Wagering requirements capped at 10x

by Simon Wooldridge Last updated: 12 Feb 2026

Effective 19 January 2026 wagering requirements for UK casinos were capped at 10x. This is the latest major regulatory change in a busy 12 months or so for the Gambling Commission. Warm, if not quite hot, on the heels of the introduction of financial background checks and raising stake limits this latest initiative will no doubt be met favourably by players.

Long time coming

At No Wagering (the name gives our position away, just a bit) we have been campaigning for fairer wagering requirements since 2017 when our website launched. And while we’d like to blow our own trumpet a bit at this welcome news, it’s not about us. Read on to find out more – as well as what this means for both players and the wider industry.

So, what are wagering requirements?

Briefly… Wagering requirements were introduced to stop bonus abuse (players getting a bonus, cashing in and decamping without any intention of becoming a genuine player). The requirement is for players to re-wager the value of their bonus a certain number of times (25x, 40x and so on) before any winnings can be withdrawn. The higher the wagering requirement, the less chance there is of any winnings being left over once the wagering requirement is fulfilled.

While you're here, have a look at some great no wagering offers: 

Why are high wagering requirements unfair?

Let’s consider some numbers. A bonus might grant 10 free spins with 35x wagering. Claim this bonus, use those 10 free spins and end up with £2 winnings. Before you can withdraw any winnings you will need to wager £70 (£2 x 35 = £70). Stake £70 to get that £2 back? Fair? Now, extend that out a bit. £22 winnings at 50x wagering means staking £1100 to get your hands on that £22. Hardly fair. In some instances wagering requirements have been set at 100x, and even 200x.Totally unfair.

The new wagering requirement limit

Announced last year and originally scheduled for December 2025, the wagering requirement cap of 10x came into force on 19 January. Sounds a bit fairer: £5 winnings at 10x means wagering £50. As well as being fairer on players this change will have other benefits: 

“High wagering requirements could confuse consumers and lead them to gamble for longer, and faster, than they are used to.” Additionally, the change “decreases the likelihood of harm, reduces complexity, and improves transparency” according to the Gambling Commission.

What does this mean for players?

There are a number of implications:

• A fairer system that will limit player losses
• Less time to withdraw original bonus amount
• Will simplify claims 
• Will promote healthier gambling habits – according the Gambling Commission
• May see some smaller casinos disappear or go offshore

What does the wagering requirement cap mean for operators?

This change won’t be as welcome for many operators as it is to players. Some possibilities:

• It will squeeze operator profit margins – particularly for smaller casinos and operators meaning less investment in their site and a reduced offering
• It will even drive some smaller operators out of business or offshore
• It may well impact the viability of certain bonus types such as match deposit bonuses
• It might lead to the introduction of lower-value offers such as wheel-based games or free spins in smaller numbers
• And may well give larger operators a more dominant position in the industry, with less choice for players

Black market concerns

If smaller casinos are significantly impacted revenue and profit-wise, some may fold while the others move offshore with all the implications and concerns that go with that – player safety and lost tax revenues topping the list. 

And some great free spins no wagering offers to have a look at...

Other significant regulatory changes

19 January wasn’t just D-day for wagering requirements, the Gambling Commission took the red pen to 2 other areas in need of reform.

Mixed promotions banned

Mixed product promotions look to players to engage with different types of gambling. This might see sports betting combined with slots with the promotion offering a £10 free bet combined with 20 free spins. These mixed promotions are known to confuse many players as well as being associated with higher risk levels – hence the decision to ban them. There seems to be little negative for players in this change. And in the Gambling Commission’s words it’s about “reducing harm and boosting fairness and openness”.

Simplifying terms & conditions

Always wordy, usually boring, often incomprehensible and even sometimes designed to confuse, terms and conditions (T&Cs) are, nevertheless, important. You need to understand them before you register, let alone hit ‘spin’. You don’t want to find yourself caught out and unable to withdraw your winnings. So, the Gambling Commission issuing new guidelines for bonus terms and conditions – aiming to improve T&Cs – is surely a good thing.  

Operators will need to outline key conditions upfront, so players don’t have to comb through often confusing T&Cs. These key terms usually include wagering requirements, win limits, game contribution conditions and game restrictions.

While this change is definitely to be welcomed it still won’t solve the problem of what is confusing or ambiguous to one person will be as clear as mud to another. 

Summary

The 10x cap on wagering requirements is to be welcomed – certainly by players. Time will tell how it impacts the bonus landscape and what impact it has on smaller operators, particularly. 

Banning mixed product promotions and toughening up legislation around T&Cs are also player-friendly moves and to be welcomed.

It seems the Gambling Commission is a little more focused on what players actually want at the moment. Time yet to re-think stake limits and financial checks?