Wagering Requirements Explained: Rollover, Playthrough, and Bonus Terms
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Martin Green
- January 16, 2026
Wagering requirements (also called rollover or playthrough) are the main reason bettors can’t withdraw after claiming a sportsbook bonus. Understanding rollover is the difference between a “great offer” and a bonus you never realistically use.
What are wagering requirements?
A wagering requirement is a rule that says you must place a certain amount of bets before:
- You can withdraw bonus funds, or
- You can withdraw winnings linked to promotional credit
Rollover examples (deposit match vs bonus bets)
Example: 100% deposit match up to $500 with 10x rollover
- You deposit $500
- You receive $500 bonus
- Total balance tied to rollover: $1,000
- 10x rollover means you must wager $10,000 before withdrawing (terms vary—some count deposit + bonus, others bonus only)
Example: bonus bets with no rollover
Many bonus-bet promos don’t use rollover math, but they do have restrictions:
- Bonus bets expire
- Stake not returned
- Minimum odds may apply
- Eligible bet types may be limited
Minimum odds rules (why they matter)
Many bonuses prevent you from clearing terms with “heavy favorites.” A minimum odds rule forces bets to be closer to standard lines, increasing risk/variance.
How to compare bonuses by difficulty
When two bonuses have similar headline value, compare:
- Rollover multiple (1x vs 10x is massive)
- Time limit (7 days vs 30 days)
- Eligible bet types
- Minimum odds restrictions
- Withdrawal limits and KYC requirements
Safer approach to clearing rollover (harm-minimizing)
Clearing rollover can increase betting volume. To reduce harm:
- Set a strict budget and stick to it
- Don’t chase losses to “finish rollover”
- Track progress weekly (don’t binge bet)
- If it stops being fun, stop and get support
Check out the best sportsbook bonuses for 2026.
FAQs: Bonus Wagering Requirements
What are wagering requirements and why do they exist?
Wagering requirements—also called rollover or playthrough—are rules that require you to place a certain amount of bets before you can withdraw bonus funds or winnings tied to a promotion. Sportsbooks use rollover to prevent bettors from depositing, claiming a bonus, and withdrawing immediately without real betting activity.
Why can’t I withdraw my money after claiming a bonus?
In most cases, withdrawals are blocked because the wagering requirement hasn’t been met yet. Even if your account shows a positive balance, bonus-linked funds are usually locked until you complete the required amount of betting. This is the most common point of confusion for new bettors.
How does rollover work on deposit match bonuses?
With a deposit match bonus, rollover is often calculated using a multiplier. For example, a 100% match up to $500 with a 10x wagering requirement can mean wagering $10,000 before withdrawing—depending on whether the sportsbook counts the bonus only or both the deposit and bonus. Always check which balance is tied to rollover, as the difference is massive.
Do bonus bets have wagering requirements?
Most bonus bet promotions don’t use traditional rollover math, but they still come with restrictions. Bonus bets typically expire, don’t return the stake if they win, and may require minimum odds or limit eligible bet types. These rules affect value even if no rollover is listed.
Why do sportsbooks set minimum odds on bonuses?
Minimum odds rules prevent bettors from clearing rollover by betting heavy favorites with low risk. By forcing bets closer to standard lines, sportsbooks increase variance and make bonuses harder to convert into withdrawable cash. This is a key factor when comparing bonus difficulty.
How can I tell if a bonus is worth the wagering requirement?
A bonus is rarely defined by its headline value alone. Lower rollover multiples, longer time limits, flexible bet eligibility, and reasonable minimum odds generally signal a more usable offer. If a bonus requires high volume betting in a short time, it may look generous but be difficult to clear responsibly.
