What "wagering" actually means
A wagering requirement is the number of times you must bet a bonus (and sometimes the deposit too) before any winnings become withdrawable cash.
You'll see it written as a multiplier like 35x. The key question is always: 35 times what? — the bonus, or the deposit + bonus. Always check which.
The maths, worked through
Say you deposit £50 and get a £50 bonus with 35x wagering on the bonus:
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Bonus amount | £50 |
| Wagering multiplier | 35x |
| Total you must bet | £50 × 35 = £1,750 |
If the requirement were "35x deposit + bonus" instead, you'd need to wager (£50 + £50) × 35 = £3,500. Same headline, double the work.
Why game weighting matters
Not every bet counts the same. Game weighting sets how much each game contributes:
- Slots: usually 100% — £1 wagered counts as £1.
- Roulette: often 10–20% — £1 wagered may count as just 10–20p.
- Blackjack & video poker: frequently 10% or excluded.
Watch out
If you try to clear a slots-weighted bonus on blackjack, you could end up needing to bet ten times more than you expected.
Sensible tips
- Prefer bonuses with wagering of 35x or less.
- Clear wagering on the games that count 100% (usually slots).
- Never bet above the maximum-bet cap while wagering.
- Only ever wager money you're comfortable spending for entertainment.
Play it safe
Bonuses and gambling should always be fun, never a way to make money. Set limits before you play and take a break whenever you need to — see our Safer Gambling guide. 18+ · BeGambleAware.org