What a bonus really is
A betting bonus is a conditional loan of promotional money. The headline number gets the attention, but the conditions decide the value. The same 100 welcome offer can be a genuine bargain at one operator and a trap at another, depending on three things: how much you must bet before you can withdraw, how quickly you must do it and which bets count. This guide shows how to put a number on each so you can compare offers honestly and decide when to skip a bonus altogether.
The main bonus types
| Type | How it works | Watch for |
|---|---|---|
| Deposit match | Bonus equals a percentage of your deposit, often 100% up to a cap. | Wagering on deposit plus bonus; max bet; deadlines. |
| Free bet | A stake you place without risking your own money. | Stake usually not returned; short expiry; minimum odds. |
| Cashback | A share of net losses returned over a period. | Whether it is cash or bonus money with wagering. |
| Reload and boosts | Extra money or enhanced odds on later deposits or selected events. | Excluded payment methods; capped winnings. |
| Accumulator insurance | Stake refunded if one leg of an accumulator loses. | Usually refunded as a free bet; minimum legs and odds. |
Wagering requirements in plain numbers
The wagering requirement (also called the rollover or playthrough) is the total you must stake before bonus funds become withdrawable. If a 100 bonus has a 35x requirement on the bonus only, you must place 3,500 in bets. If the requirement applies to deposit plus bonus, and you deposited 100, the figure becomes 7,000. The multiplier is the number to read first, and what it multiplies is the second.
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A rough model: expected cost = total wagered x margin. Real results vary widely; time limits and restrictions are not modelled.
The small print that changes the value
- Maximum bet. A cap on stake size while a bonus is active. Breaking it can void the bonus and any winnings.
- Minimum odds. Bets below a threshold may not count toward wagering.
- Time limit. Often seven to thirty days. Missing it forfeits the bonus.
- Excluded markets and methods. Some e-wallets, low-risk markets or in-play bets may be excluded.
- Sticky versus non-sticky. A sticky bonus cannot be withdrawn, only the winnings from it. A non-sticky bonus lets you play with cash first.
- Abuse clauses. Vague language allowing the operator to void winnings for "irregular betting".
If clearing the requirement costs more in expected margin than the bonus is worth, the offer is a negative-value gimmick for a careful bettor. The calculator above tells you in seconds.
How to evaluate any offer
Find the multiplier and what it multiplies
Bonus only or deposit plus bonus? That single detail can double the amount you must bet.
Convert it to a total
Multiply, then compare with how much you realistically bet in the time allowed.
Read the restrictions
Maximum bet, minimum odds, excluded markets and methods, time limit.
Estimate the cost
Total wagered times the market margin is a sensible first estimate.
Decide whether to skip
Plenty of experienced bettors decline bonuses entirely to keep withdrawals simple.
When skipping the bonus is the smart move
If you plan to withdraw soon, if you bet small amounts rarely, or if the terms are unclear, decline the bonus. Withdrawals are simpler without it, and there is no clause waiting to void a win. For the maths behind the margin you pay while clearing a requirement, see betting odds explained, and for how withdrawals work see deposits and withdrawals.
Frequently asked questions
What is a wagering requirement?
The amount you must bet before bonus funds, or winnings from them, can be withdrawn. A 35x requirement on a 100 bonus means 3,500 in bets. Check whether it applies to the bonus alone or to deposit plus bonus.
Is a bigger bonus always better?
No. A large bonus with a high multiplier, a low maximum bet, a short deadline and restricted markets can cost more than it pays. Judge the terms, not the headline number.
Why was my bonus removed or my winnings voided?
Typical triggers are exceeding the maximum bet, betting on excluded markets, using a restricted payment method, opening multiple accounts or breaking a time limit. Read the clause before you accept.
Are free bets the same as cash?
Usually not. Many free bets return only the winnings, not the stake, and some expire within days. Treat them as a small discount with conditions.