Almost every welcome bonus comes with a small line in the terms: “wagering x35” or “35x rollover”. This line decides whether a bonus is actually playable — or almost impossible to clear.
Basic example of wagering x35
Imagine you get a 100% bonus up to €100 with wagering x35 on bonus.
- You deposit €100.
- The casino gives you €100 bonus.
- Wagering is x35 on the bonus amount.
Required wagering = €100 × 35 = €3,500 in bets.
“On bonus” vs “on bonus + deposit”
Casinos like to write wagering in different ways. The two most common:
- x35 bonus – only the bonus amount is used in the calculation.
- x35 bonus + deposit – both your deposit and the bonus are used.
Using the same €100 deposit and €100 bonus:
- x35 bonus → €100 × 35 = €3,500 to wager.
- x35 bonus + deposit → €200 × 35 = €7,000 to wager.
The offer looks identical on the banner, but in practice the second one is twice as “heavy”.
Games that usually do (and don’t) count
In most casinos, not all games contribute equally to wagering:
- Slots: often 100% contribution.
- Table games / live games: 0–20% or completely excluded.
- Jackpot slots: often excluded.
This means that playing roulette or blackjack with a bonus usually moves the wagering meter very slowly, if at all. Always check the “Games contribution” section in the bonus terms.
Time limits and max bet
Two more important rules to look at:
- Time limit: e.g. “bonus must be wagered within 7 days”.
- Max bet: e.g. “max €5 per spin while wagering is active”.
If you bet too high or exceed the time limit, the casino can confiscate the bonus and any winnings from it — even if you completed the wagering.
When is a bonus actually worth taking?
In general, a welcome bonus is more player-friendly when:
- Wagering is x30–x40 on bonus only, not on bonus+deposit.
- Slots count 100%, and popular providers are not excluded.
- There is a reasonable time limit (14–30 days).
- Max bet is not extremely low (e.g. €5 or higher).
If you see very high wagering (x50, x60) or many excluded games, it may be better to skip the bonus and play with just your deposit.
Example: free spins with wagering
Free spins can also have wagering. A typical example:
- 100 free spins on a selected slot.
- All winnings from the spins are credited as bonus money.
- Wagering x30 on the winnings amount.
If you win €20 from the free spins and the wagering is x30, you must wager €600 before you can withdraw those winnings.
Common traps to avoid
- Playing excluded or low-contribution games while wagering.
- Raising your bet above the allowed max bet.
- Ignoring the time limit and trying to finish wagering at the last minute.
- Stacking multiple bonuses without understanding how each one is cleared.
Key takeaways
- Wagering x35 means 35× the relevant amount must be bet before withdrawal.
- Always check whether it’s “bonus” or “bonus + deposit”.
- Slots usually count 100%, tables and jackpots often don’t count.
- Time limits and max bet rules are as important as the x-number itself.
- If the terms look too restrictive, you can always play without a bonus.