What a wagering requirement is
A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough) is the amount you have to bet before winnings from a bonus can be withdrawn. It is written as a multiple, such as 10x, and applies to the bonus amount or to the winnings from free spins, depending on the offer. The terms should say which.
A worked example
You claim a £50 bonus with a 10x wagering requirement.
- Required betting: £50 × 10 = £500.
- That is the total you must stake, not what you must lose. Winning bets can be staked again, so the same money often counts several times.
- Until the £500 has been wagered, the bonus and anything won with it normally cannot be withdrawn.
What it costs on average
Every game has a return to player (RTP) figure, such as 96%. Over a very large number of spins, a 96% RTP game returns on average 96p for every £1 staked, so the average cost is 4p per £1.
- £500 of wagering at 96% RTP costs on average £20 (£500 × 4%).
- On a £50 bonus, that leaves an average expected value of around £30 before any other limits apply.
This is an average only. Real results swing widely: most sessions end below the average and a few end far above it. Maximum win caps, game exclusions and bet limits (covered in our terms guide) usually lower the real value further.
The UK 10x cap
From 19 January 2026, the UK Gambling Commission capped wagering requirements on bonuses at 10x the bonus amount for licensed operators. Offers showing 30x, 40x or higher are therefore not UK-licensed offers. They usually come from operators outside UK regulation, which can mean fewer protections if something goes wrong. You can check any operator's licence on the Gambling Commission public register.
Other things that change the maths
- Game contribution: slots often count 100%, but many table games and live games count for much less or nothing.
- Time limit: bonuses commonly expire in days. Unmet wagering is lost when the bonus does.
- Maximum bet: staking above the stated limit while a bonus is active can void the bonus and winnings.
- What it applies to: check whether the multiple applies to the bonus only, to free spin winnings, or to deposit plus bonus.
Last reviewed 4 November 2026. This page is general information, not advice. Always read an operator's own terms before you claim an offer.