The wagering requirement is the main thing that turns a 'bonus of 100' into real money or into nothing. It is a multiplier that shows how much you have to bet before the bonus and its winnings can be withdrawn.
Let's go through how it is calculated, what affects the speed of playthrough, and the fresh rule change that takes effect in 2026.
Key takeaways
- Wagering x35 means: to withdraw the bonus, you must bet the bonus x35 in total (sometimes deposit plus bonus x35).
- Different games contribute differently: slots usually 100%, table games less or not at all.
- There are limits: a playthrough deadline, a maximum bet with an active bonus, a cap on withdrawal from a bonus.
- Fresh event: the UK Gambling Commission caps wagering at 10x and bans cross-product promotions — from 19 January 2026.
- This material is informational, 18+; a bonus does not guarantee a win, and playthrough carries a risk of loss.
What a wagering requirement is
It is a condition under which bonus funds (and sometimes the winnings from them) cannot be withdrawn until you have bet a certain amount. It is shown as a multiplier: x20, x35, x50.
The base of the calculation differs — sometimes 'bonus only', sometimes 'deposit + bonus' — and that greatly changes the final figure, so read the term carefully.
How to calculate playthrough: an example
Take a bonus of 50 at wagering x35. If playthrough is counted on the bonus amount, you need to bet 50 x 35 = 1,750 in total. If the term is 'deposit + bonus' and you deposited 50, then (50 + 50) x 35 = 3,500.
This does not mean 'spending' that much — it is the turnover of bets. But the higher the wagering and the lower your games' contribution, the longer and riskier the playthrough.
What affects playthrough
Three key factors: game weighting, the maximum bet limit with an active bonus, and the deadline.
A bet above the limit or a prohibited game can void the bonus — a common reason behind 'they did not pay the winnings'.
| Game type | Typical contribution to wagering | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Slots | Often 100% | Some high-roller slots may be excluded |
| Table games (roulette, blackjack) | Usually 5-20% or 0% | Depends on the casino and the game |
| Live casino | Often reduced or not counted | Check the terms of the specific offer |
What changes in 2026
The UK Gambling Commission has announced that from 19 January 2026 bonus wagering requirements are capped at 10x, and operators are barred from promotions that force play across several product types (for example betting plus slots). The regulator's aim is to reduce harm and make terms clearer.
This rule applies in the UK jurisdiction; in other regions terms still vary, but the trend toward simpler, capped wagering is telling.
What to look at in the bonus terms
- Determine the base: bonus only, or deposit + bonus.
- Check the wagering size and the playthrough deadline.
- Clarify the maximum bet limit with an active bonus.
- Look at game weighting and the list of exclusions.
- Find the cap on withdrawal from the bonus; if the terms are opaque, decline.
This material is informational, 18+. A bonus does not guarantee a win, and playthrough carries a risk of losing funds. Judge a bonus by its terms, not its size; use deposit limits and self-exclusion.
Frequently asked questions
What does wagering x35 mean?
You must bet a total equal to the bonus (or deposit plus bonus) multiplied by 35 before you can withdraw.
Why were my bonus winnings voided?
Common reasons: a bet above the limit with an active bonus, a prohibited game, or an expired playthrough deadline.
Is a no-wagering bonus better?
Sometimes, but it can have other limits — a withdrawal cap, a deadline, a minimum odds requirement; read the terms in full.
Does the 10x rule apply everywhere?
No. The 10x cap is a UK Gambling Commission requirement from 19 Jan 2026; in other jurisdictions terms differ.
Sources
- UK Gambling Commission — Gambling promotions to be safer and simpler — www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
- UK Gambling Commission — Fair and transparent terms and practices — www.gamblingcommission.gov.uk
- AskGamblers — No Wagering bonuses — www.askgamblers.com