Sports-betting bonuses can sometimes look appealing, especially if you’re offered something like “Bet £10, get £30 in free bets”. But what happens after you claim one? That’s where the rollover usually comes in.
This guide breaks down how rollovers typically work and how they can affect when you can withdraw any money.
Whether you’re looking at a sign-up offer or a deposit bonus, knowing how these terms function can help you avoid confusion later on. It’s about being informed, not making promises—because betting involves chance, and outcomes can’t be predicted with certainty.
What Does Rollover Mean on Betting Sites?
The Rollover, also known as a wagering requirement, is the number of times you must stake a specific amount before any potential winnings tied to a bonus can be withdrawn. This usually applies to offers like matched deposits or free bets.
For example, if you receive a £20 bonus with a 5x rollover, you would need to place qualifying bets totalling £100 before you could withdraw any possible winnings.
In some cases, the rollover may be applied to both your deposit and the bonus. So, if you deposit £30 and receive a £30 bonus, and there’s a 4x rollover on both, you’d have to bet £240 before you could withdraw anything.
These requirements are part of how bookmakers run promotions fairly. Without them, it could be possible to take the bonus and withdraw straight away, making the offer open to misuse and reducing its intended purpose.
Why Do Betting Sites Use Wagering Requirements?
Bookmakers use these terms to protect their offers from misuse. If players could withdraw funds instantly after claiming a bonus, promotions wouldn’t last long. By applying rollover conditions, sites aim to encourage real betting activity and support responsible use of offers.
In the UK, all terms must be clearly shown before you opt in. The UK Gambling Commission (UKGC) requires bookmakers to display these conditions in a way that’s fair and easy to understand.
Reading the full terms of any offer can help you decide whether it suits your preferences. If something isn’t clear, it may be a good idea to ask the bookmaker directly before using the bonus.
Types of Rollover Requirements You’ll See Online
Rollover requirements are usually shown as a number followed by “x”, indicating how many times you need to stake the relevant amount. The total value you need to bet depends on this number and whether it applies to the bonus only, or both the deposit and bonus.
For instance:
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A 3x rollover on a £20 bonus = £60 in bets.
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A 5x rollover on a £40 bonus = £200 in bets.
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A 4x rollover on a £25 deposit and £25 bonus = £200 in bets.
The higher the requirement, the more betting is needed before any potential winnings from the bonus can be withdrawn.
Different bookmakers may apply these conditions in different ways, so checking the specific terms of each offer can help you understand what’s involved.
1x Rollover Requirement Example
A 1x rollover is relatively straightforward.
Let’s say you get a £10 bonus with this condition. You’d need to place £10 in eligible bets to meet the requirement. Once that’s done, and provided you’ve followed any other terms, such as betting at minimum odds or on certain markets, any potential winnings from the bonus would usually become available to withdraw.
Even with a low rollover, some offers may include restrictions like maximum winnings, excluded bet types, or limited market choices. So, while 1x seems simple, it can still be worth understanding the full details of the bonus before using it.
What Bets Count Toward Rollover?
Not all bets will help you meet a rollover requirement. Bookmakers often specify minimum odds—for example, 1/2 (1.50) or above—and may limit which markets or sports qualify.
For instance, bets placed on major football or horse racing events might be eligible, while others may not count. Certain features like using a “cash out” option may also be excluded.
Because different sites apply their own rules, it can be worth checking which bets are allowed before placing them. Many sites show this information in their bonus section or FAQs, or you can reach out to their support teams directly.
How Long Do You Have to Clear a Rollover?
Each bonus usually comes with a time limit for meeting the rollover. For some offers, this could be 7 days. For others, especially those involving a deposit match, you might have up to 30 days.
The countdown typically starts from when the bonus is credited to your account. If you don’t meet the requirement in time, the bonus and any potential winnings tied to it may be removed. Your remaining real-money balance, however, is usually unaffected and can still be used.
Deadlines can vary, so it can be worth noting the specific time window given with any offer you accept.
Is Betting Turnover the Same as Rollover?
Turnover refers to the total amount you’ve staked on bets. If you place three £10 bets, your turnover is £30, regardless of whether those bets win or lose.
Rollover, on the other hand, is a condition based on turnover. It tells you how much betting is required before any bonus-related winnings become withdrawable. If a bonus has a 5x rollover on £20, you need to generate £100 in turnover through qualifying bets.
The two terms are related, but they’re not interchangeable. Rollover is a target, while turnover is the actual betting activity.
Can You Beat a Rollover Bonus With Strategy?
Some people aim to complete rollover requirements while holding on to any potential bonus-related winnings. This usually means placing bets that meet the terms and have a fair chance of returning something, based on the odds.
There’s no guaranteed way to do this. Even with a strong understanding of a sport or market, outcomes can’t be predicted with certainty. Bookmakers set odds to reflect probabilities, and while thoughtful choices might improve your chances, nothing can remove the uncertainty entirely.
Some players might lean towards smaller bonuses with lower rollover requirements, as these tend to involve fewer bets. Others may be comfortable with higher rollover conditions for the chance at a larger bonus. It all comes down to individual preference.
What Happens If You Don’t Meet the Rollover?
If you don’t meet the requirement in the time allowed, the bonus and any possible winnings linked to it are usually removed. This means you won’t be able to access any funds gained from bets placed using the bonus.
Your real-money balance remains untouched and can still be withdrawn, unless stated otherwise.
Some bookmakers may send reminders as deadlines approach, but not all do. It’s up to you to monitor your bonus status, either by checking your account or keeping track of your betting manually.
The terms will explain what happens to any unused bonus or winnings if the rollover is incomplete.
Gambling carries risk, and outcomes are uncertain. Always consider setting deposit limits, taking breaks, and betting only what you can afford to lose. If you’re struggling, support is available from GamCare, and other trusted organisations.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.