A wagering requirement (also called a playthrough) is a multiplier applied to your deposit, your bonus, or both, that you must bet — not win, just bet — before any bonus-related winnings can be withdrawn. The formula is simple: (deposit + bonus) x wagering multiplier = total amount you need to wager.
Worked example: you deposit $100 and claim a 100% match bonus, so you have a $100 bonus on top. At a 35x wagering requirement applied to deposit + bonus, that's ($100 + $100) x 35 = $7,000 you must wager in total before you can cash out a cent of bonus-linked winnings. At a more generous 20x on bonus only, it would be $100 x 20 = $2,000 — a very different real cost for what looks like the "same" 100% bonus.
The number on the promo banner is only half the story: check whether the multiplier applies to the bonus alone or to deposit + bonus, and check game weighting. Slots usually count 100% toward clearing the requirement; table games like blackjack or roulette often count for only 10-20%, or sometimes 0%, specifically because their low house edge makes them a poor vehicle for a casino to recover bonus costs. Always read the specific bonus terms before opting in — the wagering multiplier alone can't tell you the real cost.
