granted value becomes withdrawable cash, but headline multiples cannot be compared without the base, game contributions and expiry. Model converted bonus cost against acquisition, retention and the bonus cost line between GGR and NGR, then show players accurate progress.
Game weighting also controls lobby exposure. If slots contribute 100% and a table game contributes 10%, a 10 stake on the latter advances the target by 1. Clear rules and consistent wallet calculations reduce disputes.
Related terms
- RTP as the return side of game maths. The theoretical percentage that shapes expected results while qualifying stakes accumulate.
- The house edge behind bonus-driven turnover. The game margin that helps estimate gross from the required play.
Frequently asked questions
What does 35x wagering mean?
On a 100 bonus, the player must place 3,500 in qualifying stakes before the promotion funds or winnings become withdrawable. It does not mean depositing 3,500 or losing that amount. The required turnover can be reached through repeated wins and losses, subject to game weighting, stake limits and expiry.
Is wagering calculated on the bonus or the deposit too?
The offer terms define the base. Bonus-only wagering multiplies just the credited bonus, while deposit-plus-bonus wagering multiplies both amounts. With a 100 deposit, 100 bonus and 35x, the targets are 3,500 and 7,000 respectively, so the base matters as much as the headline multiplier.
Do all games contribute equally to wagering?
No. Each promotion can assign different contribution rates by game or category. A 20 stake at 25% contribution adds 5 to the target, while a 100% contribution counts the full 20. Operators should publish the eligible games and rates, then ensure the wallet calculates progress exactly the same way.
Can a player withdraw before wagering is complete?
The promotion terms decide. Some offers cancel the remaining bonus and associated winnings when a withdrawal is made before completion, while others handle cash and bonus balances differently. Operators should state the consequence beside the progress indicator and apply it consistently in the wallet.
From promotion terms to measurable bonus cost
Wagering requirements are manageable when the wallet, game weighting and campaign reporting apply the same rules. The next step is the CRM setup that tracks bonus cost by campaign. More operator definitions sit in the casino and betting glossary.