If a bonus bet wins, do you get the stake back?
The short answer
Not with a stake-not-returned bonus bet. A $100 bonus bet at +250 pays $250 if it wins. A $100 cash bet at the same odds returns $350 because that payout includes your original $100.
Same odds, different payout
The missing $100 is not a fee taken after you win. It is how this reward works: the token funds the wager but is not itself redeemable as cash.
| Funding | Winnings at +250 | Stake returned | Total payout |
|---|---|---|---|
| $100 cash | $250 | $100 | $350 |
| $100 stake-not-returned bonus | $250 | $0 | $250 |
Scroll horizontally to see all columns.
Why this matters when hedging
A hedge is an opposite bet intended to reduce the difference between outcomes. Its size depends on the payout it must offset.
Using a normal cash-bet calculation for this token would treat the bonus as returning $350 instead of $250. You would put too much cash on the opposite side and would no longer get the result you planned. Select the bonus-bet calculation and confirm that it assumes the stake is not returned.
Read the reward, not just its name
Bonus cash, site credit, and bonus-bet tokens can have different rules. Check whether the stake is included in winnings, whether winnings are cash or restricted credit, and what happens on a push or void.
Before confirming the slip, check that the reward is selected and the displayed potential payout matches your calculation. A token sitting in your account does not mean it has been applied to the bet.
The takeaway
For a stake-not-returned token, hedge the winnings-only payout. Do not add the bonus stake back.
Put it into practice
- Check a bonus payout
Compare the two outcomes using bonus-bet math.
- Understand reward types
Find the token and check its funding and restrictions.
Related questions
- How much is a $200 bonus bet actually worth?
- Can you split a bonus bet into smaller bets?
- Which bet do you place first when hedging a bonus bet?
21+. Use licensed sportsbooks where legal. Examples assume the stated odds, accepted stakes, and matching settlement rules; they are not live offers or guaranteed returns. Check your promotion and house rules. Gambling concerns? Call or text 1-800-MY-RESET. Limits, breaks and support.