Bonuses Guide · Updated July 2026

Wagering Requirements Explained

The wagering requirement is the single most important term on any casino bonus — and the one most players overlook. It decides whether a bonus is genuinely good value or nearly impossible to withdraw. This guide explains exactly what wagering means, how the UK's 10x cap works, how to calculate what an offer is really worth, and how to clear it as painlessly as possible.

⚖️ 10x UK cap explained 🧮 Worked examples ✓ Plain English
How to calculate it Game weighting
The Basics

What is a wagering requirement?

A wagering requirement — also called a "play-through" or "rollover" — is the number of times you must stake a bonus (or the winnings from free spins) before you're allowed to withdraw. It's written as a multiplier, such as "10x". If you claim a £20 bonus with 10x wagering, you must place £200 of bets before any winnings from that bonus can be cashed out.

It exists so casinos aren't simply handing out free withdrawable cash, but the level makes all the difference. A low requirement is easy to clear; a high one can make a "generous" bonus practically worthless. The good news for UK players: since 19 January 2026, wagering is capped at a maximum of 10x — far fairer than the old 30x–50x terms.

Do The Maths

How to calculate wagering

The core sum is simple: bonus amount × wagering multiplier = total you must stake. What varies is whether the requirement applies to the bonus only, or the deposit plus bonus — always check which. Here's how a £20 bonus looks at different levels:

BonusWageringTotal to stakeAt £1/spin
£2010x (UK max)£200200 spins
£2020x£400400 spins
£2040x (old style)£800800 spins
£20Wager-free£0Withdraw instantly

The difference is stark — which is exactly why the 10x cap matters, and why a small wager-free offer often beats a large one with strings attached. Our wagering calculator does this sum for any offer in seconds.

Infographic showing how a 10x wagering requirement works: a £25 casino bonus multiplied by 10x means £250 in qualifying bets before winnings become withdrawable cash
The whole of UK wagering in one sum — 10x has been the legal cap since January 2026.
The Hidden Factor

Game weighting (contribution)

Here's the detail that catches people out: not every game contributes the same amount toward wagering. Slots almost always count 100%, but table and live games count far less — so playing them makes the real wagering much higher than the headline 10x. Typical contributions look like this:

Game typeTypical contributionEffect on wagering
Slots100%£1 staked counts as £1 — the fastest way to clear.
Roulette10–20%£1 staked may count as just 10–20p.
Blackjack / video poker5–10%Often excluded or barely counts.
Live casinoVaries / excludedFrequently contributes little or nothing.

Always read the contribution table

A 10x bonus played on 10%-weighted roulette effectively becomes 100x. If you want to clear a bonus efficiently, stick to slots — and check which games are eligible, as some are excluded entirely.

Don't Get Caught Out

Other terms that affect wagering

Wagering never sits alone. Four other terms decide whether you can actually keep your winnings:

Clear It Faster

Tips for clearing wagering

  1. Play eligible slots — they contribute 100%, clearing the requirement fastest.
  2. Stay under the max bet (usually £5) on every spin, or you risk voiding the bonus.
  3. Choose lower-volatility slots to make your balance last through the play-through.
  4. Mind the clock — start early enough to clear the wagering before it expires.
  5. Prefer wager-free offers where you can: there's simply nothing to clear.

Compare offers the smart way

See how real bonuses stack up on our casino bonuses and free spins pages, and run any offer through the wagering calculator first.

Avoid The Traps

Common wagering mistakes that void bonuses

Most confiscated bonus winnings aren't the result of anything underhand — they come from breaching a term the player never read. The most common is the max-bet rule: while wagering is active, stakes are usually capped (often around £5 per spin or hand), and a single bet above it can void the bonus and everything won with it. The second is playing restricted games — some titles are excluded entirely while wagering, not just weighted lower, and a few spins on the wrong slot can breach the terms.

Two quieter traps: expiry windows, because wagering must normally be completed within a set period (commonly 7–30 days) or the bonus and winnings lapse; and withdrawing early — at most casinos, requesting a withdrawal before wagering is complete forfeits the remaining bonus. Before your first spin with bonus funds, check those four terms. It takes two minutes and prevents almost every wagering dispute we hear about.

Know Your Rights

The UK 10x wagering cap — what it changed

The 2026 bonus reforms capped wagering requirements at UK Gambling Commission–licensed casinos at 10x, ending the era of 35x, 50x and even 65x offers. In practice that means a £20 bonus can never require more than £200 in qualifying bets — a sum a casual player can realistically complete. It also shifted how offers compete: with wagering standardised, casinos now differentiate on bonus size, game eligibility, expiry windows and whether winnings are paid as cash.

One important caveat: the cap only applies to UKGC-licensed sites. Offshore and "non-GamStop" casinos still advertise huge bonuses carrying 40x–60x wagering — one of several reasons we only ever feature UKGC-licensed casinos. If you see wagering above 10x, treat it as a licence check, not a maths problem.

James Mercer — Founder & Senior Gaming Editor

UK Casino & Safer-Gambling Specialist

James has read the wagering terms on hundreds of UK bonuses and tested how they play out in practice. This guide reflects the current UK rules, including the 2026 10x cap, and is reviewed by our editorial team to keep it accurate.

Written by: James Mercer Reviewed by: CasinoReg editorial team Last updated: 15 July 2026
Your Questions

Wagering requirements — FAQs

What does 10x wagering mean?

It means you must stake the bonus amount ten times before withdrawing winnings from it. On a £20 bonus, that's £200 of bets. Since 19 January 2026, 10x is the maximum any UK-licensed casino can require, so you'll never face more than this.

How do I calculate a bonus's wagering?

Multiply the bonus amount by the wagering figure. A £30 bonus at 10x means £300 of staking. Check whether the requirement applies to the bonus only or deposit plus bonus, and remember that non-slot games may contribute less, increasing the real amount you need to stake.

Are wager-free bonuses better?

For value, yes. A wager-free bonus has no play-through, so any winnings are paid as cash you can withdraw immediately. Pound for pound this beats a larger bonus with wagering attached, which is why we rank wager-free offers, like the welcome spins at Ladbrokes and Coral, at the top.

What games count toward wagering?

Slots almost always count 100%, so they clear wagering fastest. Table and live games contribute far less — often 10% or less — and some are excluded entirely. Always check the game-contribution table in the bonus terms before you start.

Can I withdraw before completing the wagering?

You can usually withdraw your own deposited cash, but not winnings tied to a bonus until wagering is met. Withdrawing early often forfeits the bonus and any bonus winnings. Wager-free offers are the exception, since there's no requirement to meet.

Why can't I withdraw my bonus money directly?

Most bonuses are "sticky" — the bonus funds themselves can't be withdrawn, only the winnings you make from them once wagering is complete. This is standard, and it's why reading whether a bonus is sticky or non-sticky matters before you claim.

Learn More

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