What Is Rollover in Betting and How Does It Work?
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Last Updated: 5 August, 2025
A betting rollover is the amount you must bet before you can withdraw bonus money from a sportsbook.
It’s also called play-through and applies to most welcome bonuses.
For example, a 5x rollover on a $100 bonus means you need to wager $500 before you can cash out.
Rollover in betting protects sportsbooks from bonus abuse.
But it also impacts how soon you can use your winnings.
We'll explain how rollover works, how to calculate it, and which sites offer the fairest rollover rules.
How does rollover work in betting?
A rollover (or play-through requirement) tells you how much you must bet before you can withdraw bonus funds or winnings tied to a promo.
Let’s say an online sportsbook offers a $100 bonus with a 5x rollover.
That means you’ll need to wager $500 total ($100 × 5) before any of the bonus becomes cashable.
This rule applies whether you win or lose your bets.
Some online betting apps count total wagers, while others count only net losses or net winnings.
Always read the terms carefully.
How to meet a rollover requirement
Rollover examples
Example 1: Simple 5x Rollover. Deposit: $100. Bonus: $100. Rollover: 5x on bonus only. You must bet: $500 before withdrawing.
Example 2: 10x Rollover on Full Amount. Deposit: $200. Bonus: $200. Rollover: 10x on deposit + bonus. You must bet: $4,000.
Example 3: Winnings Only Count. You bet $100 at +200 and win $200. Only the $200 profit may count toward the rollover (depending on site rules).
Types of rollover rules
Rollover requirements vary by sportsbook.
Some are simple and fair.
Others are stricter, especially at offshore sites.
Here's how they typically work:
Common rollover multipliers
1x rollover: This is the most player-friendly. You only need to wager the bonus once to unlock it.
5x to 10x rollover: These are more common. If you receive a $100 bonus with a 10x rollover, you must wager $1,000 before withdrawing.
20x or higher: Found mostly at offshore sportsbooks. These rollovers are difficult to clear and usually not worth the effort.
Which bets count towards a rollover?
Each sportsbook has its own criteria, but most follow similar rules:
Straight bets on spreads, totals, or moneylines between -200 and +200 usually count.
Bets on heavy favorites (odds lower than -200) are often excluded.
Parlays, teasers, and some props may not count at all.
Some books only include pregame wagers, live bets might be excluded.
How wagers are tracked
Sportsbooks track rollover progress in one of two ways:
Amount risked: Your full stake is applied toward the requirement.
Net winnings only: Only the profit on a winning bet counts, which slows rollover progress.
Always read the terms to see how your sportsbook handles this.
It affects how many bets you'll need to place to unlock or withdraw your bonus.
Rollover betting strategy and tips
Meeting a rollover requirement isn’t just about placing bets.
It’s about placing the right bets to protect your bankroll and complete the requirement efficiently.
1. Bet within the odds range that counts
Most sportsbooks only count bets with odds between -200 and +200.
Avoid betting on heavy favorites, as they likely won’t count toward your rollover.
Stick to standard spreads, totals, or moneyline bets that fall within the accepted range.
2. Use consistent stake sizes
Keep your bet amounts consistent.
This helps you stay organized and makes it easier to track your progress.
It also limits risk if you hit a losing streak.
3. Prioritize low-risk wagers
Look for well-researched bets with high confidence.
Avoid risky parlays or long-shot props unless you’ve confirmed they count toward your rollover.
Straight bets on major leagues are safer and more predictable.
4. Track your progress
Some sportsbooks have a rollover tracker in your account.
If not, use a spreadsheet to log each qualifying bet, the amount risked, and your remaining total.
This keeps you focused and prevents missteps.
5. Know when to walk away
If a sportsbook’s rollover terms are too steep, like 15x or more, it might not be worth the bonus.
Always compare the bonus amount to the time and money needed to unlock it.
How to complete a rollover
How to check rollover status
Most sportsbooks make it easy to track your rollover progress.
Here’s how to find it:
Some sportsbooks (like DraftKings) display this info clearly.
Others may require clicking into bonus terms. If you can’t find it, contact support for help.
Frequently asked questions
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We follow strict ethical guidelines to ensure editorial independence and avoid conflicts of interest.
We also update our content regularly to keep it current with the latest trends and changes.
Simply put, we are dedicated to giving you reliable, fact-based details about the top betting sites.
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References
Contributors
Bradley Gibbs
Author
With over 12 years of experience, Bradley Gibbs is a seasoned sports betting writer and analyst specializing in uncovering value bets across football, horse racing, tennis, and golf.
His extensive coverage of these sports has been featured on numerous websites and in The Racing & Football Outlook, a renowned UK betting publication.
Bradley's expertise lies in identifying betting edges and delivering insightful, data-driven content for informed wagering.
Josh Miller
Reviewed By
Josh Miller, Sporting Post’s Sports & Casino Editor, brings over five years of experience in feature writing, blogging, and SEO.
With a strong background in football coverage and sports betting, his work has been featured in VAVEL.
Josh also writes extensively about online casinos, providing expert insights into games, bonuses, and gambling trends.
His engaging and informative content makes him a reliable resource for Sporting Post readers.