Best Sportsbook Promos & Bonuses for Today
The best sportsbook promos could mean thousands in bonus money for new customers. The top sportsbooks all have sign-up deals that sports fans can claim for all NFL divisonal games, and beyond. Claim your exclusive welcome bonuses from industry leaders such as Draftkings, Caesars, FanDuel, bet365, BetMGM, Fanatics, & ESPN Bet today.
Today’s best sportsbook promos
- Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win*
- *Bonus Bets Expire in 7 Days. One New Customer Offer Only. Add’l terms. 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Use Bonus Code: PLAYLSR
- Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets Guaranteed*
- OR First Bet Safety Net up to $1,000
- 30% Extra on Same Game Parlay Profit
- T&Cs Apply. Gambling Problem? Call or text 1-800-GAMBLER 21+
- Use Bonus Code: LSRVA
- Stream NFL Games In-App for Free
- 21+ Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- Use Promo Code: LSRDYW
Get $300
- Bet $5, Get $300 in Bonus Bets if Your Bet Wins
- Available on Desktop, Android & iOS
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. 21+
- To Claim: Click Play Now
- Up to $100 in Bonus Bets if First Your Bet Doesn't Win
- Get Your Bets Boosted
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call/Text 1-800-Gambler. T&Cs apply
- To Claim: Click Play Now
- Bet and Get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets
- Earn FanCash & Spend it on Team Swag or More Bets
- 21+. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
- To Claim: Click Play Now
- Bet & Get up to $200 in Bonus Bets
- PLUS up to $1,000 Deposit Bonus
- PLUS $50 Bonus Bet on Deposit
- PLUS King of the End Zone Promo
- Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
What to know about the latest sportsbook promos & sign-up bonuses
Sportsbook | Welcome bonus | Promo code |
---|---|---|
Fanatics Sportsbook | Bet and get up to $1,000 in no sweat bets | No promo code |
DraftKings Sportsbook | Up to $1,250 in bonus funds plus the king of the court profit boost | No promo code — claim here |
Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, double your winnings on next 10 wagers | LSRDYW |
Bet365 Sportsbook | Bet $5, get $150 guaranteed OR a first bet safety net up to $1,000 | LSRVA* |
FanDuel Sportsbook | Bet $5, get $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins | No promo code — claim here |
BetMGM Sportsbook | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win | PLAYLSR |
BetRivers Sportsbook | Offer not available | LSRRIV |
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook | Get $100 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win | No promo code — claim here |
ESPN Bet | Up to a $1,500 welcome bonus | No promo code |
Crab Sports | Up to $500 in first bet insurance | PLAYMD |
Best sportsbook promos reviewed
Below, our experts have ranked some of the best sports betting sites and sites based on the welcome bonus, type of offer, maximum amount, playthrough requirements, and more.
1. Fanatics Sportsbook
New customers can unlock a multi-part bonus when they sign up at Fanatics Sportsbook, with no promo code necessary. To claim the Fanatics Sportsbook promo, create an account, deposit at least $5, and start betting. Fanatics will match your first daily bet for 10 or 11 days, with a minimum wager of $5 and a maximum match of $100, so customers can claim up to $1,000 in no sweat bets — “FanCash” — by betting $100 each day over the first 10 or 11 days once their account is live.
Customers must click the opt-in tab each day to unlock the bonus for their first bet of the day, which must have odds of -200 or longer. The FanCash funds are non-withdrawable, but customers can use them for future bets on the site or to purchase merchandise through the Fanatics platform.
This is a uniquely structured promo, as it allows for some flexibility on a day-to-day basis and offers a 100% match. Unlike other promotions that may require users to place an initial large wager to qualify for the full bonus, Fanatics will match multiple smaller bets for customers who prefer lower stakes. Fanatics also offers a loyalty program and odds boosts for existing customers on a user-friendly platform.
As far as downsides, some Fanatics customers have complained about betting limits and restrictions from certain promotions. Fanatics processes withdrawals quickly, but the withdrawal must be via the same payment method as the initial deposit.
- Fanatics legal states: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, & WY
- Best promotion for: Bettors looking for a promo that lasts beyond the first bet.
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
- Playthrough requirement: To receive the full value of the offer, you must make a bet — minimum $5, maximum $100 — for 10 straight days.
2. DraftKings Sportsbook
The DraftKings promo code has three parts. First, if you sign up for an account and make a deposit of $5 or more, you’ll receive an automatic $50 bonus bet. Second, the amount of that first deposit is eligible for a 20% match — in the form of bonus funds — up to $1,000 (except in MA). Lastly, new bettors are eligible for $200 in no sweat bets. You can use the bonus to wager on any sport that DraftKings Sportsbook offers, but the bonuses themselves are not withdrawable.
This ranks as the top promo in part because it offers a combined bonus of up to $1,250. The multiple elements also add flexibility for users, and without requiring large wagers right off the bat. One important detail is that bonus bets expire if you do not use them within seven days. You also get access to the king of the court profit boost.
- DraftKings legal states: AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NH, NJ, NY, NC, OH, OR, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV & WY
- Best promotion for: Bettors looking to build bankroll.
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
- Playthrough requirement: Bonus bets must be used within seven days of receipt. Release matching funds at a rate of $1 for every $25 in wagers.
3. Caesars Sportsbook
The Caesars Sportsbook offer for ten 100% profit boost tokens on your first $1 wager. To qualify, sign up with the Caesars Sportsbook promo code LSRDYW. The tokens expire if you do not use them within 14 days.
This main offer is a bit more complex than other sportsbooks. The 100% profit boost tokens allow you to double your winnings on any certain bet. If you lose that wager, all of the bet is a loss. At the same time, if that first bet is successful, you would receive your winnings as usual plus 100% boost on top.
- Caesars legal states: AZ, CO, DC, IN, IL, IA, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NV, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV, & WY
- Best promotion for: Bettors interested in insurance on their first bet.
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
- Playthrough requirement: Receive bonus bet credit once the original wager settles. Bonus bet credit must be used within 14 days on a bet that resolves within 30 days.
4. Bet365 Sportsbook
Bet365’s promo features a choice between two options. The first provides up to $1,000 back in bonus bets guaranteed using the bet365 bonus code. The second gives you $150 once you deposit at least $10 and place a wager of at least $5. To qualify, sign up with the promo code LSRVA and make a deposit of $10 or more.
The two options are one of the things that help set this promo apart. One is essentially a first bet at lower risk, while the other offers a guaranteed bonus with a relatively small initial wager. The downside of the first option is that if your initial bet is successful, there is no bonus. You’ll have seven days to wager any bonus bets that you receive. After that, they expire.
The bonus code LSRVA can be used during registration but does not change the offer amount in any way.
- Bet365 legal states: AZ, CO, IN, IA, KY, LA, NJ, NC, OH, PA & VA
- Best promotion for: Bettors looking for a choice of promo options.
- Payout speed: Up to two days
- Playthrough requirement: You have seven days to use any bonuses that you receive.
5. FanDuel Sportsbook
The FanDuel promo code will provide $300 in bonus bets if your bet wins. This offer does not require a promo code. As with all bonus bets, you can use them on future bets but cannot immediately withdraw them. FanDuel only pays you real money from the winnings of bonus bets.
One upside of this offer is that it’s straightforward. There’s no promo code to enter or complex conditions to understand.
- FanDuel legal states: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV & WY
- Best promotion for: Bettors seeking a simple promo offer.
- Payout speed: Within 24 hours
- Playthrough requirement: Receive the amount of the promo offer if your bet wins. You must then use the credits within seven days, and you only get paid real money from winnings of bonus bets.
6. BetMGM Sportsbook
The BetMGM welcome bonus provides up to $1,500 in bonus bets paid back if your first bet does not win. This means that if you sign up for an account at the sportsbook with the BetMGM bonus code PLAYLSR and wager up to $1,500, the sportsbook will match that wager in bonus bets if it loses.
One nice thing about this promo is that it allows you to potentially make a relatively risky first bet with a potential for a high payout since the bonus bets will essentially give you a second chance if that first bet loses. But if you lose twice, you’re out the original stake.
*Bonus bets expire in seven days. One new customer offer only. Additional terms.
- BetMGM legal states: AZ, CO, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, MI, MS, NJ, NV, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV & WY - Note: Offer not available in NY
- Best promotion for: Bettors seeking a safety net on their first bet.
- Payout speed: One to two days
- Playthrough requirement: For initial bets of $50 or more, you’ll receive bonus bets matching your losing wager in five credits of 20% each, up to $1,500. Bonus bets will expire in seven days.
7. BetRivers Sportsbook
The BetRivers Sportsbook promo gives you up to $500 back in bonus bets if your first wager loses. This is similar to some of the first-bet promos above, though this offer is good only for up to $500. To qualify, sign up with the BetRivers bonus code LSRRIV when creating your account.
This offer is appealing partly because it’s a simple and easy calculation, allowing you to place a first bet knowing that you’ll receive bet credits as a refund if you lose. The bonus bets also appear in your account relatively quickly, generally within 24 hours of that first bet settling. You also get a 30-day window to use the credits before they expire, which is longer than many other sportsbooks offer. However, the maximum amount of the bonus is lower than what some other providers allow.
- BetRivers legal states: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, LA, MD, MI, OH, NJ, NY, PA, VA & WV
- Best promotion for: Bettors looking for promos with a longer timeframe before expiration.
- Payout speed: Up to three business days
- Playthrough requirement: You’ll receive a refund for your losing bet — up to the maximum — within 24 hours. You’ll have 30 days before the bet credits expire.
8. Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook
The Hard Rock Bet promo will provide new customers with $100 in bonus bets provided they meet the conditions. When you create an account, select a payment method, and make a deposit. Depending on what state you are in, the offer might change. Right now, Hard Rock Bet is offering the following: Bet $5, get $100 in bonus bets for NJ users, and get $100 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn’t win for first time users in AZ, TN & VA.
This promo from Hard Rock might be minimal when compared to other sportsbooks, coming in at only $100 in total bonus bets. The good news is that it takes very little to receive the bonus.
- Hard Rock Bet legal states: AZ, NJ, TN, VA
- Best promotion for: Bettors looking for a low-deposit promo opportunity.
- Payout speed: Within 48 hours
- Playthrough requirement: Bonus bets will be awarded once the $5 bet is placed in NJ, or the first bet is graded as a loss for AZ, TN & VA. Credits expire in 14 days and are paid out in $20 increments.
9. ESPN Bet
ESPN Bet made its debut in November 2023. Now available in 18 states, the ESPN Bet welcome bonus is a two-part promo that’s good for up to $1,500. First, you can receive a 200% match of your initial deposit, up to a maximum of $500. Matching funds are released at a rate of $1 for every $10 in wagers. Next, you can get a first-bet reset of up to $1,000. If your first wager loses, you’ll receive a refund of your stake, up to the $1,000 maximum. You’ll receive a credit for the same amount, which you must then use to place a single wager prior to expiration.
- ESPN Bet legal states: AZ, CO, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NC, NJ, OH, PA, TN, VA, & WV
- Best promotion for: Bettors looking for a deposit match and first bet insurance.
- Payout speed: Within 48 hours
- Playthrough requirement: Any bonus funds expire in seven days. For the deposit match, you’ll release $1 in bonus funds for every $10 in wagers.
10. Crab Sports
Crab Sports is a Maryland only sportsbook that focuses on local promos and offerings. They are a great option for new users in the state to check out. Use our code PLAYMD and secure $500 in total bonuses upon signup. Once signing up, make sure to wager with odds at -120 or longer. Bonus bet voucher will expire after 8 days of being awarded.
- Crab Sports legal states: MD
- Best promotion for: Bettors looking for local team promos and bonuses.
- Payout speed: Within 48 hours
- Playthrough requirement: Bonus bet will be rewarded if your first bet loses. Bonus bet will not be available for cashout.
Best sportsbook bonuses by bonus type
Best overall sign-up bonus | DraftKings Sportsbook |
Best bet-get offer | FanDuel Sportsbook |
Best referral bonus | FanDuel Sportsbook |
Biggest bonus options | Bet365 Sportsbook |
Largest maximum sign-up bonus | BetMGM Sportsbook |
Top sportsbook promo right now
The DraftKings Sportsbook King of the End Zone promotion is a special promotion that grants users access to $2,000,000 in bonus bets for Saturday’s games in the Divisional Round. Users can opt-in, and will get a qualifying token to be used on any NFL Touchdown Prop under “TD Scorer” (First TD Scorer, Anytime TD Scorer, 2+ TDs). If the player in your qualifying bet scores the longest touchdown of the day, you’ll win a share of 2 million in bonus bets. From DraftKings Sportsbook: qualifying bets can contain up to two (2) legs for traditional parlays or three (3) legs for same game parlays and all players will qualify as entries into the King of the End Zone promotion (SGPx bets do not qualify).
Let’s break down an example: You opt-in to the “NFL King of the End Zone” promo and place a wager on Jahmyr Gibbs first TD scorer with your qualifying bet token applied. If, at the conclusion of the games that day, Jahmyr Gibbs has the longest touchdown of the day, you would be eligible to receive an equal share of a $2,000,000 bonus bet prize pool, and you will win or lose your original bet depending on the outcome.
Sportsbook promos for existing users
If you are an existing user of most sports betting apps in the United States, you might be wondering where you can take advantage of promos, boosts, and offers. Some of the top online sportsbooks offer recurring promos, profit boost tokens, and more. Below is a full list of some top books that provide offers to keep users engaged and help you build a bankroll.
Keep in mind that these offers are always changing, depending on what leagues are playing, and what sports schedule we are currently on. These are the best bonuses for NFL Week 16, and beyond.
Sportsbook | Promo, Boost, or Bonus |
---|---|
DraftKings Sportsbook | NFL TD Scorers Parlay Profit Boost |
DraftKings Sportsbook | King of the End Zone Promo |
Caesars Sportsbook | 50% Longshot Parlay Profit Boost |
Caesars Sportsbook | 100% NBA SGP Profit Boost |
Caesars Sportsbook | Refer a friend, get 5,000 reward credits |
bet365 Sportsbook | 100% Parlay Boost |
bet365 Sportsbook | NFL Early Payout (17+ points) |
bet365 Sportsbook | NCAAF Early Payout (17+ points) |
bet365 Sportsbook | NBA Early Payout (20+ points) |
bet365 Sportsbook | Hockey Early Payout (3+ goals) |
bet365 Sportsbook | NCAAB Early Payout (18+ points) |
bet365 Sportsbook | Soccer Early Payout (2+ goals) |
FanDuel Sportsbook | NFL TD Scorers Parlay Profit boost |
FanDuel Sportsbook | NBA “Friday Firsts” Profit Boost |
FanDuel Sportsbook | Refer a friend, both get 2 100% profit boost |
BetMGM Sportsbook | CFB Odds Boost Token |
BetMGM Sportsbook | College Hoops Odds Book Token |
BetMGM Sportsbook | Get A Second Chance On First TD Bets |
BetMGM Sportsbook | Refer a friend, get a $100 bonus |
BetMGM Sportsbook | EPL 2 Up Early Payout |
BetRivers Sportsbook | Betrivers PropPacks |
Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook | Random profit boost drops for multiple sports (10-30% boosts) |
Fanatics Sportsbook | Refer friends, get up to $250 in sportsbook bonus bets |
Fanatics Sportsbook | Get a new reward every single day. (Bonus bets, profit boosts, & more) |
ESPN Bet | ESPN Bet Live Exclusives |
ESPN Bet | First Take Specials |
ESPN Bet | The Points Odds Boost |
ESPN Bet | Seeing Green Odds Boost |
ESPN Bet | Mad Dog’s Specials |
Best weekly sportsbook promos at betting sites
Bet365 offers an early payout promotion for football betting. Place a moneyline bet on an NFL or college team to win, and if that team goes up by 17 points at any time in the game, your bet will instantly count as a win. Bet365 also offers an NHL betting promo of the same type, allowing for an early payout if your team goes up by three goals. Other current promotions include boosts on UEFA Championship League SGP bets, as well as a 30% boost on a futures pick to win the NBA championship.
BetMGM is currently offering its free-to-play Fast Break game. Simply click the free-to-play game, follow the steps, and you will secure a random promo. Users can play the game once per day, and will win rewards such as parlay boost tokens, odds boost tokes, and bonus bets.
DraftKings Sportsbook offers tons of profit boost tokens for multiple leagues and games. For example, DraftKings is currently offering a Divisional Round no-sweat bonus bet if you lose. The parlay must consist of a minimum of 2 legs with total odds with a minimum of -500. The no-sweat tokens will expire following the last NFL games on 1/19.
How to claim sportsbook promotions
LSR has promo codes for some of the top sports betting sites, and you can find them in our table at the top of this page.
- Simply click the “play now” button and enter the promo code. In some cases, clicking on “play now” will take you to a page where the promo code is already there or is not necessary.
- Enter one of the promo or bonus codes found on this page. Simply pick which sportsbooks you would like to play at, and enter the code.
- Fill out all necessary personal information and also verify your location within the app.
- Once you’ve signed up, you can make your first wager and access the bonus. The amount of the bonus you receive and when you receive it will depend on the details of the offer.
- Make sure you meet all playthrough requirements that are associated with the offer. This means that you need to wager the credits a certain number of times and within a certain time frame before any winnings from those bets are eligible to withdraw.
How we rate sportsbook promos
Promos and bonuses are a key factor in evaluating the best online sportsbooks. These bonuses play a significant role in enhancing the overall experience. While the range of betting options and competitive odds are important, the quality and variety of promotional offers often set a sportsbook apart. Welcome bonuses, bonus bets, and deposit matches are just the beginning—we also look at ongoing sportsbook promos, such as odds boosts, early payouts, and loyalty rewards.
We also carefully analyze the fine print of these offers, including wagering requirements, expiration dates, and eligibility criteria, to ensure they provide actual value to new and existing users. A sportsbook’s ability to deliver consistent promos is key factor on its ranking, as it helps bettors maximize their potential winnings and build a larger bankroll. Beyond the actual promos, we also consider the ease of claiming these offers and the platform’s reputation.
Best sportsbook promos by state
The number of states where sports betting is legal continues to grow. Vermont, Kentucky, and North Carolina are the latest. Each state has different rules, various legal sportsbooks, and a variety of sports betting promos and bonuses. An Ohio sportsbook promo may not be the same as one in North Carolina. Click the link for your state or location below to head to a page where you can see the top available bonuses and promos and any necessary codes to access them.
There are also several states with ongoing efforts to legalize sports betting. Some states are closer than others to legalization, but there is an appetite for legal online sports betting in all of the states listed below. Several of these states also have DFS pick’em and social sportsbooks. Click the link to your state to see what promos are available now.
Alabama | California promos |
Georgia | Minnesota |
Missouri | Oklahoma |
South Carolina | Texas promos |
Sport-specific sportsbook promos
Many of the sign-up bonuses that you claim for online sportsbooks can be used for wagering on any sport. However, you’ll also find promos that are sport-specific.
NFL sportsbook promos
The NFL is the most popular sport for betting at online sportsbooks. In advance of the season, various promos are available for new customers. For example, FanDuel offered $200 in bonus bets to new users who placed a first bet of $5 or more prior to kickoff of the latest campaign.
When the season is underway, there are boosts available for weekly games. DraftKings regularly offers profit boost tokens for SGP wagers on primetime games. You can also find promos for NFL futures bets at various sportsbooks, such as boosted odds on the Super Bowl winner.
DraftKings also offers touchdown parlay bet boosts this NFL season, increasing the amount of the boost based on how many legs you add to the parlay. FanDuel has a 25% profit boost on all live bets for Thursday Night Football. To qualify, you must opt in and place a qualifying wager with odds of -200 (pre-boost).
College football sportsbook promos
The kickoff of college football season also attracts scores of new users, and online sportsbooks welcome them with promos. Prior to Week 1 of this season, new users at bet365 could sign up to claim a first-bet safety net for up to $1,000.
Promos are also available on select matchups throughout the season. Caesars has a regular assortment of odds boosts available, as well as “FireBets” for select SGPs, player props, and marquee contests.
DraftKings has a Barstool-branded promotion this college football season, boosting a four-plus leg parlay. The app also offers Game of the Week boosts for featured matchups, which can be used on any bet for the game. FanDuel also offers profit boosts for any bet on big games, ranging from 30% to 50%.
MLB sportsbook promos
Bettors who are into MLB have no shortage of options to choose from. From opening day through to the World Series, there’s an abundance of games and props to choose from. New users can claim a range of sign-up bonuses, such as BetMGM’s welcome bonus for up to $1,500.
Sportsbooks also have a regular array of promo offers throughout the season, several of which are tied to specific wagers. For example, DraftKings has a “Homerfest” promo that provides bonus bets when a player you wager on hits a home run during that game.
For the MLB World Series, books like FanDuel are offering regular profit boosts for games.
NBA sportsbook promos
The tipoff of the NBA season is a popular occasion with bettors, and sportsbooks may mark the event with promos for new users. You can sign up and claim offers such as up to $1,000 in bonus bets from Fanatics Sportsbook.
There are also promos available for select games and props all season long. For example, BetRivers offers a regular assortment of house specials and boosted SGPs, such as a team to win, the total to go over, and a player to score a designated number of points.
UFC sportsbook promos
Big UFC fight nights are some of the most popular events on the sportsbook menu. Prior to the events, users have a host of sign-up offers to choose from, including ten 100% profit boosts on Caesars after your first bet.
You can bet on all of the individual fights on the card and also combine wagers into parlays. There’s also a wide selection of props, some of which have boosts. For example, at FanDuel, you’ll find props on rounds, time, method of finish, and more. Why not try them out for UFC 311, which takes place on January 18th?
NHL sportsbook promos
NHL bettors have plenty of options to choose from in advance of and during the season. Over at bet365, there’s the option for new users to bet $5 and receive $200 in bonus bets. In advance of the latest season, the sportsbook was also offering boosts on Stanley Cup futures bets.
Once you’re signed up to wager at bet365, you’ll find boosts for select SGP wagers. The book also has a promo that offers an instant payout on moneyline bets if your team goes up by three goals.
Types of promos and bonuses explained
As mentioned, the promotions you encounter will vary depending on the sportsbook. Many books make the deals exclusive to sports betting, while others will also tie in incentives for other products. For example, Caesars and FanDuel may also offer casino bonuses in that space. Here are some of the most popular sportsbook bonuses and how they work:
Sign-up bonus
Sign-up bonuses are pretty self-explanatory. New users receive small amounts of site credits once they have successfully signed up at a new sportsbook. These are the easiest bonuses to obtain but are essentially just an incentive to get a bettor in the virtual door. Bonus amounts are usually pretty small, such as a $50 bonus bet credit.
Deposit match
Some online sportsbooks will match your first deposit after you sign up. The maximum can vary but can sometimes be for $1,000 or more. The matching funds will arrive as a percentage of your deposit. Some books offer 20%, but others may match 100%. Here is a hypothetical example:
- You come across a deposit matching bonus of 100% up to $500 for new bettors at a sportsbook.
- You sign up and make a $100 deposit.
- The sportsbook credits your account with an additional $100.
- You now have a beginning bankroll of $200.
The matched funds are yours to wager with, but some restrictions will apply. There may be a time limitation on using them, and the actual amount of the credit is not withdrawable. As always, review the terms and conditions of the promo for specifics.
Whenever you make a deposit, though, remember that it’s essential to be mindful of your personal comfort level and sports betting budget, which should consist solely of disposable income equivalent to what you would spend on another entertainment-related expense.
Bet and get
Bet and get bonuses are popping up more often at online sportsbooks as an incentive to not only get new bettors to sign up but to begin placing wagers. For example, bettors who claim a “bet $5, get $200” promo will receive $200 in bonus bets after signing up and making a wager of at least $5. Some sportsbooks will provide the bonus whether you win or lose that original bet; others may require you to win.
Many people prefer this type of bonus to “second-chance bets” or similar promotions as it doesn’t require your bet to lose to receive the benefit. If you signed up, made a $10 wager, and won the bet, you would still receive the $200. This bet can also be placed on a variety of sports, such as a college football betting promo or a soccer betting promo.
No deposit bonus
For this promotion, you get bonus funds to wager with after signing up. The amount will vary, and you won’t be able to withdraw the funds immediately, but there are few other restrictions. If you win, the sportsbook will credit your account with the winnings. Here is another hypothetical example:
- You create an account at DraftKings and receive a $50 bonus bet.
- You scan the NFL odds and use the $50 bonus bet to wager on the Baltimore Ravens at +2.5 versus the Kansas City Chiefs.
- If the Ravens cover the spread, DraftKings will credit your account with the winnings, but you’ve used the credit for the bonus bet.
If the bet loses, you’ve also used the bonus bet, so you’ll have to deposit to continue wagering on the site. Variations of this promo may require you to make an initial deposit to receive the bonus bet.
Additionally, be sure to view the terms and conditions of the bonus bet, as you may need to use it within a certain timeframe, such as seven or 30 days. DraftKings, BetMGM, and other top sportsbooks have featured this type of bonus at various times.
Bonus bets allow you to get a feel for a new site, but that doesn’t mean that you should be using them in a haphazard fashion. Since the choice is the potential for profit if you win and nothing if you lose, treat them like any other wager and use them on the games or events you feel best about.
Odds boost
Odds boosts are when the book increases the odds for a game or prop bet to make a wager more attractive for the bettor. In doing so, the sportsbook often gives up some or all of its built-in advantage (also known as vig or vigorish).
For example, an online sportsbook might move the odds of Juan Soto hitting a home run from +250 up to +400 — much more attractive odds, but of course, your wager still needs to win.
These odds boosts are usually available every day at most sportsbooks, though there may be more to choose from during special events. For example, Super Bowl odds boosts will be widely available to attract new bettors to sign up.
No-sweat bet
Receive a refund as a bonus bet or bets if your first wager loses. Depending on the specific sportsbook, the actual name for such a promo will vary. Usually, the bonus bet refund has an upper limit, and bets larger than that are only covered up to the point of the limit.
For example, if you used a no-sweat bet to place a $50 wager on Christian McCaffrey to score a touchdown in his next game and he was unsuccessful, the sportsbook would add $50 as a bonus bet or bets to your account to cover the amount you’d lost on the wager. Such bonus bets are then eligible to use on future wagers but not to withdraw.
Second-chance bet
This is essentially another name for a no-sweat bet. It provides a refund as a bonus bet or bets if your first wager loses, giving you a second chance at making a winning bet. For a quick example, if you bet $20 on the New York Yankees to beat the Baltimore Orioles and New York goes on to lose, you’ll get back a $20 second-chance bet.
These are common types of welcome bonuses, but it’s important to note that if your first bet wins, the bonus does not apply. One benefit of these promos is that you can potentially place a riskier first wager than you otherwise might, knowing that you’ll get another chance if the first wager fails.
First-bet promo
A bonus that is contingent upon your initial wager. These typically offer some form of bonus bet credit in exchange for making a first bet at a sportsbook. Sometimes these offers will be for a certain amount in bonus bets regardless of whether the first bet wins or loses. Other times, they might only offer a bonus in the event that your first bet is successful.
Using that scenario as an example, if you placed a $10 bet on the Boston Celtics to beat the Los Angeles Lakers and Boston wins, you’d be eligible for the promo. Regardless, the bonus bets will take the form of credits that you can use to wager at the book but that you can’t withdraw on their own. The bonus bets also typically expire if you don’t use them within a certain window of time, so be sure to read the specific details.
Referral bonus
Referral bonuses are a simple and straightforward way to receive bonus bet credits for getting your friends to sign up at a sportsbook. The idea is to attract new customers by getting existing ones to get friends or family to sign up and make an initial deposit.
Usually sportsbooks will do this by giving you a unique code or sign-up link that a friend can then use to create an account. Sometimes sportsbooks require the person to then deposit a certain amount or make a first bet above a certain minimum for the bonus to apply.
Using sports betting promos to build your bankroll
Sportsbooks that offer recurring promos such as profit boosts, bonus bets, and specials offer opportunities to grow your bankroll strategically. By taking advantage of profit boosts, bettors can increase their potential returns on specific wagers, adding value without additional risk. Bonus bets are another great promotion that allows users to place bets without risking their own funds. Remember, bonus bets only provide payouts on the winning side of that bet, not the initial wager.
Sports betting bonuses can play a critical role in building a bankroll over time. These specials often enhance the odds, providing an edge when thought through and calculated. To maximize the benefits, bettors should keep track of all available promotions, avoid outrageous bets, and maintain disciplined bankroll management.
Sportsbook bonuses to avoid
Any website that says it takes wagers from anywhere in the United States is operating illegally and should be avoided. These sites offer no protection to people who bet there. All US sportsbooks are licensed at the state level.
Sportsbooks such as Bovada, BetUS, BetOnline, and MyBookie operate from outside the United States, and as such do not need to comply with US laws, restrictions, or business regulations. You could be putting yourself and your financial information at risk by betting on these sites.
Sportsbook playthrough requirements
Playthrough requirements (aka wagering requirements or rollover requirements) are stipulations that sportsbooks attach to bonuses. Many promotions will require you to wager a certain amount of money before you can withdraw any bonus funds to avoid bettors simply signing up and immediately withdrawing bonus money without actually betting anything.
Playthrough requirements will vary depending on the bonus the sportsbook is offering, so the requirement often appears as a multiplier based on the bonus amount.
For example, a 5x playthrough requirement for a $100 bonus would require you to make wagers totaling $500. The same playthrough for $20 would be $100. In the first scenario, you would have to make the $500 in wagers before the $100 in bonus funds would become available to withdraw.
Make sure to read the terms and conditions whenever you sign up at a new sportsbook so you know how much you have to wager before being able to claim the bonus. For instance, one sportsbook might offer a bonus of up to $1,000 and require a 20x playthrough, while another might offer a promotion for up to $200 but only with a 1x playthrough requirement. The maximum bonus is less with the second option, but you don’t have to bet nearly as much to access the bonus funds.
Responsible gambling with new-user bonuses
It’s important to remember that gambling is meant to be a form of entertainment that should be used in a responsible manner. Certain sportsbook promos may not be the best choice for new users for precisely this reason. With promos such as second-chance bets, for instance, it’s important to stay within your means when it comes to the initial wager. While it may seem like the first bet is free of risk, the refund for those bets is in the form of bonus bets rather than cash, so it’s not a full or instant refund if your bet loses.
Playthrough requirements for bonus bets are also important to keep in mind. When a sportsbook offers bonus bets as part of a promo, those are site credits that you must use to place other wagers; you can’t just withdraw them. When you use bonus bet credits and win, you receive the profit from the bet, but you don’t get the bonus credit back that you used as a stake for the bet.
It’s also important to compare actual betting lines between sportsbooks when considering different promos. Some sportsbooks might have an attractive welcome bonus, but other providers might have more advantageous betting lines for the sports on which you want to wager. Sometimes that future consideration can outweigh a single, one-time offer at the start.
If gambling affects your family, work or personal situations, it’s important to reach out and get help. The National Council on Problem Gambling is available by phone/text at 1-800-522-4700 or ncpgambling.org/chat. Help is available 24/7 and is always free and confidential.
FAQs
Yes. Online sports betting is legal in 30 US states and Washington, DC. The most recent states to launch online sports betting were Kentucky, Vermont, and North Carolina.
With so many sportsbooks jockeying for position, it can be tough to make headway in current states where sports betting is legal and as new markets open up. To help stand out from the crowd, many books use incentives to attract new business and keep current customers satisfied. From the eyes of the sportsbooks, if the cost of a promotion translates into a new customer or increases loyalty from an existing one, that may be worth it. While not all customers will be regulars, the hope is that many of them will evolve into that.
Most of the time, you can opt out of the bonus or promo after the fact. You will need to contact customer support to be sure, but reading the terms and conditions beforehand can save you some headaches. Opting out of bonuses can be beneficial if you are concerned about a long playthrough requirement.
Playthrough or rollover requirements are essentially terms and conditions that sportsbooks attach to a promo code and bonus. Typically, you will have a certain amount of money you will have to wager and playthrough before you are able to cash out those winnings.