What Does 40x Wagering Requirement Mean? Full Explanation

If you see a casino bonus with a “40x wagering requirement,” it can sound confusing at first. Yet, understanding it may make a big difference to how you view bonus offers. 

This guide explains what a 40x wagering requirement actually means, how it affects your ability to withdraw any potential winnings, and why casinos use it in the first place. You’ll also see clear examples of how to calculate wagering totals and what to look for in the terms before you play. 

By the end, you’ll have a better understanding of how these conditions work in UK online casinos and how to approach them responsibly.

What Does 40x Wagering Mean in Online Casinos?

A 40x wagering requirement means you must place bets totalling forty times a certain amount before any winnings linked to a bonus can be withdrawn. 

This “certain amount” is known as the base amount, and it can vary between promotions. Some casinos may apply the requirement only to the bonus funds, while others might apply it to both the deposit and bonus combined.

For example, if you claim a £10 bonus with a 40x wagering requirement on the bonus amount, you need to wager £400 in total before withdrawing any potential winnings connected to that bonus. If the same 40x applies to your deposit and bonus combined, and you deposited £10 to receive a £10 bonus, you’d have to wager £800 in total.

Different casino games contribute in different ways to meeting the wagering total. Most slot games contribute 100%, meaning every £1 you stake counts fully. Table games, such as blackjack or roulette, often contribute less — sometimes as low as 10–20%. These differences should be outlined in the bonus terms, so checking the contribution rates before you start can help you understand how long it may take to complete wagering.

Casino games are based on chance. Even if you meet all wagering conditions, winnings cannot be guaranteed. Every bet carries the possibility of losing or winning, and outcomes depend on random results.

How Do You Work Out a 40x Wagering Requirement?

Working out a 40x wagering requirement is a simple calculation once you know what it applies to.

1. Identify the base amount — this might be your bonus, your deposit plus bonus, or the amount you might win from extra spins.
2. Multiply that figure by 40 to find the total amount you need to wager.
3. Factor in game contribution percentages, as not every bet counts in full.

For instance, if you win £5 from extra spins and the wagering applies to those winnings, you must wager £200 in total (£5 × 40). 

A £2 spin on a slot would contribute £2 towards the total, while a £2 bet on blackjack might count only 20p if the contribution rate is 10%.

Understanding these differences can help you see why completing wagering can take longer on certain games. It also highlights the importance of reading the bonus terms carefully before deciding whether to use it.

Why Do Casinos Use Wagering Requirements?

Wagering requirements exist to ensure that bonuses are used for gameplay, rather than being withdrawn immediately. Without them, players could claim a bonus, place one minimal bet, and cash out, which would make such promotions unsustainable for operators.

Casinos also use these requirements to maintain fairness among players and to comply with licensing standards in the UK. By setting clear wagering rules, they ensure that bonuses are tied to genuine play, rather than immediate withdrawals. These terms can also help players understand what must be done before any potential bonus-related winnings can be withdrawn.

While the wagering structure protects operators, it also means that bonuses are not “free money.” They come with conditions, and it’s worth considering whether the amount you must wager aligns with how much you intend to spend.

Examples of 40x Wagering on Casino Bonuses

Here are a few simple examples to show how wagering works in real terms:

• Bonus Only – You receive a £10 bonus with 40x wagering. Multiply £10 by 40, giving a total of £400 in bets required before you can withdraw any possible winnings from the bonus. 
• Deposit and Bonus – You deposit £20 and get a £20 bonus. If wagering applies to both, multiply £40 by 40, which equals £1,600 in bets before withdrawals.
• Extra Spins Winnings – You win £6 from extra spins with 40x wagering on the winnings. Multiply £6 by 40, giving £240 in required bets.

These examples show how quickly wagering requirements can add up. The total doesn’t need to be placed in one go — it can be made up of many smaller bets over time, as long as they fall within the promotion’s time limit.

Difference Between 40x Wagering on Deposit vs Bonus

Whether the wagering applies to the bonus only, or to both the deposit and bonus affects how much you need to bet overall. When it’s tied to the bonus only, the total wagering requirement is lower. When it applies to deposit plus bonus, it’s higher because the base amount is larger.

For example, a 40x wagering requirement on a £10 bonus equals £400 in bets. But a 40x requirement on a £10 deposit plus £10 bonus equals £800 in bets. This distinction can have a big impact on how achievable the offer is, especially for players who may prefer smaller stakes.

If you’re comparing different offers, check this detail first. It shows how demanding the wagering may be and whether it suits your playing style and budget.

Is 40x Wagering Considered High?

A 40x wagering requirement is generally seen as high by current UK standards. Some casinos set lower figures, such as 20x or 25x, while others still use requirements above 30x. However, there is growing pressure in the UK for casinos to simplify and reduce wagering conditions.

Lower wagering means players can reach withdrawal eligibility faster, but that doesn’t necessarily make the offer better. It depends on the overall value of the promotion, the contribution rates of the games you enjoy, and how much time you have to meet the requirement. A smaller multiplier can still be demanding if the base amount or time limit is restrictive.

How Long Do You Have to Meet a 40x Requirement?

The timeframe for meeting wagering requirements varies between casinos and promotions. Many UK offers allow between 7 and 30 days from when the bonus or extra spins are credited. After this period, any remaining bonus funds or winnings linked to them are usually removed.

The countdown typically begins the moment the bonus is activated, not when you start playing. If you do not plan to play frequently, look for bonuses with longer timeframes or consider whether meeting the requirement fits your preferences. The time allowed, game restrictions, and wagering percentage all influence how practical an offer will be for you.

Tips for Managing Wagering Requirements Safely

While there’s no strategy that guarantees winnings, you can take steps to make wagering more manageable and ensure your play remains within your comfort level:

• Check what the wagering applies to — the bonus only, the deposit plus bonus, or extra-spins.
• Look at the contribution rates of your chosen games to see how bets will count towards wagering.
• Plan your stakes so you know roughly how much you may need to wager to meet the total.
• Only play with money you are comfortable spending.
• Use deposit limits or time-outs if the casino offers them.
• Take breaks and stop playing if you feel the experience is becoming less enjoyable.

Casino gaming involves chance, and outcomes are random. Even if you complete wagering, there is no certainty of profit. The key is to approach it as a form of entertainment, rather than a way to make money.

_{*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.}

_{**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.}