40x Wagering Requirement Meaning: What Does 40x Wagering Mean?
If you’ve ever claimed a bonus at an online casino, you’ve likely come across the term 40x wagering requirement. While it’s a common feature in bonus terms and conditions, it’s not always clear what it actually means or how it affects your ability to withdraw winnings.
In this blog post, we’ll break down what a 40x wagering requirement involves, how it works in practice, and why casinos include these conditions. We’ll also walk through a simple example to show how much you might need to wager if you claim a £100 bonus.
Understanding wagering requirements is essential for making informed decisions about whether a particular bonus is right for you. Read on to find out how it all works.
What Does 40x Wagering Mean?
If a bonus comes with a 40x wagering requirement, it means you’ll need to place bets totalling forty times the bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings linked to it. This rule is set by the casino and usually outlined in the bonus terms and conditions.
For instance, if you receive a £10 bonus, you’d need to wager £400 in total to meet the 40x requirement. It’s also worth noting that casinos often apply time limits for meeting these requirements, and not all games contribute equally—some may count more towards wagering than others.
Wagering requirements are designed to ensure bonus funds are used for playing, rather than being withdrawn immediately. It’s always a good idea to read the terms carefully and only wager amounts you’re comfortable with if you choose to make use of any bonuses.
Wondering how this works across different types of offers and games? That’s exactly what the next section explores.
How Do Wagering Requirements Work?
Wagering requirements set out how many times players need to bet the value linked to a bonus before any associated winnings can be withdrawn. These conditions are commonly attached to promotions such as deposit matches, free spins, and other bonus offers.
The requirement is usually expressed as a number like 40x, which means players must wager an amount equal to forty times a specified figure. What that figure refers to can vary depending on the offer:
- Some bonuses apply bonus-only wagering, where 40x is calculated on the bonus amount alone.
- Others use deposit-plus-bonus wagering, where the 40x applies to both the initial deposit and the bonus combined.
- Free spins typically have wagering requirements tied to the winnings generated from the spins.
Another important factor is game contribution. Most slot games contribute 100% of each stake towards meeting the requirement. However, many table games contribute less—often just 10% or 20%. For example, if blackjack contributes 10%, only £1 of a £10 bet would count towards the wagering total.
Casinos may also place certain restrictions on the wagering process. These might include a maximum allowed bet per spin or hand while the requirement is active, a list of excluded games, and a time limit for completing the wagering. If the requirement isn’t met within the set timeframe, the bonus—and any winnings linked to it—may be forfeited.
40x Requirement Explained in Simple Terms
A 40x wagering requirement can be thought of as a running total that players need to reach before any bonus-related funds become withdrawable. The target is calculated by multiplying a specific amount by 40, with each qualifying bet contributing towards that total.
The amount being multiplied depends on the type of offer. For bonus-only wagering, a £20 bonus would require £800 in total bets (20 x 40). If the same offer involves deposit-plus-bonus wagering and the player deposited £20, the target would be £1,600, as both the deposit and bonus amounts are included. In the case of free spins, the wagering requirement usually applies to the winnings generated by the spins, rather than a fixed bonus amount.
It’s also important to understand game contribution. Most slot games contribute 100% of each bet towards the wagering total. However, many table and live dealer games contribute much less—sometimes as little as 10%—which means players would need to stake more to reach the same target. Some promotions also set a maximum stake per bet while wagering is active, which can influence how quickly the requirement is met.
By knowing which amount is being multiplied by 40, how different games contribute, and whether any maximum bet limits apply, players can get a clearer sense of how long the wagering might take—and whether a particular bonus suits their playing style and budget.
Why Do Casinos Use Wagering Requirements?
Casinos include wagering requirements to ensure that bonus funds are actually used for gameplay on the site. Without these conditions, players could simply claim a bonus and attempt to withdraw the money immediately, without engaging with any of the games.
These rules also help protect against misuse—for example, creating multiple accounts to claim the same promotion, or using betting approaches that go against the spirit of the offer. By setting clear terms, casinos are able to run promotions in a way that’s more sustainable and fair for a broader group of players.
For players, this means that bonuses can offer a chance to explore games using extra funds, as long as the terms are understood in advance and align with their playing style and expectations.
How Much Do You Need to Bet with a 40x Requirement?
Example of a £100 Bonus with 40x Wagering
If you choose to claim a bonus with a 40x wagering requirement, the total amount you’d need to bet is calculated by multiplying the relevant value by 40.
For example, if you receive a £100 bonus with a 40x wagering requirement applied to the bonus only, you would need to stake £4,000 before any winnings from the bonus could be withdrawn. However, if the same 40x requirement applies to both your deposit and the bonus, and you deposited £100 to receive a £100 bonus, you’d be required to stake £8,000 in total before any withdrawals could be made from bonus-related funds.
The type of game you play can also affect how quickly the wagering requirement is cleared. If eligible slot games contribute 100%, then every £1 you bet counts in full—so £4,000 in slot wagers would fully meet a £4,000 requirement. On the other hand, if you prefer table games that contribute only 10%, you’d need to stake £40,000 on those games for the same amount to count, as only a fraction of each bet goes toward the requirement.
Other factors—like time limits, maximum bet restrictions, and excluded games—can also significantly affect how (and whether) a wagering requirement can realistically be met. Taking the time to review these terms in advance can help you decide whether a 40x requirement aligns with your playing style and budget.
It’s important to approach bonuses with caution, as meeting high wagering requirements often involves substantial spending. Always consider whether the offer encourages you to stake more than you’re comfortable with, and avoid chasing losses or trying to “unlock” bonus funds at the expense of responsible play. If you’re unsure, it may be better to skip the bonus altogether and play with your own funds under your own terms if you’re interested in doing so.
*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.
