wagering

Wagering is the act of betting or staking money on an outcome with an uncertain result. In gambling contexts, it is often used to describe the conditions attached to promotional offers, such as bonuses, where winnings from the bonus can be withdrawn only after the player has met a wagering requirement.

Wagering requirements specify how much must be wagered before withdrawal. Example: a $100 bonus with a 30x wagering requirement requires $3,000 in bets before any bonus winnings can be cashed out. Time limits may apply, and some bonuses allow only certain games to contribute to the requirement.

Game contributions vary: slots frequently count at full rate, while table games or live dealer games contribute less or may be excluded; some operators impose caps on the maximum wager allowed during wagering. Wagering is calculated on the gross amount of bets, not net winnings, and losses may reduce progress in some promotions.

Regulatory and consumer aspects: Operators must disclose terms clearly. Jurisdictions scrutinize bonus advertising and may ban misleading promotions or require fair disclosure. Players should read terms to understand eligibility, contribution rates, time limits, and withdrawal caps.

Related terms and issues: No-wagering bonuses, free spins, or no-rollover promotions provide withdrawals without wagering; “rollover” is another term for wagering requirements in some markets. Critics argue wagering requirements can obscure true value and encourage risky gambling; responsible-use measures and anti-fraud controls are common.