Casino bonuses are exciting — free spins, deposit matches, cashback offers — but they often come with strings attached. One of the most important terms to understand is wagering requirements. These determine how many times you need to bet a bonus before you can withdraw winnings. Platforms like Five 88 do a good job of clearly outlining their bonus conditions so players aren’t caught off guard.
Wagering requirements are usually expressed as a multiplier. For example, a 30x wagering requirement on a $100 bonus means you’ll need to wager $3,000 before you can cash out any winnings from that bonus. The higher the multiplier, the tougher it is to clear the bonus.
It’s also important to know whether the requirement applies to the bonus amount only, or both the deposit and bonus. This makes a big difference. A 30x bonus-only requirement is much easier than a 30x bonus + deposit one.
Some games contribute more than others toward clearing these requirements. Slots often count 100%, while table games like blackjack may count only 10% or not at all. Always check the list of eligible games before playing.
Time limits are another factor. Most casinos require you to meet the wagering requirement within a set period, such as 7 or 30 days. If you don’t, the bonus and any winnings could be forfeited.
While wagering requirements may seem like a hurdle, they’re designed to prevent bonus abuse and make offers sustainable. Once you understand how they work, you can use them to your advantage — especially during promotional periods when terms are more favorable.