Some sportsbook bonuses look generous at first glance, but hide tricky terms in the fine print. To help bettors make informed decisions, BettingRanker evaluates bonus offers across multiple factors. These criteria ensure you’re not only getting extra funds but also a fair chance to convert them into real winnings.
Rollover Requirements
Rollover, or wagering requirements, determine how many times you must bet through a bonus before withdrawing. A $100 bonus with a 5x rollover requires $500 in bets before you can cash out. The lower the rollover, the more player-friendly the bonus.
- Typical range: 5x–15x
- Best for casual bettors: lower rollover offers
Minimum Bet Slip Odds
Sportsbooks often set minimum odds to qualify bets for rollover. For instance, only wagers at -200 or higher may count. This prevents bettors from clearing bonuses with very safe bets.
- Common threshold: -200 to +100
- Affects betting strategy and risk level
Time Restrictions
Every bonus has an expiry date. Some last just 7 days, while others extend to 30. Short timeframes can pressure players into placing bets they normally wouldn’t.
- Typical expiry: 7–30 days
- Longer deadlines = better flexibility
Single or Multiples
Certain bonuses apply only to accumulators (parlays), while others are valid on single bets. Multiples raise potential payouts but also risk.
- Single bets = easier rollover
- Multiples = higher variance, bigger potential wins
Max Bonus Winnings
Some sportsbooks cap the maximum amount you can win from a bonus. For example, a $100 free bet might only allow $1,000 max winnings, regardless of outcome.
- Protects sportsbooks from large payouts
- Reduces value for high-stakes players
Types of Eligible Markets
Bonuses may exclude certain sports or markets. For example, free bets may not apply to horse racing or esports. Always check if your preferred sport is included.
- Wide eligibility = more freedom
- Restrictions limit strategy
Max Stake Percentage
Sportsbooks sometimes cap the percentage of your balance that can be staked per wager while using a bonus. This prevents players from risking the full bonus in one bet.
- Common cap: 20%–50% of bonus balance
- Encourages gradual wagering