What is a wagering requirement (WR)?
Wagering requirements are the total stakes you must place before bonus-derived funds can be withdrawn. Regulators require that the significant conditions of any promotion, including WR, be presented clearly and prominently at the point of offer and in ads. This is set out in the UK Gambling Commission’s Licence Conditions and Codes of Practice (LCCP) and in CAP/ASA advertising guidance on free bets and bonuses.
Many sites also publish a contribution table that tells you how different games count toward WR, and should highlight any exclusions or time limits as significant conditions.
The fast way to “read” a bonus: effective WR
Effective WR = headline WR × contribution percentage.
Example: a 30× bonus with slots at 100% and roulette at 10% means 30× on slots behaves like 300× if you try to clear it on roulette. Regulators and advertising bodies say these limits must be clear, timely and intelligible in marketing and at the point of sale.
Time limits and max-bet caps during wagering must also be presented as significant conditions. If they are not displayed with sufficient prominence, the ad is considered misleading.
RTP vs “actual” RTP: why your session may not match the number
Return to Player (RTP) is a long-run average. Licensees must live-monitor the actual RTP achieved in production and compare it to the expected (advertised) RTP to ensure games operate fairly as designed. UKGC publishes methods and tolerances, noting that after sufficient play, actual RTP should be close to the theoretical RTP, with volatility dictating acceptable ranges.
This matters for wagering because short sessions can deviate widely from the headline RTP. Plan your clearing strategy with variance in mind.
Max-bet rules, expiry, and excluded games
Promotions commonly cap the stake you can place per spin/hand while wagering, impose expiry windows, and exclude some games or bet types. Under the LCCP marketing rules, all significant conditions must be transparent and prominent in ads and at point of sale; ASA/CAP guidance says the same for “free bets and bonuses.”
If a term is unclear or hidden, that risks breaching advertising and consumer-protection standards. UK competition authorities and the Commission have required operators to remove unfair withdrawal restrictions and misleading promo practices.
What’s changing in Great Britain from January 19, 2026
Upcoming LCCP changes on socially responsible incentives will limit the use of wagering requirements and ban mixing different gambling products inside a single incentive. If you serve GB users, align your bonus design and copy now.
Crypto-specific checks that speed up cash-outs
Licensed markets that allow virtual assets lay down extra AML/KYC safeguards. Before you chase a crypto bonus, check the regulator and their stance on virtual assets.
Malta Gaming Authority
The MGA published its Policy on the use of Distributed Ledger Technology by authorised persons in 2023 and reflects it in current system-audit documentation and annual reporting. Look for explicit disclosure when a licensee accepts virtual assets.
Isle of Man Gambling Supervision Commission
The GSC provides AML/CFT guidance, including a dedicated note for virtual assets and goods. Operators must follow enhanced controls when accepting crypto.
Curaçao (LOK)
Curaçao’s National Ordinance on Games of Chance (LOK) entered into force on December 24, 2024, creating the Curaçao Gaming Authority and replacing the old master/sub-licence model. Expect more transparent licensing disclosures under LOK-era materials.
These frameworks do not guarantee a generous bonus, but they do signal oversight of payments, fairness, and complaints—all helpful when you want smooth withdrawals.
Step-by-step: clear wagering faster and avoid voided wins
- Confirm eligibility and regulator
Check your country, payment method eligibility, and the licence statement in the footer or terms. Make sure key conditions are clear and near the offer. - Prefer non-sticky structures
With non-sticky (parachute) bonuses you play real funds first and can withdraw those winnings before touching bonus funds; with sticky, the bonus itself is not cashable. Operators must describe this clearly under the “significant conditions” principle. - Target 100%-contribution games
Use the contribution table; avoid games that count 0–20% toward WR unless you specifically want them. - Lock your bet size under the max-bet cap
Exceeding it can void bonus winnings. Treat the cap and expiry as hard constraints. - Pace for variance and expiry
RTP converges with volume, but variance can bite; spread sessions so you don’t rush into mistakes near the deadline. - Complete KYC early
Authorities have acted against unfair withdrawal hurdles and delays. Upload ID and, where relevant, source-of-funds information before clearing WR. - Keep records
Screenshot the promo page and terms; if a dispute arises, refer to the operator’s complaints route and ADR where applicable.
FAQs
Do crypto casinos calculate WR differently?
No. WR math is the same; the contribution table and significant conditions must still be clear and prominent under advertising rules.
Why does a “96% RTP” game still feel swingy during WR?
Because that figure is theoretical. Licensees must monitor actual RTP, but short sessions can deviate widely due to volatility and will not guarantee outcomes.
Are withdrawal limits and ID checks allowed?
Reasonable AML/KYC checks are required, but unfair cash-out restrictions and avoidable hurdles have been called out by the CMA and UKGC.
What if an offer hides key terms?
Significant conditions must be transparent and prominent; otherwise advertising may be misleading under ASA/CAP and LCCP rules.
Responsible play
Only deposit what you can afford to lose, use time and loss limits, and never chase losses. If a term seems ambiguous, ask support before you start wagering. Regulatory rules are designed to make key conditions obvious—use them to protect yourself.
