It’s safe to say every online casino player wants to find the best value possible when comparing bonus offers. When weighing up your options, it’s all too easy to make the mistake of only looking at the value of the bonus offered. What many players often forget is that online wagering requirements can make or break a casino bonus. A lower wagering requirement could give you a much better chance of getting your hands on your bonus winnings - but this doesn’t make them the best deal for every single player out there. Wondering if it’s a perfect match for you? Let’s find out as we take you through the ins and outs of low wagering bonuses.
Before we get into what makes a good low wagering bonus, let’s run through the basics first. The majority of casino bonuses come coupled with a wagering requirement, sometimes referred to as the playthrough requirement. This is the amount of money you need to wager before any winnings can be withdrawn from the bonus.
Here’s an example to explain how wagering requirements work:
In this example, the value of the bonus alone may be extremely enticing, however upon closer inspection, the wagering requirement makes this a bonus more suitable for high rollers and regular players. If you’re an infrequent player or on a tight budget, it’s highly unlikely that you’ll meet the 40x wagering requirement on a £200 bonus. Instead, you’d be better off claiming a smaller bonus with lower wagering requirements.
So, what level of online wagering requirements should you be seeking out, if you’re after lower than average? The industry standard falls at around 40x, but you’ll find wagering requirement as large as 50x or 60x, too. Anything that falls below this industry standard can be deemed as a low wagering bonus.
It’s easy to assume that low wagering casinos are head and shoulders above their counterparts with higher wagering requirements, but that’s not always the case. Each player has their own unique individual needs and play style, so there isn’t a universal best casino bonus.
The majority of low wagering bonuses will offer a modest bonus that doesn’t hit the heights of those huge matched deposits. Expect to find low wagering bonuses max out at around the £100 mark. Offering bonuses bigger than this would put casino operators at a much greater risk of paying out large amounts - they’re designed to make money, after all. These bonuses are a great deal for players looking for an easier route to withdrawing their bonus winnings. However, a player with a big bankroll and plenty of time to spare on gambling sites might prefer a larger bonus value, despite the more demanding wagering requirement that likely comes paired with it.
So if you’re looking for a bonus deal that requires less wagering, lower stakes and has a shorter clearing time, a low wagering bonus is your best bet.
Now that we’ve taken you through the ins and outs, you should have a pretty good idea of what kind of bonus you should seek out. Put simply, the best bonus is one that gives you the best chance of getting your hands on your winnings. For many players, taking advantage of low wagering offers is one of the best ways to do this. If a lower wagering bonus ticks all your boxes, why not claim one of our exclusive offers today? Simply browse through our carefully curated list and pick out your favourite. Each of the top casinos featured on our site features a stellar array of slots, table games and other casino classics, plus they hold a valid UK Gambling Commission licence to ensure a safe and fair online casino experience. Once you’ve picked out a favourite, simply deposit to claim your bonus and play your favourite casino games today!
How long do players have to clear wagering requirements?
This can vary largely, depending on your chosen casino. Some casinos offer as little as three days to clear your wagering requirement. Most will allow 30 days, while the most generous casinos give players up to 90 days.
Do all games contribute to the wagering requirement?
No. Games are weighted differently to determine how much of your stake contributes to the wagering requirement. The weighting may vary depending on the casino you’re playing at, so we’d recommend checking out the terms and conditions. In most instances, slots will contribute 100% but table games are usually only 10% or 20%. Video poker, in many instances, is 0%.
Can I claim a low wagering bonus for live casino?
Yes, you can. Low wagering bonuses can apply to absolutely any offer within the casino and live casino. So, if you like live dealer games, have a look through our list to see what the wagering is for any bonuses related to these games.
Does the wagering requirement include my initial deposit?
This depends on your chosen casino. Online casinos calculate wagering requirements in two distinct ways. The first is includes the bonus amount only. So if you claim a £100 100% matched deposit bonus with a 40x wagering requirement, for instance, you’ll need to wager £4000. Other casinos include the deposit as well as the bonus amount. So if you claim the same offer above, you’ll deposit £100, claim a bonus of £100. This will require you to wager £8000. This example shows how important it is for all players to double check which formula the casino uses as it could be the difference between a great offer and one that is less desirable.
Are deposits made using e-wallets valid for low wagering bonuses?
Not in every instance. Some casinos have terms and conditions that state players are only eligible for bonuses when using certain withdrawal methods. These casinos usually exclude players who deposit using e-wallets such as Neteller or Skrill. This varies between casinos, so we’d highly recommend reading the terms and conditions of your chosen casino before making your first deposit.