Wagering 101: How to Complete the Requirement

Claiming a Casino Bonus

Getting a welcome bonus is one of the most exciting parts of joining a new casino.

However, you shouldn't forget that when you accept a bonus you're accepting the bonus policy and terms and conditions that come alongside it.

One of the most common terms is wagering, which will be attached to nearly every bonus you have available to you as a UK player.

Wagering can feel like an arduous task, but there are certain things you can do to increase your chances of completing the requirement and walking away with a cashout – or look out for no wagering bonuses, where you can keep everything you win.

Let's cover the basics of casino wagering, including how to wager bonus money and practices to avoid when using bonus funds.

What is Wagering?

In the simplest terms possible, wagering is spending that is required in order to withdraw winnings from a casino bonus.

When you accept a bonus in the UK, you'll use your cash funds first, which can be withdrawn at any point.

If you enter into bonus funds, however, the casino will expect you to spend a certain amount before you can place a withdrawal.

Your wagering might be 35x, which means if you've taken a £100 bonus you must place £3,500 worth of bets before you can withdraw – every £1 spent is £1 wagered, win or lose, so this can move quite quickly.

Types of Wagering

There are two types of wagering you'll encounter on your casino bonus journey.

The more classic kind is where you accept your bonus, receive your funds, and must complete wagering if you start to spend them.

The newer kind is when you make a deposit, and you must wager your own cash funds in order to receive your bonus, but then when you get your bonus you can keep it and withdraw as soon as you want.

As an extension of this second kind, you may be able to unlock your bonus in increments, which means for every 10% of wagering you unlock you receive 10% of your bonus, and you may also be able to make multiple deposits in order to complete this wagering.

However, once you withdraw your cash funds with either kind of wagering, you forfeit any bonus you have already received or will receive.

Wagering Terms and Conditions

When you're wagering a casino bonus, you must adhere to the terms and conditions; it's crucial that you pay attention to these to avoid forfeiting your bonus funds or being denied your withdrawal.

The most common wagering terms you'll find will usually be in the ‘significant terms', which sit underneath the advertised offer and include the following:

• Maximum stakes
• Time limit
• Maximum withdrawals

Conversely, you may find that there are additional terms that are hidden in the main terms and conditions of the casino, or in the bonus policy, which can include the following:

• Disallowed games.
• Differing contributions.
• Banned bonus hunts.
• Differing caps based on your payment method.

You can read more about these in our guide to hidden wagering terms.

Top Tips For Completing Wagering

If you want to complete your wagering requirement, there are a few things you can do to give yourself the best chance.

Although you can't guarantee that you'll win or be able to cash out, you can set yourself up for success by making the right choices at the start, and then hopefully you will be successful.

We have years of experience in this industry, and we've completed wagering on hundreds of casino bonuses on our YouTube live streams.

Here are our top tips to completing wagering:

1. Play high RTP games.
2. Play softer volatility games, especially as you get towards the end your wagering requirement.
3. Take advantage of the maximum stake limits if your balance allows it, whilst still managing your stake when your balance is lower.
4. Play slot games that have frequent bonuses.
5. Play games that you enjoy, so even if you don't complete wagering you've still had fun.

Getting the Most From Casino Bonuses

Getting the most from a casino bonus includes getting the most financially and getting the most in terms of entertainment.

Whilst it is important to try to get a withdrawal and some profit out of your bonus, it's important to have fun using it.

Try to mix up between playing your favourite games, trying out some new online slots, and playing the games that you think will give you the best chance of a cashout – all whilst being careful to adhere to the terms and conditions.

If you follow these steps, you'll have a positive experience with your casino bonus.

And don't forget, if you aren't successful this time we have hundreds of casino bonuses for UK players, so you could always claim a different bonus next time.

If you do sign up to one of our recommended casinos, please play responsibly.