Understanding the Wagering Concept from A to Z

Wagering is a core aspect of online gambling, but so many players, especially gambling newbies, don’t know the first thing about how it works or what it means. It doesn’t matter whether you’re playing slots or table games or even betting on sports. Understanding the concept of wagerings can massively change your overall gaming experience. It will also make you a better bankroll manager, help you bet strategically, and cut back on losses.

This article will discuss the types of wagers and explain how wagering requirements affect bonuses. We will then break down strategies for making smarter betting decisions and leave you to decide what suits your preferences.

What Does Wager or Bet Mean in Online Gambling?

Also known as a bet, a wager is an amount of money a player risks on a predicted outcome of a game with the hopes the game will play out by their prediction. You can also describe it as betting on a casino game or sports match. You are making a wager when you spin a slot machine, place chips on a blackjack table, or bet on a football match. In other words, you are wagering.

How Wagers Work in Gambling

• Slot Machines: Players wager by setting a bet size per spin.
• Table Games: Bets are placed per hand, round, or spin.
• Sports Betting: Players stake money on various outcomes like match results, goal totals, or player performances.

Just so you know, wagers and wagering requirements are two different things. A wagering requirement refers to how often a player must bet bonus funds before withdrawing winnings. In free spins bonuses, wagering requirements may refer to the number of times a player is supposed to play winnings after exhausting their spins.

What Are Wagering Requirements?

In simple terms, “wagering requirements” exist for a casino bonus because promotional offers are not free money. The wagering requirement is a rule that will “force” you to play games before being able to withdraw. Some say this rule shouldn’t exist, but that will make a bonus like a donation from the casino.

How Do Wagering Requirements Work?

Straightforwardly say, wagering requirements are the rules that tell you how many times you have to bet your bonus money before you can take any winnings out. For instance, if you get a $50 bonus with a 20x wagering requirement, you must bet $50 x 20 = $1,000 before you can cash out.

As an insight, over 90% of the world’s players don’t prefer bonuses with high wagering requirements, even if it’s a challenge. They usually prefer low-wagering bonuses because they’re easy to complete, so the risk of losing your deposit is minimal. 

Step-by-Step Guide

1. Claim a bonus (e.g., a €100 deposit bonus with a 35x wagering requirement).
2. Play eligible games to fulfil the wagering condition.
3. Once the total wagers reach €3,500 (€100 x 35), any remaining balance becomes withdrawable cash.

Wagering Requirement Table

Why Understanding Wagers Matters

Proper wagering knowledge ensures better bankroll management, helps avoid losing bonus funds, and enhances long-term profitability.

Different Wagering Requirements for Casino Bonuses

Through our 9+ years of experience, we have learned the wagering value patterns you can encounter in your day-to-day online casino visits. Read this section carefully and understand these terms because they will help you determine whether you like a challenge or want an investment with minimal risk.

Low Wagering Bonuses (1x-10x)

• Easier to clear
• Faster withdrawals

Here are the best examples we can offer you to be in the range: promotions from Slots of Vegas Casino. With a minimum deposit of $30, you can experience a 250% up to $2500 where the wagering is only 10x!

Standard Wagering Requirements (20x-40x)

• More common in online casinos
• Requires a moderate playthrough

If you want to play at a casino where the welcome offer is 20x, check out the Coins.Game casino’s bonus codes page. The good news is that your bankroll will not be affected because the minimum deposit is the industry average of $10. Learn how to clear a mid-difficulty wagering in 2025.

High Wagering Bonuses (50x and above)

• Harder to clear
• Often linked to high-risk bonuses

Indeed, if you want to experience a challenge, checkout the Shambala Casino bonus page and pick the 100% to $100 welcome offer. Even if the wagering is 50x, you can still complete it if you will use patience and skill.

Common Wagering-Related Terms

Here are some types of bonus wagering that you should be aware of. To improve your skills, see our list with the best bonuses for 2025, pick your favourite, and strengthen your wagering skills to become a professional player.

• Cashable Bonuses: Withdrawable after meeting wagering requirements.
• Non-Cashable Bonuses: Wagering applies, but bonus funds are not withdrawable.
• Bonus Abuse: Exploiting promotional offers against casino terms.

Types of Wagers in Online Casino Gaming

In the following, you will learn all about the wagering types you can encounter.

You will find these types in almost every online casino in 2025. Make sure to apply your knowledge thoroughly when you pick a bonus.

Slot Machine Bets

• Bet size determines potential payouts.
• Paylines and RTP impact overall returns.

Table Game Bets

• Blackjack: Main bets, insurance bets, double down.
• Roulette: Inside and outside bets.
• Poker: Ante, blinds, raises.

In-Play Betting Wagers (Sports Betting)

• Placing bets in real-time as events unfold.
• Adjusting bets based on live match statistics.

How to Track Your Bets and Wins at Online Casinos

Monitoring your wagering helps manage the bankroll, improve game selection, and reduce losses.

Tools and Tips for Tracking Wagers

• Casino Trackers: Apps that log bets and payouts.
• Spreadsheets: Manual tracking for detailed insights.
• Built-in Casino History: Casinos provide in-game bet history.

Essential Wagering Strategies for Smart Betting

Top Bankroll Management Tips

• Set a Dedicated Bankroll: Never bet more than you can afford.
• Break Down the Bankroll: Allocate money into smaller bets.
• Set Win/Loss Limits: Know when to stop playing.

Example Budget Plan

Here’s a tip from our bankroll specialist, Antonia Catana directly:

Total Budget: €500

• Slots: €200
• Table Games: €200
• Sports Betting: €100

Top Recommended Casino Games for Budget Wagering

• Low-volatility slots: Starburst, Blood Suckers.
• Table games with high RTP: Blackjack, baccarat.
• Games that contribute 100% to wagering: Slots.
• Roulette (50%) and blackjack (10%) games have lower contributions.