Online sportsbooks are constantly refreshing their range of available bonuses and promos, particularly when big games or tournaments are on the horizon.
Punters are never faced with a shortage of opportunities to take advantage of, whether they’re signing up to a new site or continuing to play on a familiar one.
The best sportsbook promos right now
If you’re wondering what the best promos available for US players are right now, fear not. We have taken a deep dive into all the sportsbooks, and what they’re currently offering, and have chosen our favourites here.
Read on to find out why we believe these are the most attractive bonuses around right now:
Fanduel – Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets if you win
Fanduel is the official sports betting partner of the NBA and is also one of the most popular sportsbooks in the US having started out purely as a fantasy sports app.
Now, fans can put their knowledge of their favorite sports, teams and players to the test with the aim of winning real money.
Right now, brand new users can sign up and receive $150 in bonus bets if their first $5 bet wins!
With the race for the NBA playoffs hotting up, this could help fund bets for several nights’ worth of action as each and every game becomes critical for a number of teams.
How the Fanduel promo works
All you need to do is:
- Sign up to Fanduel.
- Deposit $5 into your account.
- Place that $5 (or more) on any market, any game, any sport.
- If that bet wins, you will land the bonus bets.
The bonus bets will be added to your account within 72 hours. From then, you’ll have seven days to use them – after which, they’ll expire, and they cannot be withdrawn.
Any winning bets using these credits will not return the stake like how a bet using real money would.
Caesars – Bet $1, Double your winnings your next 10 bets with code TALKSPORTDYW
Caesars is one of the most well-known betting brands in the US, with Caesars Palace perhaps most recognized as being one of the biggest casinos along the Vegas Strip.
Given that not everyone is within easy reach of the world-famous gambling capital, however, they are also online and offer a sportsbook covering numerous betting markets and live betting options.
New customers signing up to Caesars sportsbook can see their winnings double on 10 consecutive bets if they register using our promo code today.
This is ideal for new bettors looking to get a feel for the various in-play options during NBA and NHL games in the next couple of weeks.
How the Caesars promo works
All you need to do is:
- Sign up to Caesars using our promo code TALKSPORTDYW
- Place your first bet of $1.
- Win or lose, Caesars will double your winnings on the next 10 bets you place!
Customers must use our code to qualify for this bonus. The tokens received will be available for 14 days after landing in your account – any bet up to $25 and with a payout of up to $2,500 is eligible to be doubled.
bet365 – Bet $5 get $100 in Bonus Bets win or lose OR First bet safety net up to $1,000
UK based bet365 has solidifed themselves as one of the world’s biggest sportsbooks. First launching in New Jersey in 2019, the site has become available in several more states including Colorado, Ohio, Iowa and Virginia.
Unlike most other sportsbooks, new players can choose one of two welcome bonuses. The one which is likely to attract most users is its ‘bet $5, get $100’ offer as this guarantees funds for only a small deposit of real money.
The other option is its $1,000 First Bet Safety Net. While this, in theory, could pay back more in bonus bets, you would have to stake a lot more of your own money – considerably more than $100 to make it worthwhile compared to the other option.
How the bet365 Bet $5 Get $100 promo works
All you need to do is:
- Sign up at bet365.
- Make your first deposit of at least $10.
- Claim the promo for Bet $5 Get $100.
- Place a bet of $5 on any market, any game, any sport.
- $100 in Bonus Bets will be added to your account once your bet is settled.
How the bet365 First bet safety net promo works
All you need to do is:
- Sign up to bet365.
- Make your first deposit of at least $10.
- Claim the promo for First Bet Safety Net Up To $1,000 promo.
- Place your first bet of up to $1,000.
- If the bet loses, your wager will be returned to your account as a Bonus Bet.
To use the bonus bets, simply tick the box that appears on your bet slip. Your balance will then update and show your remaining bonus bets when you select another bet.
You can spread the balance of bonus bets out across as many bets as you like, but note that these won’t be returned in the payout of any winning bet.
BetMGM – Bet $10, Get Up To $150 in Bonus Bets
BetMGM has long since been an established name on the Vegas Strip, with the MGM Grand being one of the most visited casinos in the city. In recent years, they have launched their online casino and sportsbook in several states and also in the UK.
The self-proclaimed “King of Sportsbooks” has two different welcome offers for you, depending on where you live. Customers in Arizona, Colorado, District of Columbia, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Virginia and West Virginia are eligible to receive $150 in bonus bets if their first $10 bet wins.
Those in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, Tennessee or Wyoming can claim up to $1500 in bonus bets if their first bet loses.
How the BetMGM Bet $10, Get $150 promo works
All you need to do is:
- Sign up to BetMGM.
- Deposit at least $10 into your account.
- Place your first $10 bet on any sports market.
- If your bet wins, you will receive $150 in bonus bets.
How the BetMGM $1500 Insurance Bet promo works
All you need to do is:
- Sign up to BetMGM.
- Make your first deposit.
- Place your first bet, of any amount up to $1500, on any sports market.
- If your bet loses, your stake will be returned to you as bonus bets.
The bonus bets are non-withdrawable and will expire seven days after landing in your account. Any winning bets using these will not return the stake.
Types of sportsbook promos
Every promo at each different sportsbook will vary slightly, so it’s important to thoroughly read the T&Cs before setting up accounts and activating them. As outlined above, some sites will require a slightly lower or higher first deposit, or may require you to spread the bonus credits you receive over a specific number of bets.
The types of promos available can, however, be broadly broken down into these four categories:
Deposit match bonuses
With a deposit match bonuses, the bookmaker is offering to match (or partially match) however much money you put into your account with free bets – i.e. if it’s a 100% deposit match, if you deposit $50, they’ll give you another $50 of essentially free money to use on bets.
If it’s a 50% deposit match, you’d be given $25. You won’t be able to withdraw this, and the stake won’t be returned on any bets that win using any amount of this bonus.
The site may also stipulate that you need to “play through” a certain amount before you can make a withdrawal. I.e. a 3x play through would mean that, for a $50 deposit, you would have to wager at least $150.
Bonus bets
These can take several forms of bonus bets. Usually, the player will need to make a bet a certain amount to then receive another amount in free bets – otherwise known as a “bet and get” promotion.
A typical one of these might be “make your first $10 bet, get $100 in free bets”. Make sure to deposit and bet the exact amounts or the bonus won’t activate. On some sportsbooks, you might also need to tick a box on the bet slip or something similar.
You might also be able to take advantage of a “no deposit bonus” from time to time. All you would have to do here is sign up and have your account verified.
Second chance bets
Otherwise known as a “no sweat bet” or “insurance bet”, some sportsbooks will essentially give you your first bet for free (if it loses) by refunding the stake.
There may be a minimum and maximum stake and the refund would come as a bonus bet, which can’t be withdrawn.
Loyalty bonuses
Sportsbooks don’t just offer promos to new players, those who have stuck around for some time – or who have wagered a certain amount, or placed a number of bets in a certain timeframe – will periodically be given bonus bets or other offers to use.
How sportsbook promos work
Sportsbook promos come with a few terms and conditions, so it’s very important to read the fine print! Here are the most common things to be aware of prior to signing up to new operators:
Age & state restrictions for sportsbooks
Sports betting isn’t available everywhere in the US. Therefore, you will need to provide evidence of being physically present in a state where it is legal. Some sportsbooks, such as those highlighted above, will offer different promos to customers depending on where they’re based – so make sure you’ve read carefully and are happy with the bonus you’ll be receiving.
No matter where you live, or are travelling through, you must be at least 21 years old to sign up and start playing. Sites will require you to verify your age upon registering.
Promo eligibility
The main differentiators between “bet and get” offers is how much the site is asking you to bet, and how much the user will then get. Some sites may be offering a lot back to the player in free bets, but you will likely have to wager more of your own money.
The same goes for deposit-related bonuses – these come in various shapes and sizes. Be sure to weigh these up carefully and look for the best value.
Qualifying bets
In order for a bonus to activate, you may need to place a qualifying bet that meets a minimum odds value.
Bonuses are also sometimes tied to a specific game or event. In such cases, the sportsbook will name and market the bonus as such – “Super Bowl bonus bet” or “March Madness insurance bet” for example.
Obviously for these you would have to place a bet before that game or event starts, or during if the terms allow, to qualify for the bonus.
Playthrough requirements
The winnings from bets made using bonus credits may not be immediately available to withdraw in some cases. Make sure to check whether there will be a playthrough requirement.
In other words, an amount that needs to be wagered (across however many bets) or “played through”. The amount of playthrough is usually the amount you deposited multiplied 1, 3, 5, etc.
Why do sportsbooks have bonus bets and other promos?
Bonus bets and promos are a great way for sportsbooks to attract, retain and reward both new and long-term, consistent users – especially with the growing number of operators expanding into US markets and players are spoilt for choice as to where to bet on sports.
With the NBA and NHL playoffs coming into view, as well as March Madness and big events like the Kentucky Derby and Indy 500 taking place in the coming months, operators will be upping their game in what is going to be a busy period in the sports betting world.
About the author
Nathan Hill
Nathan Hill is an experienced sports writer who obsessively follows football – both the round ball and American kind – as well as range of other sports including F1, basketball, darts and snooker.
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