Free bets: stake not returned
Most free bets are SNR: if the bet wins you get the winnings, not the free bet amount. A ₦1,000 free bet at 3.00 pays ₦2,000, not ₦3,000. If the odds were fair, its average value would be ₦2,000 ÷ 3 = ₦667. The free bet calculator shows this for any price.
Free bets: stake returned
SR free bets pay the stake too, like a normal bet. They are rarer and worth more: a ₦1,000 SR free bet is worth close to ₦1,000 at fair odds, less the margin.
What rollover means
A rollover (wagering requirement) says how much you must stake before bonus money becomes withdrawable. "5x the bonus" on a ₦10,000 bonus means ₦50,000 of bets. Some offers count bonus plus deposit, which doubles the amount for a 100% match.
What rollover costs
Every bet carries the bookmaker's margin. Over ₦50,000 of single bets at a 5% margin, the average cost is ₦2,500. If the terms demand accas of three or more legs, the margin compounds to about 14% and the cost rises to about ₦7,100.
| Rollover on a ₦10,000 bonus | Wagering | Rough cost, singles | Rough cost, 3-leg accas |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3x bonus | ₦30,000 | ₦1,500 | ₦4,279 |
| 5x bonus | ₦50,000 | ₦2,500 | ₦7,131 |
| 5x bonus plus ₦10,000 deposit | ₦100,000 | ₦5,000 | ₦14,263 |
| 10x bonus | ₦100,000 | ₦5,000 | ₦14,263 |
Put your offer into the rollover calculator to see the value left after the cost.
Terms that change the value
- Minimum odds per leg or per slip.
- Time limit to complete the rollover.
- Maximum win or maximum withdrawal from bonus funds.
- Excluded bets: cashed-out, void or system bets may not count.
A bonus is never a reason to deposit more than you planned. If you would not bet the wagering amount anyway, the bonus mostly ties up your money.
Questions
Is a free bet better than a deposit bonus?
Often, because a free bet has no rollover on the stake. Compare the value, not the headline amount.
Can I withdraw before the rollover is complete?
Usually you can withdraw your own balance, but the bonus and its winnings are removed.
What odds should I use a free bet on?
For SNR free bets, longer odds keep more of the average value, but win less often.