Bingo bonuses can look simple on the surface. Deposit £10, get £30 extra, play in a featured room. The confusion usually starts when you try to withdraw and see a message about “2x wagering” or “65x wagering” and a balance that is still locked.
Handled properly, wagering requirements are just another rule you can factor into your decision. This guide explains what wagering really means for bingo players, how to read bonus terms and when it may be better to skip an offer altogether.
Put simply, wagering requirements are the number of times you have to play through bonus money, bonus plus deposit or ticket value before any related winnings can turn into withdrawable cash.
In this guide we will cover:
- What wagering requirements, rollover and playthrough actually mean.
- The difference between bonus-only and bonus-plus-deposit wagering.
- How wagering works on bingo ticket bundles and free rooms.
- Simple examples that show how much you really need to stake.
- Other rules that change bonus value, such as time limits and max cash out.
- Why the UK regulator is capping extreme wagering from 2026.
- How to pick fairer offers or avoid wagering completely.
When you do want a deal, compare wagering and limits before you claim. Our main bingo sites and bingo bonus codes pages highlight key terms in plain language.
18+ only. BeGambleAware.org
What Wagering Requirements Actually Are
When you take a bingo bonus, the site often gives you extra funds or tickets that are not treated the same as cash. Wagering requirements tell you how many times that bonus amount, or your bonus plus deposit, has to be played on eligible games before any related winnings can move to your cash balance.
A bonus with “2x wagering” means the site expects you to stake an amount equal to two times the figure it is attached to. The important detail is what that “figure” is. Sometimes it is just the bonus. Sometimes it is your deposit and bonus together. Sometimes it is the winnings from free tickets.
Bonus balance vs cash balance
Most bingo sites separate:
- Cash balance – your own money. You can withdraw it once basic checks are done, as long as you are not breaking any bonus rules.
- Bonus balance – extra funds, credit or ticket value the site gives you. This usually carries wagering and other conditions.
You might not see two separate balances on the screen at all times, but the system still tracks how much of your play is linked to a bonus and how much is standard cash play.
Ticket-based bingo vs bonus funds
Bingo bonuses are often structured as:
- Room credit or bingo bonus funds; or
- Ticket bundles or free access to certain rooms.
If you get a bundle of free tickets, you are still working with a value. Wagering can apply to that ticket value or to any winnings that come from those tickets. The terms should say whether you need to play a set amount of bingo ticket value or whether only winnings from those tickets carry wagering.
You will often see a few different phrases that refer to similar ideas:
- Wagering requirement / playthrough / rollover – the number of times you must stake bonus money, or bonus plus deposit, or winnings from free tickets.
- Contribution rate / game weighting – what percentage of each £1 you stake in a given game counts towards wagering.
- Bonus expiry – how long you have to meet the requirement before the bonus and attached winnings are removed.
- Max cash out – the most that can be converted to cash from that specific bonus, even if you win more.
For bingo offers it is common to see wagering in the 1x to 4x range. Casino and slot bonuses have historically been far higher, often 30x, 40x or more, which is why you see such strong movement from the regulator on capping extremes.
Bonus-only wagering
This is where the requirement applies to the bonus amount alone. For example:
- You deposit £10.
- You receive £30 in bingo bonus funds.
- Wagering is 2x bonus on bingo.
In that case you need to stake £60 of eligible bingo tickets (£30 bonus multiplied by 2) before any remaining bonus balance or winnings can move into your cash balance.
Bonus plus deposit wagering
Some offers apply wagering to your deposit and bonus combined. For example:
- You deposit £10 and receive a £30 bonus.
- Terms say 2x wagering on deposit plus bonus for bingo.
Here the qualifying figure is £40. A 2x requirement means you must stake £80 of eligible bingo tickets, which is noticeably heavier than the bonus-only example even though the “2x” number looks the same at first glance.
Wagering on winnings from free tickets or spins
Many free ticket and no-deposit style offers give you:
- A set amount of free tickets or spins; and
- Wagering on whatever you win from those freebies.
If you get £20 of free tickets in a room and those tickets win £15, that £15 often becomes a bonus pot. The terms might say “4x wagering on winnings from free tickets”. That means you need to stake £60 of eligible bingo play before any remaining amount can move to cash. There may also be a separate max cash-out rule.
Game and room weighting
Most bingo ticket stakes in eligible rooms count 100% towards bingo bonus wagering. Side games and slots can be different. Some sites:
- Exclude slots and instant win games entirely while a bingo bonus is active; or
- Count those side games at a lower contribution rate.
You will usually find a list of counted and excluded games in the full bonus terms.
If you prefer to avoid this completely, our no wagering bingo sites page lists brands where selected offers have no wagering at all, although other limits still apply.
18+ only. BeGambleAware.org
Simple Wagering Examples for Bingo Players
Examples are the easiest way to see how wagering plays out in real life.
Example 1 – Straight bingo bonus with bonus-only wagering
Imagine an offer that says:
- Deposit £10, get £30 bingo bonus.
- Wagering: 2x bonus on bingo only.
Here the qualifying figure is £30. You need to stake £60 of eligible bingo tickets (£30 multiplied by 2). Once that £60 of play has gone through in the right rooms, any remaining bonus or winnings can move to your cash balance, subject to any other limits in the terms.
Example 2 – Bonus plus deposit wagering
Now imagine:
- Deposit £10, get £30 bingo bonus.
- Wagering: 2x deposit plus bonus on bingo.
The underlying figure is now £40. A 2x requirement means £80 of eligible bingo ticket spend. On paper this still says “2x”, but in practice you have to stake more to finish the same offer compared with Example 1.
Example 3 – Free ticket bundle with wagering on winnings
Consider a free-ticket style promotion:
- You receive £20 of free tickets for a featured room.
- Those tickets win £15 in total.
- Wagering: 4x on winnings from free tickets, max £50 cash out.
The £15 from free tickets becomes a bonus pot. You must stake £60 of eligible bingo tickets (£15 multiplied by 4). After that, any remaining amount can move to your cash balance, but you can only withdraw up to £50 from this promotion because of the max cash-out rule.
Comparing the examples at a glance
| Offer type | Wagering | What it applies to | Total bingo stake required | Extra limits to note |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| £30 bonus | 2x | Bonus only | £60 | Standard bingo rooms only |
| £30 bonus | 2x | Bonus + deposit | £80 | Slots and some games excluded |
| £20 free tickets | 4x | Winnings from free tickets | £60 | Based on £15 win, max £50 cash out |
Even at these modest levels you can see that the structure matters as much as the number. A “low” multiplier on deposit plus bonus can be tougher to clear than a similar figure on bonus only.
Other Rules That Affect Bonus Value
Wagering is only one part of the picture. Other terms can make a big difference to how practical an offer feels.
Time limits
Bonuses usually come with an expiry window. You might see:
- Bonus must be used within seven days; or
- Wagering must be completed within 30 days of credit.
If the time limit is short and wagering is high, you may need to play more often or for longer than you normally would just to finish the offer.
Maximum stake per game
Some promotions limit how much you can stake per game while wagering is active. For example, they may cap bingo ticket prices or restrict certain high-ticket rooms. Stakes above the limit might not count or might even break the bonus rules.
Contribution and excluded games
Bingo ticket stakes in selected rooms usually count at 100%. Side games and slots may:
- Contribute at a lower rate; or
- Be fully excluded while that bingo bonus is active.
Terms sometimes distinguish between stakes made with cash and stakes made with bonus funds. In some offers only cash stakes move the wagering bar, even though bonus funds pay for some of the tickets.
Max cash-out and withdrawal caps
Many promotions set a maximum amount that can be withdrawn from bonus play, particularly on free ticket and no deposit offers. For example, you might see “max £50 real cash from this offer” in the terms. Anything above that may stay as bonus or be removed when wagering is complete.
What happens if you withdraw early
The standard pattern is simple. If you request a withdrawal before completing wagering, the operator will normally:
- Process your withdrawal from cash balance; and
- Remove any active bonus and associated winnings from that promotion.
If you value flexibility more than trying to squeeze every last pound of bonus value, it can be more comfortable to play without a bonus attached.
If you want to skip wagering entirely, look at our no wagering bingo sites and no wagering slot sites pages for alternative offers.
18+ only. BeGambleAware.org
Why Wagering Requirements Exist
It helps to understand why wagering requirements are there in the first place.
On the business side, bingo brands use welcome bonuses and ongoing offers to attract and retain players. Wagering is one of the tools they use to stop people claiming a bonus and immediately withdrawing it as free cash without ever visiting the rooms.
On the regulatory side, there are anti-money laundering and social responsibility duties. Requiring funds to be played at least once and attaching clear terms reduces the chance of people using gambling accounts purely as a way to move money around.
The problem starts when wagering is very high or buried in small print. That is where players can end up playing for longer or with more exposure than they originally planned, which is why the regulator is now stepping in with clear limits and stronger wording on how promotions are advertised.
How Wagering Works Specifically on Bingo
Bingo room contribution
Bingo bonuses are usually designed so that stakes in standard bingo rooms count 100% towards wagering. You might see specific rooms excluded, but in general, normal ticket play in eligible rooms will move the progress bar.
Side games and slots during a bingo bonus
Side games and slots are often treated differently:
- Some bingo bonuses exclude slots and instant win games entirely while wagering is active.
- Others allow slot play but count it at a lower contribution rate.
You will often get better value by treating a bingo bonus as a bingo-only offer rather than trying to use it across everything in the lobby.
Real money first vs bonus money first
Different operators handle stake order in different ways:
- Some spend your cash balance first, then bonus funds once cash is used.
- Others use bonus funds first while keeping your cash aside until wagering is complete.
Cash-first systems can mean your own money is exposed before the bonus really begins. Bonus-first systems feel more straightforward for many players. Either way, the rules should be explained in the terms or help pages.
One-time playthrough on deposits without a bonus
Even if you decline all bonuses, many operators require you to wager a deposit once before withdrawing. This is often described as “1x playthrough” and is there mainly for anti-money laundering reasons. It is still worth knowing so you are not surprised if you try to withdraw an untouched deposit.
Wheel Offers and Very High Wagering (Jumpman Example)
Spin-the-wheel style welcome offers
Some networks, including Jumpman Gaming, use spin-the-wheel style welcomes. You deposit, spin a wheel and land on a prize such as bonus funds or a set of spins. These offers can look exciting at first glance, but they often come with very high wagering.
It is not unusual to see requirements of 65x on the bonus part of these offers. That means a £10 bonus could require £650 of qualifying play before anything from that promotion can be withdrawn. For most bingo players that is a big stretch compared with typical bingo-focused offers, even if it’s for slots.
Our view on very high wagering such as 65x
Our take is simple. Very high wagering on bonuses, especially 65x-level requirements, makes it hard for typical bingo play to get good value. You might still enjoy the offer if you were planning a lot of play anyway, but it should not be treated as easy extra value.
If you want to understand these offers better before deciding, read our dedicated spin the wheel bingo sites guide. If you dislike heavy wagering in general, lean more towards lower-wagering bingo bonuses or no wagering bingo sites instead.
18+ only. BeGambleAware.org
Should You Ever Take a Bingo Bonus?
When a bingo bonus can be reasonable
Bingo bonuses can still be useful when:
- Wagering is low to moderate for bingo, for example 1x to 4x bingo-only on a modest bonus amount.
- You were going to play in those rooms anyway and the time limit suits your normal pattern.
- The rules on max cash-out and eligible games are clear and comfortable.
In that case an offer can give you a bit more room time for the same planned spend.
When it might be better to skip the bonus
You may want to decline a bonus if:
- Wagering is high or applies to deposit and bonus combined.
- There are tight time limits that would push you to play more often than you usually would.
- There are strict max cash-out rules that make large parts of potential winnings unreachable.
You can almost always choose “no bonus” in the cashier and just keep things simple.
18+ only. BeGambleAware.org
Staying in Control While Clearing Wagering
Plan your spend first
Before you accept any bonus, decide how much you are comfortable spending on bingo this week or month. Treat any bonus as extra room time inside that budget, not as a reason to stretch beyond it.
Check progress regularly
Most bingo sites have a bonuses or promotions area in your account where you can see:
- Which bonuses are active.
- How much wagering is still outstanding on each one.
- How long you have left before expiry.
Checking that screen once per session is far better than guessing or relying on memory.
Know when to walk away
It is fine to abandon a bonus if finishing wagering would mean playing more than feels comfortable. You can close the bonus, withdraw any remaining cash balance that is free of conditions and go back to straightforward play next time.
18+ only. BeGambleAware.org
Where to Find Fair Bingo Bonus Terms
Some bingo brands structure their offers more clearly than others. We highlight key terms and look out for unusual conditions in our reviews.
Here are some of our top picks for low or no wagering bingo offers:
Get a £10 bonus + 100 no wagering spins when you use promo code BINGO100.
*£10 Bonus + 100 Free Spins: New customers only. Register with promo code BINGO100. Deposit with Debit Card & stake £10 on Bingo Tickets within 14 days to qualify. £10 Bingo Bonus must be wagered through once. 14-day expiry. Bonus Balance is used prior to Cash Balance. 100 Free Spins on selected Slots credited within 48 hours of qualification. Free Spins expire after 7 days. E-Wallet & Prepaid Card restrictions apply. SMS validation may be required. Full T&Cs apply.
18+ Please Play Responsibly. GambleAware.org. #AD
Get a £50 bonus or 100 free spins (no wagering) when you play £10.
*£50 Bingo: Deposit & play £10 in any Bingo Room within 7 days. Get £50 on Bingo. Advertised £50 Bingo based on 10p tickets. Rewards expire after 7 days. T&Cs apply. 100 Free Spins: New Customers. Opt in. Deposit & play £10 on any Slot game within 7 days. Get 100 Free Spins on Make Me a Millionaire Slot Game. Rewards expire after 7 days. T&Cs apply.
18+ Please Play Responsibly. GambleAware.org. #AD
Get a 10 free spins no deposit + 50 wager free spins when you spend £10.
*10 Free Spins No Deposit: New Customers Only. First 10 spins: Players who have successfully completed age verification will be credited 10 Free Spins on Big Bass Q the Splash 10p per spin, no deposit required, no wagering requirements. Subsequent 50 spins: Min deposit & spend £10. Max 50 spins on Big Bass Q the Splash at 10p per spin. Spins credited upon spend of £10. Full T&Cs apply.
18+ Please Play Responsibly. GambleAware.org. #AD
Wagering Requirements – FAQ
About This Guide
This guide is written and regularly updated by the BingoMum editorial team, who have been reviewing UK bingo sites and bonuses since 2015. We focus on UK-licensed brands and cross-check details against official terms and the UK Gambling Commission’s rules so you can make more informed choices. You can learn more about the team.
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