What Is a Welcome Bonus?
A welcome bonus is an incentive offered by online casinos to new players when they register and make their first deposit. The most common format is a deposit match bonus — for example, "100% up to £200" means the casino doubles your first deposit up to that amount. Some offers also include free spins on selected slots.
On the surface, these offers look incredibly generous. But the real value of any bonus is hidden in its terms and conditions — specifically the wagering requirements.
What Are Wagering Requirements?
Wagering requirements (also called playthrough requirements) dictate how many times you must bet through the bonus funds before you can withdraw any winnings derived from them. This is how casinos ensure bonuses aren't simply withdrawn immediately.
How to Calculate Wagering Requirements
The calculation is straightforward:
Bonus Amount × Wagering Requirement = Total Amount to Wager
For example:
- You claim a £100 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement
- £100 × 35 = £3,500 must be wagered before withdrawing
- If it's 35x on deposit + bonus: £200 × 35 = £7,000 to wager
Wagering Requirement Benchmarks
| Wagering Requirement | Assessment |
|---|---|
| Under 20x | Excellent — very player-friendly |
| 20x–35x | Good — reasonable and achievable |
| 35x–50x | Average — read the full terms carefully |
| 50x+ | High — the bonus may have limited practical value |
Other Key Bonus Terms to Check
Wagering requirements aren't the only thing that matters. Always read these sections of the bonus T&Cs:
Game Contribution Percentages
Not all games contribute equally to wagering. A typical breakdown looks like this:
- Slots: Usually 100% contribution
- Roulette: Often 10–25%
- Blackjack: Often 5–10% or excluded entirely
- Live casino games: Frequently excluded from wagering
If you prefer table games, a slots-focused bonus may offer little real value to you.
Time Limits
Most bonuses expire within 7–30 days. If you don't complete the wagering requirement within the allotted time, the bonus and any associated winnings are forfeited. Always check the expiry date before claiming.
Maximum Bet Restrictions
When playing with an active bonus, there is almost always a maximum bet per spin or hand — commonly £5. Exceeding this limit can result in the bonus being voided, even if you've met the wagering requirement. Take this seriously.
Maximum Withdrawal Cap
Some bonuses cap how much you can withdraw from bonus winnings — e.g., "maximum withdrawal from free spins winnings: £100." This is worth knowing before you play.
Free Spins Bonuses
Free spins are awarded on specific slots. Winnings from free spins are typically subject to their own wagering requirements (often 30–40x the winnings). The value per spin is usually fixed (e.g., £0.10 per spin), so 50 free spins = £5 in bonus value before wagering.
Tips for Getting Real Value From Bonuses
- Compare the wagering requirement and the game restrictions together.
- Prioritise bonuses where your preferred game type contributes 100%.
- Only claim a bonus if you were planning to play anyway — don't deposit solely to chase a bonus.
- Read the full T&Cs, not just the headline offer.
- Check for a no-deposit bonus first — these carry zero financial risk.