Bonus or no bonus: simple maths of expected cost
A bonus increases your balance but also your turnover. We compare two situations numerically and show when the bonus wins.
“Take it or not” is settled by two numbers: what the bonus gives and what the turnover costs. Take a simplified example.
The setup
- Deposit: 1,000 UAH.
- Bonus: 100% (1,000 UAH), x40 wagering on the bonus.
- House edge on the slot: 4% (an illustrative figure).
Turnover and its price
Turnover: 1,000 × 40 = 40,000 UAH. Expected loss on that turnover: 40,000 × 4% = 1,600 UAH. So the cost of wagering exceeds the 1,000 UAH bonus itself.
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Bonus | 1,000 UAH |
| Turnover | 40,000 UAH |
| Expected loss | 1,600 UAH |
| Average result | −600 UAH |
When a bonus gets better
- Wagering is much lower (say x10).
- The house edge on the chosen game is smaller.
- The bonus carries no withdrawal limits.
Note that cashback with x10 gives a much better picture, see the cashback calculation.
Practical conclusion
A bonus makes sense as entertainment for extra money if you are comfortable spending time on turnover. If you just want to play for a few minutes, it is simpler and cheaper without one. Put your numbers into the calculator.
And remember: set limits before any bonus.
Check the terms before you opt inThe operator’s own page always has the final rules.
Claim the bonus at Cosmolot