Every sportsbook bonus comes with strings attached. Those strings are called rollover requirements — and they're the reason most bettors never actually see their bonus money.
A "1x rollover" means you bet the deposit amount once. A "10x rollover" means ten times. Some books go as high as 25x or even 100x. The higher the multiplier, the more bets you need to place before you can withdraw.
Most people see a big number and panic. That's a mistake. The math says rollovers are still worth it — if you clear them the right way.
Rollover Comparison
How rollover multiplier affects your net expected value (assuming -4.5% vig, no edge)
| Rollover | Bonus | Bets Needed | Vig Cost | Net EV |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1x | $1,000 | $1,000 | -$45 | +$955 |
| 5x | $1,000 | $5,000 | -$225 | +$775 |
| 10x | $500 | $10,000 | -$450 | +$50 |
| 25x | $500 | $25,000 | -$1,125 | $-625 |
With +EV bets, the "Vig Cost" column flips to profit — making virtually every rollover worth clearing.
Why Rollovers Exist
Sportsbooks aren't giving you free money out of generosity. The bonus is a customer acquisition cost. The rollover is their insurance policy — they're betting that you'll lose the bonus (and your deposit) before you finish the playthrough.
For casual bettors making -EV bets, that's exactly what happens. The vig grinds them down long before they clear.
But you're not a casual bettor. You're making +EV bets. That changes everything.
The Math: Can You Survive a 10x Rollover?
10x Rollover: $500 Deposit + $500 Bonus
Without Edge (-4.5% vig)
$5,000 in bets × 4.5%
-$225 vig cost
$500 bonus - $225 =
+$275
Still profitable!
With +2% Edge (SickFade)
$5,000 in bets × 2%
+$100 from bets
$500 bonus + $100 =
+$600
120% return on deposit
Let's say you deposit $500 and get a $500 bonus with a 10x rollover. You need to place $5,000 in total bets before withdrawing.
If you're betting at an average of -4.5% EV (standard vig), you'd expect to lose:
$5,000 × 4.5% = $225 lost to the vigYour $500 bonus minus $225 in expected losses = $275 in expected profit. Still worth it, even at -EV!
Now imagine you're making +2% EV bets using SickFade picks:
$5,000 × 2% = $100 in expected profit from the bets themselves
$500 bonus + $100 = $600 in total expected profitThat's a 120% return on your deposit. The rollover isn't a problem — it's an opportunity.
Rollover Clearing Strategy
Optimal Clearing Strategy
Bet Size
of bankroll per bet
$10-$30 on $1K bankroll
Total Bets
small bets, not few big ones
Law of large numbers
Days Window
don't rush, wait for edge
Only bet on +EV spots
1. Bet sizing matters
Don't try to blast through rollover with huge bets. Large bets increase variance, which increases the chance you bust before clearing.
Rule of thumb: Keep individual bets at 1-3% of your total bankroll (deposit + bonus). On a $1,000 bankroll, that's $10-$30 per bet.
2. Volume over size
You want lots of small +EV bets, not a few big ones. More bets = more law of large numbers working in your favor. If you need $5,000 in playthrough, that's 200 bets at $25 each. Totally manageable over 2-4 weeks.
3. Track your progress
Most sportsbooks show your remaining rollover in account settings. Check it regularly. Some books let specific bet types (parlays, live bets) count differently toward rollover — read the terms.
4. Don't force bets
Never place a bet just to clear rollover faster. Every bet should stand on its own as a +EV opportunity. If there aren't enough good picks today, wait until tomorrow. Rollover windows are typically 30-90 days.
Which Rollovers Are Worth It?
Not all bonuses are created equal. Here's how to evaluate them:
Net EV by Rollover Level
No-edge bettor making standard -4.5% vig bets
With +EV bets, the breakeven shifts dramatically — even 25x rollovers become profitable.
The formula:
Net EV = Bonus Amount - (Rollover Amount × Expected Loss Rate)- If you're a -EV bettor (no edge): anything under ~15x is still profitable
- If you're a +EV bettor: virtually every rollover is worth clearing
The only rollovers to avoid are ones with absurdly high multipliers AND restrictive bet requirements (like "slots only" or "parlays don't count").
Common Rollover Traps
Trap 1: "Bonus money can't be withdrawn"
Some books give you a "site credit" bonus that can never be withdrawn — only the winnings from it. This changes the math. The bonus effectively has a 1x rollover on itself, and its value is roughly equal to the bonus amount divided by 2 (since you'll win about half your bets).
Trap 2: "Max bet while bonus is active"
Some books cap your bet size while a bonus is active. If the cap is too low, it takes forever to clear. Check terms before depositing.
Trap 3: "Only certain bet types count"
Parlays, live bets, or specific sports may not count toward rollover. Always read the fine print.
Trap 4: "Voided or cashed-out bets don't count"
If you cash out a bet early, it usually doesn't count toward playthrough. Same with voided bets due to postponements.
The Bankroll Impact
Here's what your bankroll curve looks like during a rollover clear:
Bankroll During Rollover Clear
$1,000 starting bankroll (deposit + bonus), +EV bets only
Early in the clearing process, variance dominates. You might be up, you might be down. But as you accumulate bets, the +EV edge kicks in and your bankroll trends upward.
The key is having enough bankroll to absorb short-term variance. If your deposit + bonus = $1,000, you should be comfortable with your balance swinging between $700-$1,300 during the clearing process.
Key Takeaways
- Most rollovers are +EV — even for bettors with no edge, bonuses under 15x are profitable.
- +EV bettors print money on rollover — the playthrough requirement becomes a feature, not a bug.
- Bet small and steady — 1-3% of bankroll per bet minimizes bust risk.
- Volume is everything — 200 small bets beats 20 large bets every time.
- Read the terms — know what counts toward playthrough before you deposit.
- Don't rush — you have 30-90 days. Only bet when you see real edge.
Rollover requirements scare off recreational bettors. For disciplined +EV bettors, they're just another math problem with a profitable solution.