Rollover in Sports Betting: What It Is and How It Works

Last update at 9 December, 2025⏲️ Reading time: 5 minutes

If you’re new to online betting, you’ve probably come across those tempting bonuses that promise to double your money or give you free bets. But before you dive in, there’s an important requirement you need to know about: the rollover. This is a sports betting term every player should understand.

Don’t worry—it’s not as complicated as it sounds. A rollover tells you how many times you need to wager a bonus before you can withdraw any winnings. If it’s still a bit fuzzy, this article will break down how it works, which bets count, how it’s calculated, and tips on making the most of it.

What Is a Rollover in Betting?

A rollover is a condition that specifies how many times you must play a bonus or deposit before withdrawing any winnings. It’s a common feature in sports betting that ensures you actually use the bonus responsibly while enjoying your betting experience.

Essentially, it sets a minimum wagering requirement to unlock the bonus. This protects sportsbooks from abuse while giving players a chance to familiarize themselves with games and strategies, using the bonus as a tool for learning and having fun.

Which Bets Count Toward the Rollover?

Eligible Bets for the Rollover

Not every bet you place will count toward completing the rollover. Generally, sportsbooks exclude combination bets, parlays, or teasers because they involve higher risk or special conditions. That means some complex bets won’t help you meet the bonus requirements.

On the other hand, simple bets on popular sports like soccer, basketball, or tennis usually do count. The key is to read the bonus terms carefully—some sportsbooks limit specific events or markets. Doing this helps you avoid surprises and ensures every qualifying bet contributes to meeting the rollover.

Why Do Sportsbooks Apply Rollovers to Their Bonuses?

The main reason is to prevent users from claiming a bonus without actually playing. Without a rollover, anyone could sign up, grab a bonus, and immediately cash out, which isn’t sustainable for a sportsbook and could threaten their business.

Another reason is to encourage players to explore more games and sports. Meeting the rollover ensures that bonuses are used properly while giving you more chances to develop strategies, try different markets, and enjoy the entertainment without risking your own money.

Do All Bonuses Come With a Rollover?

Not all bonuses have a rollover, though most do. Smaller promotions, like minor free bets or special offers, might not require extra wagering. Most bonuses, however, mandate that you bet several times before withdrawing any winnings.

For example, if you receive a $100 bonus with a 10x rollover, you’d need to wager $1,000 before cashing out any earnings. That’s why reading the bonus terms is essential. The good news is that any winnings you accumulate during the process are yours—you can either keep playing with them or withdraw them once the rollover is complete.

Steps to Claim a Bonus with a Rollover

Now that you understand what a rollover is and how it works, here’s how to claim a bonus and meet its requirements. Following the right steps will help you make the most of promotions, play strategically, and avoid surprises when it’s time to withdraw. Here’s the process:

Open an account and make a deposit: Sign up with the sportsbook and deposit according to the offer you’re interested in.
Review the bonus terms: Make sure you understand which bets count toward the rollover, minimum odds, and any applicable restrictions.
Plan your strategy: Organize your wagers wisely, betting smartly to meet the rollover without putting too much of your own money at risk.

How to Calculate the Wagering Requirement

Calculating the wagering requirement is simpler than it seems. Multiply the sum of your deposit and bonus by the rollover number. This gives you the total amount you need to bet before withdrawing any winnings. In formula form:

(Deposit + Bonus) × Rollover = Total Wager

For instance, if you deposit $100 and get a $100 bonus with a 10x rollover, the calculation would be:

(100 + 100) × 10 = $2,000

This means you need to wager a total of $2,000 before you can withdraw the bonus and any winnings tied to it.

How to Track Your Rollover Progress

Follow Your Rollover Progress

Most sportsbooks provide a dashboard or progress bar that shows how far along you are in meeting the rollover. It’s usually visible in your profile or the active promotions section, showing your progress either as a percentage or in pending wager amounts.

If your bonus requires $1,000 in bets and you’ve already wagered $250, you’ll see 25%. This helps you know exactly what’s left and plan your next bets without surprises.

The tracker updates automatically whenever you place a valid bet, letting you monitor your progress in real time. This makes it easier to manage your bets, avoid unnecessary losses, and know exactly how much more you need to unlock the bonus and withdraw your winnings.

As you can see, understanding rollover in sports betting helps you navigate promotions with confidence and make the most of every opportunity. Now you have the knowledge to play with greater control and get more value from your bets. So, will you save this info for later, or put it to work on your next wager?

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