Verified June 2026 · by Mason Whitlock

Wagering Requirements: How They Really Work

Wagering requirements are the single most important line in any bonus's terms. They set how much you must bet before bonus winnings can be withdrawn, and small wording changes — "bonus" versus "bonus plus deposit" — can triple the work. Here's the maths, with worked AUD examples, so no offer can surprise you.

The core calculation

A wagering requirement is written as a multiplier, like 35x. Applied to a $100 bonus, 35x means $3,500 of total bets before withdrawal. The trap is the base it multiplies. "35x bonus" is $3,500. "35x bonus + deposit" on a $100 bonus from a $100 deposit is ($100 + $100) × 35 = $7,000 — double. And "50x bonus + deposit" on the same is $10,000. The multiplier alone tells you nothing until you know what it multiplies.

Game weightings change everything

Not every bet counts fully. Pokies almost always contribute 100%, so $10 staked clears $10 of wagering. Roulette and blackjack often count 10% or less, meaning $10 staked clears just $1 — so clearing a bonus on table games can take ten times longer. Live dealer games are frequently excluded entirely. Always read the contribution table, because a "low" multiplier on games that count 20% is worse than a higher one on pokies at 100%. The pokies are usually your fastest clearing route.

Max bet and the real cost

Most bonuses cap your bet during wagering — commonly $5. Exceed it and you can void the bonus, so a big "catch-up" bet is the classic way players lose a bonus they were close to clearing. Now the cost: at a 96% RTP pokie you lose about 4% of everything you stake. Clear $7,000 of wagering and the expected cost is roughly $280 — which can be more than a $100 bonus is worth. That's why I often skip big welcomes entirely and play cash, as covered in the bonuses guide.

Before claiming anything, check the withdrawal terms too — a bonus you clear but can't cash out is no win at all.

FAQ

What does 35x wagering actually mean?

It means you must place total bets equal to 35 times a set amount before bonus winnings can be withdrawn. On a $100 bonus that's $3,500 of turnover if it applies to the bonus only, or $7,000 if it applies to bonus plus deposit. Always check which base the multiplier uses.

Why is my bonus taking so long to clear?

Game weightings are the usual cause. Pokies count 100% toward wagering, but table and live games often count 10% or less, so betting on them clears the requirement far more slowly. Stick to pokies to clear a bonus efficiently, and watch the max-bet cap so you don't void it.

Is it ever worth clearing a high-wagering bonus?

Often not. At 50x or more on bonus plus deposit, the expected cost of clearing can exceed the bonus itself once you account for the house edge. A smaller bonus with low wagering, or simply playing cash, frequently leaves you better off.

Play safe: gambling is entertainment, not income, and the maths favours the house. If it stops being fun, call Gambling Help Online on 1800 858 858 or visit BetStop. 18+.