Every deposit bonus comes with a condition that decides whether it is generous or not: the wagering requirement. It is the amount a player must stake before bonus money becomes withdrawable cash. Understanding it takes five minutes and changes how a player chooses between offers.
The basic formula
Wagering is written as a multiplier: 30x, 35x, 40x. The terms say what it applies to.
- Bonus only: required stakes = bonus × multiplier.
- Deposit plus bonus: required stakes = (deposit + bonus) × multiplier.
The second version asks for much more play for the same headline offer, so the wording matters.
Worked example: three offers, one deposit
Take a 50 € first deposit and, for illustration only, a 35x multiplier on the bonus. The real multiplier for each casino is in its own terms.
- 100% match (for example CasinoPurple with PURPLE100 or Cas2Bet with CAS100): 50 € bonus, so 1,750 € of stakes.
- 250% match (ZeSlots with ZESLOTS250 or YourWin24 with YOUR250): 125 € bonus, so 4,375 € of stakes.
- 300% match (CasinoWinner with WIN300): 150 € bonus, so 5,250 € of stakes.
At 1 € per spin, that is 1,750, 4,375 or 5,250 spins. None of these is “better” in the abstract. The 300% gives the most play; the 100% is the quickest to complete.
Game contribution
Not every game counts the same. A typical table might look like this, though each casino publishes its own:
- Slots: 100%
- Crash and instant games: varies
- Table games and live casino: reduced or 0%
If a game counts 10%, a 10 € bet adds only 1 € to the wagering total. A player who mostly plays live blackjack should check this line first.
Maximum bet while the bonus is active
Most terms cap the stake per round while a bonus is active. The rule exists to stop a player from completing wagering with a handful of huge bets. Exceeding it can cancel the bonus and any winnings from it.
Time limits
Wagering usually has a deadline, counted in days from activation. If the deadline passes, the remaining bonus and its winnings are removed. Pick a bonus size you can realistically play through in that window.
Maximum cash-out
Some bonuses, especially no deposit offers, cap how much can be withdrawn from bonus winnings. Read it alongside the multiplier.
A short checklist
- Is wagering on the bonus only, or on deposit plus bonus?
- What is the multiplier?
- Which games count, and at what rate?
- What is the maximum bet?
- How many days do I have?
- Is there a cash-out cap?
With those six answers, comparing a 100% offer with a 300% offer becomes simple arithmetic.
18+, play responsibly.
Frequently asked questions
What does 35x wagering mean?
It means the bonus amount (or bonus plus deposit, depending on the terms) must be staked 35 times before it can be withdrawn. A 100 € bonus at 35x requires 3,500 € of total stakes.
Do winnings count toward wagering?
Stakes count, not winnings. Every bet placed with the bonus balance adds its stake to the total, whether it wins or loses.
Why do some games count less?
Casinos set a contribution rate per game type. Slots often count 100%, while table and live games may count a fraction or nothing. The rate is in the bonus terms.
Is a bigger bonus always better?
Not if you want to withdraw quickly. A 300% match with the same multiplier as a 100% match needs three times the total stakes.
What is a maximum bet rule?
A cap on the stake per spin or hand while a bonus is active. Breaking it can void the bonus and its winnings.