If you’re new to online casinos in the UK, you might have noticed that many of them offer bonuses to try and attract new players. These bonuses can sometimes come with conditions attached, such as wagering requirements. Understanding what these are and how they work is important, especially if you’re thinking about using a bonus to play online slot games.
This guide explains what wagering requirements are, how they work in relation to online slots, and how some slot games might help you meet those conditions. It also looks at a few games that are commonly included in many promotions.
This blog is written with new players in mind, so all technical terms are explained in plain language. Whether you’re just starting out, or exploring new games, the aim is to help you understand how bonus conditions might affect your play.
What Is Wagering on Slots?
When a casino offers a bonus, like extra funds or free spins, it often comes with something called a wagering requirement. This means you need to place a certain total amount in bets before you can withdraw any money linked to the bonus.
For example, if you receive a £20 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement, you’d need to place £700 worth of bets before that bonus – or any potential winnings made from it – could become available for withdrawal. That figure (£700) comes from multiplying the bonus amount (£20) by the requirement (35).
These requirements exist to try and prevent bonuses from being withdrawn without being used for gameplay. They’re a standard part of most online casino promotions. Keep in mind that requirements may differ between casinos. You may find that some promotions have a lower requirement like 10x, while others may be higher – such as 50x. So, it may be a good idea to check the full bonus terms before using one.
40x Wagering Requirement Example
To make this concept easier to understand, here’s a simple breakdown of how a 40x wagering requirement might work:
Bonus amount: £15
Wagering requirement: 40x
Total bets required: £15 x 40 = £600
In this case, you’d need to place bets totalling £600 using your own money, the bonus funds, or a combination of both, depending on the promotion’s rules. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t mean you need to lose £600, just that you must place that amount in total bets before any remaining bonus funds, or any potential winnings are eligible to be withdrawn.
It’s also important to understand that not all casino games contribute the same amount towards these requirements. Many slot games contribute 100%, meaning if you bet £1, it counts as £1 towards the wagering requirement. But some games might contribute less, or nothing at all, depending on the operator’s rules.
Best Slots For Wagering
Some slot games are more commonly used by players when trying to meet wagering requirements. This is often because they contribute fully to the requirement, are easy to understand, or have features that may keep players entertained.
However, there’s no guarantee that any specific slot will help you meet a requirement faster. The suitability of a slot for bonus wagering depends on the individual promotion and the casino’s rules.
Here’s a look at some slots that are frequently included in promotions and why some players choose them when wagering a bonus:
Book of Dead
A well-known slot with a simple layout and free spins feature. Many casinos allow it for wagering, and it often contributes 100% towards bonus requirements. Its game mechanics are straightforward, which may appeal to those unfamiliar with more complex games.
Bonanza
Bonanza uses something called the Megaways system, which can create a changing number of possible winning combinations on every spin. It’s a high-variance slot, meaning that potential wins may be less frequent, but individual payouts may be higher. Variance, also called volatility, refers to how often and how much a slot might pay out – but it doesn’t influence your overall chances of winning. Results are still random and cannot be predicted.
Gonzo’s Quest
Gonzo’s Quest includes a feature where symbols fall into place rather than spin. Some players choose it when completing bonus requirements due to its fun design and medium volatility. Medium volatility suggests a somewhat more balanced pattern of potential wins – not too frequent or too rare – but outcomes still depend entirely on chance.
Starburst
Starburst is a low-volatility slot. This means it tends to produce smaller wins more frequently, although these are never guaranteed. Its simple format and bright design make it accessible for newer players. It is often included in free spin offers and usually contributes fully to wagering.
Immortal Romance
A themed slot that offers multiple bonus rounds. Its gameplay can be complex, but some players enjoy the variety it offers. Casinos may include it in promotions, though contribution rates can vary.
Mega Moolah
This is a progressive jackpot slot, which means it’s linked to a shared prize pool that grows over time. Although it’s known for its potential jackpots, it may still be used to meet wagering requirements depending on the casino. However, it may be worth checking whether jackpot slots are included, as some casinos exclude them.
Dead or Alive
Known for high volatility and big win potential in bonus rounds. However, its high Return to Player (RTP) and volatility means that some casinos may limit or exclude it from bonus wagering.
The RTP is a long-term average showing how much a game may return to players over millions of spins. It is a theoretical figure and does not predict individual outcomes.
Thunderstruck II
Inspired by Norse mythology, Thunderstruck II has multiple bonus features and is included in some promotions. Some players choose it due to its layered features and flexible wagering levels.
Wolf Gold
Wolf Gold has a balance between standard spins and bonus features like free spins and respins. This balance may appeal to players working through wagering requirements. Whether or not it qualifies for bonuses depends on each casino.
Blood Suckers
Blood Suckers has one of the highest RTPs among online slots. While a higher RTP might sound appealing, casinos sometimes exclude high-RTP slots from bonus play, or reduce their contribution. It’s essential to check the specific terms if you’re considering this slot game during a promotion.
How To Beat Wagering Requirements
In this context, beating wagering requirements simply means meeting the conditions set by the casino, so that bonus funds and any possible winnings can be withdrawn.
There is no guaranteed way to beat or bypass these rules – it’s about understanding how to meet them within the limits set by the operator.
Start by reviewing the full bonus terms. These will usually explain:
The wagering requirement (e.g. 10x or 30x)
The games that qualify or contribute towards wagering
Any maximum bet size when using bonus funds
Time limits for completing the requirement
Choosing games that contribute 100% towards the requirement may help you reach the target more efficiently. Many online slots fall into this category, but not all. Contribution rates can differ between casinos, and even between promotions within the same casino.
Managing your playing budget can help you keep track of your wagering progress. There’s no set formula, but some players choose lower volatility games during wagering to try and stretch their funds. Again, volatility doesn’t guarantee any result – it simply describes how the game has been designed to behave in terms of potential win frequency and size over time.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet Wagering Requirements?
If the conditions of a bonus aren’t met within the timeframe set by the casino, the bonus and any linked winnings might be removed from your account. Each operator sets its own rules, but many promotions come with time limits – often between 7 and 30 days.
These rules are in place to ensure that bonuses are used as intended – for playing the games on offer. If you’re not sure whether you’ve met the requirement, you can usually check your progress in the promotions or bonus section of your account.
Every casino is different. If you’re not familiar with the layout or structure of a particular casino site, it might help to explore the game library and check the rules of individual games.
Reading through the terms and conditions of each bonus offer is the most reliable way to understand how it works, which games are eligible, and how to use it in a way that suits your own preferences. Always play responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
If you’re new to online casinos in the UK, you might have noticed that many of them offer bonuses to try and attract new players. These bonuses can sometimes come with conditions attached, such as wagering requirements. Understanding what these are and how they work is important, especially if you’re thinking about using a bonus to play online slot games.
This guide explains what wagering requirements are, how they work in relation to online slots, and how some slot games might help you meet those conditions. It also looks at a few games that are commonly included in many promotions.
This blog is written with new players in mind, so all technical terms are explained in plain language. Whether you’re just starting out, or exploring new games, the aim is to help you understand how bonus conditions might affect your play.
What Is Wagering on Slots?
When a casino offers a bonus, like extra funds or free spins, it often comes with something called a wagering requirement. This means you need to place a certain total amount in bets before you can withdraw any money linked to the bonus.
For example, if you receive a £20 bonus with a 35x wagering requirement, you’d need to place £700 worth of bets before that bonus – or any potential winnings made from it – could become available for withdrawal. That figure (£700) comes from multiplying the bonus amount (£20) by the requirement (35).
These requirements exist to try and prevent bonuses from being withdrawn without being used for gameplay. They’re a standard part of most online casino promotions. Keep in mind that requirements may differ between casinos. You may find that some promotions have a lower requirement like 10x, while others may be higher – such as 50x. So, it may be a good idea to check the full bonus terms before using one.
40x Wagering Requirement Example
To make this concept easier to understand, here’s a simple breakdown of how a 40x wagering requirement might work:
Bonus amount: £15
Wagering requirement: 40x
Total bets required: £15 x 40 = £600
In this case, you’d need to place bets totalling £600 using your own money, the bonus funds, or a combination of both, depending on the promotion’s rules. It’s worth noting that it doesn’t mean you need to lose £600, just that you must place that amount in total bets before any remaining bonus funds, or any potential winnings are eligible to be withdrawn.
It’s also important to understand that not all casino games contribute the same amount towards these requirements. Many slot games contribute 100%, meaning if you bet £1, it counts as £1 towards the wagering requirement. But some games might contribute less, or nothing at all, depending on the operator’s rules.
Best Slots For Wagering
Some slot games are more commonly used by players when trying to meet wagering requirements. This is often because they contribute fully to the requirement, are easy to understand, or have features that may keep players entertained.
However, there’s no guarantee that any specific slot will help you meet a requirement faster. The suitability of a slot for bonus wagering depends on the individual promotion and the casino’s rules.
Here’s a look at some slots that are frequently included in promotions and why some players choose them when wagering a bonus:
Book of Dead
A well-known slot with a simple layout and free spins feature. Many casinos allow it for wagering, and it often contributes 100% towards bonus requirements. Its game mechanics are straightforward, which may appeal to those unfamiliar with more complex games.
Bonanza
Bonanza uses something called the Megaways system, which can create a changing number of possible winning combinations on every spin. It’s a high-variance slot, meaning that potential wins may be less frequent, but individual payouts may be higher. Variance, also called volatility, refers to how often and how much a slot might pay out – but it doesn’t influence your overall chances of winning. Results are still random and cannot be predicted.
Gonzo’s Quest
Gonzo’s Quest includes a feature where symbols fall into place rather than spin. Some players choose it when completing bonus requirements due to its fun design and medium volatility. Medium volatility suggests a somewhat more balanced pattern of potential wins – not too frequent or too rare – but outcomes still depend entirely on chance.
Starburst
Starburst is a low-volatility slot. This means it tends to produce smaller wins more frequently, although these are never guaranteed. Its simple format and bright design make it accessible for newer players. It is often included in free spin offers and usually contributes fully to wagering.
Immortal Romance
A themed slot that offers multiple bonus rounds. Its gameplay can be complex, but some players enjoy the variety it offers. Casinos may include it in promotions, though contribution rates can vary.
Mega Moolah
This is a progressive jackpot slot, which means it’s linked to a shared prize pool that grows over time. Although it’s known for its potential jackpots, it may still be used to meet wagering requirements depending on the casino. However, it may be worth checking whether jackpot slots are included, as some casinos exclude them.
Dead or Alive
Known for high volatility and big win potential in bonus rounds. However, its high Return to Player (RTP) and volatility means that some casinos may limit or exclude it from bonus wagering.
The RTP is a long-term average showing how much a game may return to players over millions of spins. It is a theoretical figure and does not predict individual outcomes.
Thunderstruck II
Inspired by Norse mythology, Thunderstruck II has multiple bonus features and is included in some promotions. Some players choose it due to its layered features and flexible wagering levels.
Wolf Gold
Wolf Gold has a balance between standard spins and bonus features like free spins and respins. This balance may appeal to players working through wagering requirements. Whether or not it qualifies for bonuses depends on each casino.
Blood Suckers
Blood Suckers has one of the highest RTPs among online slots. While a higher RTP might sound appealing, casinos sometimes exclude high-RTP slots from bonus play, or reduce their contribution. It’s essential to check the specific terms if you’re considering this slot game during a promotion.
How To Beat Wagering Requirements
In this context, beating wagering requirements simply means meeting the conditions set by the casino, so that bonus funds and any possible winnings can be withdrawn.
There is no guaranteed way to beat or bypass these rules – it’s about understanding how to meet them within the limits set by the operator.
Start by reviewing the full bonus terms. These will usually explain:
The wagering requirement (e.g. 10x or 30x)
The games that qualify or contribute towards wagering
Any maximum bet size when using bonus funds
Time limits for completing the requirement
Choosing games that contribute 100% towards the requirement may help you reach the target more efficiently. Many online slots fall into this category, but not all. Contribution rates can differ between casinos, and even between promotions within the same casino.
Managing your playing budget can help you keep track of your wagering progress. There’s no set formula, but some players choose lower volatility games during wagering to try and stretch their funds. Again, volatility doesn’t guarantee any result – it simply describes how the game has been designed to behave in terms of potential win frequency and size over time.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet Wagering Requirements?
If the conditions of a bonus aren’t met within the timeframe set by the casino, the bonus and any linked winnings might be removed from your account. Each operator sets its own rules, but many promotions come with time limits – often between 7 and 30 days.
These rules are in place to ensure that bonuses are used as intended – for playing the games on offer. If you’re not sure whether you’ve met the requirement, you can usually check your progress in the promotions or bonus section of your account.
Every casino is different. If you’re not familiar with the layout or structure of a particular casino site, it might help to explore the game library and check the rules of individual games.
Reading through the terms and conditions of each bonus offer is the most reliable way to understand how it works, which games are eligible, and how to use it in a way that suits your own preferences. Always play responsibly.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these slot games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.
