A bonus can sound like extra money. In practice, it is a set of conditions attached to an offer. Read those conditions before depositing; if they are hard to find or understand, you can skip the offer.
Start with the wagering requirement
A wagering requirement says how much you must stake before eligible bonus winnings can be withdrawn. For example, 10× a €20 bonus means €200 of qualifying stakes if the rule applies to bonus funds only. Some offers calculate it differently, including on the deposit and bonus together. Read the exact wording rather than guessing.
Staking €200 is not the same as paying a €200 fee, but every wager risks a loss. Meeting a playthrough target does not guarantee you will have money left to withdraw.
Five checks before opting in
- Eligible games: Do slots count? Do different games contribute at different rates?
- Expiry: How long do you have to use the offer and meet its conditions?
- Maximum stake or cash-out: Is there a cap while the bonus is active?
- Withdrawals: What happens to the bonus if you request a withdrawal early?
- Verification: What account or identity checks are required before withdrawing?
“Free spins” still have terms
Check which game they apply to, their stake value, when they expire, and whether any winnings carry a wagering requirement. An offer is only useful if you understand the rules and would be comfortable with the risk without it.
The UK Gambling Commission’s consumer guide to offers and bonuses is a useful starting point. Rules vary by operator and location, so always read the terms shown for the specific offer where you live.
For adults only. Gambling can cause financial harm. Don’t increase your deposit or chase a playthrough target just to “unlock” a bonus. See our guide to setting limits.
The same “10×” can mean two very different targets
Suppose you deposit €20 and receive a €20 bonus. If the offer says 10× bonus, the playthrough target is €200 in qualifying stakes. If it says 10× deposit plus bonus, the target is €400. Those figures are not fees you pay upfront, but every qualifying bet risks real money. Reaching either target does not guarantee a withdrawable balance.
Then check game contribution. If a game contributes only 20% toward the target, a €10 wager may count as just €2 of progress. Rules vary; do not assume all bets count fully. Check the offer’s maximum bet, expiry and any cap on winnings before you opt in.
Questions to ask if the terms are fuzzy
- Is the multiplier applied to the bonus, the deposit, or both?
- Which games count, and at what contribution rate?
- Can I withdraw my own deposit and any winnings from it without completing bonus playthrough?
- What happens to bonus funds if I change my mind or the offer expires?
If the terms do not answer these questions, ask support in writing or skip the offer. Keep a copy of the terms you accepted. The UK Gambling Commission’s bonus guide explains the distinction between deposits and restricted bonus funds in Great Britain; rules elsewhere may differ. A bonus is never a reason to exceed your own spending limit.
You can put your own € figures into our bonus wagering calculator. The result shows a qualifying-stakes target, not an amount you are likely to win or lose.
Great Britain currently caps wagering requirements on covered incentives at 10× under the Gambling Commission’s Rewards and Bonuses code. This is a British rule; other countries may set different limits. Checked 12 November 2026.