Casino bonus wagering requirements explained: Everything UK players need to know
PART of the appeal of playing casino games online is the bonuses that are up for grabs.
However, bonuses come with terms and conditions, with wagering requirements arguably being the most important.
Online casinos that offer bonuses are almost certain to feature wagering requirements, which can impact how easy it is to withdraw winnings.
On this page, we will explain exactly what wagering requirements are and how they work. So, if you are looking to take advantage of bonuses offered through online casinos or betting sites in the UK, be sure to keep reading!
What are wagering requirements in UK casinos?
Wagering requirements is a term that refers to the specific amount of times in which players must play through a bonus before they can withdraw winnings. For example, if you earn a casino bonus worth £50, that features 10x wagering requirements, you must bet at least £500 on eligible games before you can take home earnings. Winnings made while working towards the wagering requirements will be stored in your account until the requirements have been met.
Why do online casinos implement wagering requirements?
It is fairly simple really. They do so in order to ensure that they are not paying out more than they can afford to. If there were no wagering requirements, players would find it significantly easier to profit from a casino bonus. Some casinos are more realistic when it comes to the wagering requirements implemented. For example, deposit bonuses for new members can range from 10x to 70x.
How do wagering requirements work in the UK?
UK online casinos work in the same way as those in other countries when it comes to other countries. This is true in that any winnings made while attempting to meet the wagering requirements will stay in a pending balance. As such, such money cannot be withdrawn but can be used to place additional bets.
Wagering requirements apply from the time a bonus is awarded, until the expiration period. In order to release bonus funds and earnings, the wagering requirements must be met by players within the given timeframe. Having done so, money will be transferred to your main account wallet.
What is the “wager amount” for fulfilling wagering requirements?
This will depend on the specific wagering requirements. We have already given an example of this. However, given the importance of understanding this topic, we will provide another. So, if your casino bonus is worth £20 and the terms and conditions feature 35x wagering requirements, then you must wager £700 in order to unlock funds.
What wagering terms should I pay the most attention to?
Casino bonuses found online today come with a host of terms and conditions. As such, it is important to read the small print in full before signing up and depositing money. The first thing to consider is the wagering requirements amount, whether it be 10x, 35x or 50x. Meanwhile, it is also worth looking at which games are eligible. As part of this, some games may contribute towards the wagering requirements more than others. For example, slots could contribute 100%, while table games only contribute 10%.
Are there any no-wagering-requirement casino bonuses in the UK?
The vast majority of casino bonuses for new players will come with wagering requirements. However, there are ongoing promotions, including reload bonuses, that do not feature such conditions. Such deals will appeal in particular, given the relative ease at which you can benefit from them.
Do all casino games contribute equally to wagering requirements?
As we have already mentioned, it is important to consider how different casino games contribute to the wagering requirements. Meanwhile, some games played will not contribute at all. You can find such information in the bonus terms and conditions. Contributions to the wagering requirements differ from casino to casino. However, the following is an example of what players can expect to find:
- Video slots, classic slots, and jackpot slots: 100%
- Scratchcards: 100%
- Video poker: 5%
- Table games: 5%
- Live casino: 5%
How to beat casino bonus wagering requirements
Now that you know what wagering requirements are and how they work, it is time to outline how to meet them. The following is a step-by-step guide that shows exactly how players can meet the wagering requirements of a casino bonus:
- Register a new account with your chosen casino.
- Login to your account and access the deposit page.
- Add money to your account using an eligible payment method. Ensure that you meet the minimum deposit amount
- Automatically claim your casino bonus.
- Start placing bets on eligible casino games.
- Keep track of your progress.
- Once you have met the wagering requirements, you will be able to withdraw any remaining bonus and winnings made.
How do I calculate the amount I’ll need to wager?
This is something that players can work out by using a very simple formula. You will need to multiply the bonus amount with the wagering requirements. For example, a £100 bonus with 50x wagering requirements will be written as 100 x 50 = 5,000. This means that £5,000 worth of bets must be placed in order to meet the wagering requirements.
What happens if I don’t fulfil the wagering requirement on time?
Players who fail to meet the wagering requirements before their bonus expires risk losing everything that they have earned until that point. However, it does depend on the specific bonus terms and conditions put in place by your casino. So, be sure that you are aware of the requirements, as well as how much time is available before you get started.
Can the expiry period for wagering requirements be extended?
Simply put, no. Bonus expiry periods cannot be extended. As such, players know exactly how much time they have in order to meet the wagering requirements. The number of days will vary between bonus types. For example, a deposit bonus for new players will likely give players around 30 days. However, free spins are available for just 24 hours in some cases.
How to choose a bonus based on its wagering requirement:
Wagering requirements are one of the terms and conditions that separate the best casino bonuses from the rest. So, when choosing between available bonuses, be sure to consider the following factors in particular:
- Wagering requirements amount
- Eligible games
- Game contributions
- Expiration period
What is the best way to beat a casino wagering requirement?
Unfortunately, there is no strategy that guarantees success when meeting the wagering requirements surrounding a casino bonus. However, there are some steps that players can take in order to boost their chances of achieving success.
Firstly, look at the wagering requirements before you sign up. Avoid bonuses that come with unrealistic wagering requirements. Meanwhile, be sure to place bets on eligible games, as well as those that contribute well to the wagering requirements.
Which casinos have bonuses with the lowest wagering requirements?
There are some online casinos in the UK that attract new players, in part, through their realistic bonus wagering requirements. Below, we have taken a closer look at three of our favourite casinos in this area:
1. MrQ
Founded in 2018, MrQ is one of the biggest online casinos in the UK. New players can claim 5 wager free spins upon signing up, without needing to make a deposit. Another 30 are credited when they add funds to their balance. This means that any winnings made can be withdrawn immediately. However, it is worth noting that free spins can only be used on the Starburst slot and are valued at 10p each.
2. Mr Vegas
Another casino to offer a wager-free welcome offer is Mr Vegas. Here, players can claim 11 free spins, which are available for just 24 hours. Meanwhile at Mr Vegas, you can use free spins on the Pink Elephants 2 video slot from Thunderkick.
How do wagering requirements work with responsible gaming?
Some within the industry are concerned about how bonus wagering requirements can impact responsible gambling. As such, promotions with a small number or even no wagering requirements are increasingly common. When looking to meet the wagering requirements of a bonus, it is important that you still act responsibly. So, if you feel that you are betting too often or more than you normally would, be sure to take a break.
My thoughts on casino wagering requirements
Having read our guide, you should have a much clearer understanding of how wagering requirements work. A host of bonuses are available online today. However, not all are worth taking advantage of. Wagering requirements play a major role in separating the best from the rest. Our recommended casinos generally score well in this area. So, be sure to check them out for yourself, including their bonus offers.
About the author
James Fuller
James is an experienced copywriter with over a decade’s worth of experience in the casino industry. He is an avid sports fan, following football, tennis, Formula 1 and golf in particular.
Remember to gamble responsibly
A responsible gambler is someone who:
- Establishes time and monetary limits before playing
- Only gambles with money they can afford to lose
- Never chase their losses
- Doesn’t gamble if they’re upset, angry, or depressed
- Gamcare – www.gamcare.org.uk
- Gamble Aware – www.begambleaware.org
Find our detailed guide on responsible gambling practices here.
For help with a gambling problem, call the National Gambling Helpline on 0808 8020 133 or go to www.gamstop.co.uk to be excluded from all UK-regulated gambling websites.
