What is a wager?
The wager (or "betting requirement") is a condition set by an online casino before you can withdraw a bonus and the winnings from it. It's one of the most important things to understand before accepting an offer.
The simple definition
When a casino offers you a bonus (deposit, free spins, cashback...), it may require you to re-bet that amount a certain number of times before you can withdraw it. This multiplier is called the wager, usually expressed as "x" (x20, x35, x40...).
The formula
A 100% bonus with a x30 wager on a €100 deposit = €200 starting balance to bet 30 times
Concrete example
Wager simulator
As long as you haven't bet this amount on eligible games, your winnings remain locked. This is why some offers, despite a high bonus, are actually not very appealing if the wager is too high.
Not all games count the same
To clear a wager, each game "counts" for a certain percentage of your bet. The figures below are common ballpark values: always check the casino's terms.
| Game type | Typical contribution |
|---|---|
| Slots | 100% |
| Table games (roulette, blackjack) | often 0 to 20% |
| Live casino | often 0 to 10%, sometimes excluded |
Example: with a 10% contribution, betting €100 on roulette only moves your wager forward by €10.
Pitfalls to know about
- The max bet. While a bonus is active, your bet per round is often capped (for example €5 at Celsius and Simsinos). Going over it can get the bonus and winnings cancelled.
- The time limit. The wager usually has to be cleared within a limited time, often between 7 and 30 days. After that, the bonus and the winnings tied to it disappear.
- Free spins. Winnings from free spins are often subject to their own wager.
- Excluded games. Some slots don't count towards the wager at all.
What is "Wager Free"?
A Wager Free offer (or "no wager") is an offer where the multiplier required before withdrawal is simply x0. What you win or receive is directly withdrawable, with no re-betting needed.
Be careful though, it works a bit differently than you might think: with Wager Free, you can't withdraw the bonus amount itself, only what you won while playing with it.
Concrete example
You deposit €100 with a 100% bonus: you get a €200 balance (€100 deposit + €100 bonus).
If you grow your balance to €500 by playing, you can withdraw the total minus the €100 offered by the casino, i.e. €400.
This is why casinos showing the "Wager free" badge on NoCapBonus are particularly appealing: no multiplier to reach, only the bonus amount itself stays non-withdrawable.
What about cashback with no wager?
This is exactly what makes cashback different from a classic bonus: it's usually paid with no betting condition. The money you receive is directly available, with no multiplier to reach.
| Offer type | Typical wager | Withdrawal |
|---|---|---|
| Classic welcome bonus | x20 to x50 | After re-betting the amount |
| Free spins | x30 to x40 on winnings | After re-betting the winnings |
| Cashback (our partners) | None | Immediate |
💡 This is why NoCapBonus highlights platforms with cashback and no wager rather than classic bonuses: what you receive truly belongs to you, with no hidden conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a x35 wager a lot? It's about average. Below x20 is favorable, above x40 is demanding.
Can I withdraw before finishing the wager? Most of the time, a withdrawal cancels the bonus and its associated winnings.
Does cashback have a wager? With our cashback partners, no: it's paid out directly and withdrawable.
See our partner casinos