CURRENT EDITION
UK guide · Maths & worked examples
Deposit-match percentages and caps
A match bonus is usually calculated from an eligible deposit and then limited by a cap. Understanding that formula prevents a large percentage or maximum amount from becoming an accidental spending target.
- Write the formula
- Keep the deposit outside the reward
- Do not optimise your spending around the cap
Write the formula
For a simple hypothetical match, bonus equals the smaller of deposit multiplied by match rate and the stated cap. A 25% rate is 0.25, not 25. A £16 eligible deposit at that rate produces £4 before any other condition is considered.
Keep the deposit outside the reward
When a screen says play with £40 after depositing £20, part of the total may be your original £20. The new incentive is not automatically £40. Subtract the deposit from the combined headline before describing how much promotional credit has been added.
Do not optimise your spending around the cap
The deposit needed to reach a maximum is an arithmetic result, not a recommendation. Your original intention might involve less money or no gambling at all. A cap exists to limit the promotion; it does not identify an affordable amount for an individual.
| Eligible deposit | 50% calculation | Reward with £12 cap |
|---|---|---|
| £10 | £5 | £5 |
| £20 | £10 | £10 |
| £30 | £15 | £12 |
Illustrative values explained in this guide; not market data or a prediction.
Check the cap with boundary values
A capped formula is easiest to understand using values below, at and above the point where the cap is reached. Under a hypothetical 50% match capped at £10, an eligible £10 deposit gives £5, £20 gives £10 and £30 still gives £10. The extra £10 in the final case adds no extra promotional credit under this simple formula. That does not mean £20 is a recommended payment; it only explains where the formula stops increasing. Minimum deposits, eligible payment methods and other terms may mean the formula is not available for every input. Keep those eligibility conditions beside the arithmetic, and do not describe a mathematically calculated amount as an entitlement until the actual offer conditions are established.
- Convert the match rate into a decimal and apply it only to the eligible amount identified in the terms.
- Apply the promotional cap separately so that the uncapped calculation is not mistaken for the credited reward.
- Show your own deposit separately from the bonus when describing the combined balance or any headline play-with amount.
Worked example · hypothetical
Compare two hypothetical deposits
At a 50% match capped at £12, a £10 deposit corresponds to £5 bonus, while £30 corresponds to £12 because the uncapped £15 exceeds the ceiling. The larger deposit adds more money at risk without making the bonus a guaranteed cash return.
Explore the arithmetic with the wagering calculator →
Common questions
Does a 100% match double my withdrawable money?
Not necessarily. It describes the incentive calculation. The added promotional credit may remain conditional and separate from cash.
Does this guide recommend participating in a promotion?
No. The purpose is to explain terms and consumer questions. Declining an offer, stopping play or seeking support are valid outcomes of reading it.
Sources & further reading
Read the source alongside the explanation. Rules and published terms can change; check the current official position where you live.
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