A 400% bonus looks like a gift. Until you multiply. The wagering requirement is the number that turns those headlines into marketing.
The formula
Bonus × requirement = money you must wager. A €500 bonus at 40x means betting €20,000 before withdrawing. At 35x it is 17,500.
Examples from this comparison
Wild.io advertises 400% up to 10,000 USD: clearing that at 40x would demand 400,000 USD wagered. Katsubet applies 35x, below average, but gives only 14 days.
What almost nobody reads
Three pieces of small print: the maximum bet while clearing (often 5 USD per round), which games count (slots usually 100%, table games far less) and the cap on convertible winnings.
My rule
I prefer a small bonus at 35x over thirty days to a huge one split across four deposits. And if I am only playing a little, I decline it: with no bonus, the balance is mine from minute one.
Frequently asked questions
What wagering is good?
Under 35x. Most apply 40x, which already makes a bonus heavy to clear.
Can I withdraw without taking the bonus?
Yes, and it is often sensible if you play little: no bonus means no wagering.