True Value Score Methodology
Every bonus on this site is scored using the same formula. No exceptions, no adjustments, no bias. This page explains exactly how the score is calculated so you can verify any result yourself.
The Problem
Two bonuses can both say “100% up to RM500” but have wildly different real value. One might require 15× wagering on bonus only, the other 35× wagering on bonus plus deposit. The headline number is the same — the real value is not.
The True Value Score converts every bonus into a single comparable number from 0 to 100, accounting for the cost of clearing the wagering requirement.
The Formula
Step 1: Bonus Amount
bonus_amount = min(deposit × match%, max_bonus) For fixed free credit bonuses, the bonus amount is simply the stated credit amount.
Step 2: Total Wagering Required
total_wager = wagering_base × multiplier The wagering base is either the bonus alone or bonus + deposit, depending on the operator's terms. This distinction makes a huge difference — “20× on bonus + deposit” is roughly twice as expensive as “20× on bonus only”.
Step 3: Expected Cost to Clear
expected_cost = total_wager × (1 − assumed_RTP) Every ringgit wagered costs you the house edge. For slots at 96% RTP, each RM100 wagered costs RM4 on average. This is the hidden cost that the headline bonus number never tells you.
Step 4: True Value
true_value = bonus_amount − expected_cost Positive = the bonus is worth claiming. Negative = the wagering costs more than the bonus gives you. Many “generous-looking” bonuses are actually negative.
Step 5: Normalise to 0–100
score = clamp(round(50 + (true_value / bonus_amount) × 50), 0, 100) 50 = break-even. 70+ = good value. Below 30 = the bonus destroys more value than it gives. 100 would mean zero clearing cost (theoretically perfect).
Score Interpretation
| Score Range | Meaning | Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| 70–100 | Strong positive value | Worth claiming — clearing cost is well below the bonus value |
| 50–69 | Marginal positive value | Breakeven to slightly positive — consider if the variance is acceptable |
| 30–49 | Negative value | Wagering costs exceed the bonus — proceed with caution |
| 0–29 | Strongly negative | The bonus is a net cost to you — skip unless you want pure entertainment |
RTP Assumptions
We use standard Return to Player rates based on game type:
| Slots | 96% RTP |
| Live / Table Games | 99% RTP |
| Video Poker | 99.5% RTP |
| Sports | 95% RTP |
These are industry-standard figures. Actual RTP varies by game. We always show the assumption used so you can adjust mentally.
Limitations
⚠️ Assumes Full Playthrough
The formula assumes you play through the entire wagering requirement. If you stop early, your actual outcome will differ.
🔒 Cashout Caps Not Scored
Maximum cashout caps are not factored into the current score. This is planned for a future update.
⏱️ Time Pressure Not Quantified
Very short clearing windows add risk that the formula doesn't capture. We note these in our analysis but don't penalise the score.
🎲 Variance Is Real
Even a high-scoring bonus can result in a loss on any single attempt. The score represents expected value over many attempts, not a guarantee.
Try it yourself
Use our interactive calculator to score any bonus with custom inputs.
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