Wagering requirements are the single most important factor in determining whether a bonus at a foreign betting site is worth claiming. A generous headline figure — €200 deposit match — can be nearly worthless if the wagering requirement is set at 40x. A modest €50 bonus at 5x wagering, on the other hand, may represent genuine positive value. This guide explains exactly how wagering requirements work at international bookmakers available to Irish players in 2026, and how to calculate the real value of any offer before committing.
What Wagering Requirements Mean
A wagering requirement (also called a rollover requirement or playthrough) specifies how many times the bonus amount must be bet in total before any bonus-derived winnings become withdrawable. The requirement is expressed as a multiplier: 5x, 10x, 20x, 40x.
Some bookmakers apply the multiplier to the bonus amount only. Others apply it to the sum of the deposit plus the bonus — this dramatically increases the total wager required. The difference matters: a €100 deposit bonus at 10x on the bonus requires €1,000 in turnover. The same offer applied to deposit plus bonus requires €2,000. Always verify which base the multiplier applies to.
How to Calculate Real Bonus Value
The expected cost of clearing a wagering requirement depends on the total turnover required and the bookmaker's average margin across the markets you bet in. Sports betting margins typically range from 3% to 8% depending on the market and bookmaker. Using a 5% average margin as a working assumption gives a reliable expected cost estimate.
What Counts Toward Wagering Requirements
Not all bets contribute equally to clearing a wagering requirement. The bookmaker's terms specify the contribution rate for each bet type. Sports bets at standard odds usually contribute 100% at sports-focused bookmakers. Casino bets may contribute at varying rates depending on the game type. Some market types are excluded entirely, such as:
- Accumulators with odds below a stated threshold (commonly 1.5 per selection)
- System bets or combination bets that include legs below minimum odds
- Cash-out bets — these sometimes count at a reduced rate or not at all
- Void bets — these do not contribute to rollover
Time limits also apply. Most wagering requirements must be completed within 7–30 days of the bonus being credited. If the deadline passes before rollover is complete, the remaining bonus and any bonus-derived winnings are forfeited.
Wagering Multiplier Value Comparison
| Wagering Multiplier | €100 Bonus Example | Total Wager Needed | Expected Clearing Cost (5% margin) | Net Bonus Value |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 3x | €100 | €300 | €15 | ~€85 — excellent |
| 5x | €100 | €500 | €25 | ~€75 — good |
| 10x | €100 | €1,000 | €50 | ~€50 — fair |
| 20x | €100 | €2,000 | €100 | ~€0 — break-even |
| 30x | €100 | €3,000 | €150 | −€50 — negative value |
| 40x | €100 | €4,000 | €200 | −€100 — not worth claiming |
Calculations assume 5% average margin on all qualifying bets. Higher-margin markets increase the effective cost; finding lower-margin markets reduces it.
Related Pages
- Welcome bonuses at foreign sites — all bonus types and current offers
- Free bets explained — why free bets work differently from deposit bonuses
- How to claim a bonus without getting restricted — safe bonus strategy
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a 5x wagering requirement mean?
A 5x wagering requirement means you must bet a total of 5 times the bonus amount before any winnings derived from that bonus can be withdrawn. If you received a €100 bonus with a 5x requirement, you must place bets totalling €500 before withdrawing. Some bookmakers apply the multiplier to the bonus plus deposit combined — always read the specific terms.
Do sports bets count toward wagering requirements?
This depends on the bookmaker's terms. Many international bookmakers allow sports bets to count fully toward wagering requirements on sports welcome bonuses. Some apply a reduced contribution rate (e.g. 50%) or exclude certain market types such as low-odds accumulators or live betting. Check the specific terms of each offer before claiming.
What happens if I do not meet the wagering requirement?
If you withdraw before completing the wagering requirement, the remaining bonus funds are typically forfeited. Some bookmakers also deduct any bonus-derived winnings from your balance. Your original deposit (real money) remains yours unless you have a negative balance.
How do I compare bonuses with different wagering rates?
Use the expected value calculation: divide the bonus amount by the wagering multiplier to get a rough estimate of the expected cost of clearing it (assuming a 5% bookmaker margin). Then compare net expected value across offers. A €100 bonus at 5x wagering and a €50 bonus at 3x wagering are close in real value — the calculation makes this explicit.