Best NBA Betting Promos & Bonus Codes For December 2024 – Forbes Betting

DraftKings has tons of NBA markets to choose from, including futures on which team will win the in-season tournament, player averages, stats leaders, conference seeding and more.

It also has a great welcome offer with bonus bets (no DraftKings NBA bonus code required) to help new users get started.

Category	Description
Offer	Bet $5+, get $150 in bonus bets if first bet wins
Promo Code	N/A
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	All bet types
Availability	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, NC, NJ, NY, NH, OH, OR, PA, TN, VA, VT, WY, WV
Offer Expires	Jan. 5, 2025 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.5/5
Date Verified	Nov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

FanDuel has one of the best sports betting apps in the industry and a terrific NBA betting bonus (no FanDuel NBA bonus code required) to boot.

It also boasts a bevy of NBA betting options, including special markets around star players like Victor Wembanyama and Bronny James.

Category	Description
Offer	Bet $5+, get $150 in Bonus Bets + 3 Free Months of NBA League Pass
Promo Code	N/A
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	All bet types
Availability	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MI, MA, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY
Offer Expires	Dec. 17 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score	4.9/5
Google Play Store Score	4.7/5
Date Verified	Nov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

BetMGM already has odds up for a number of NBA games, including the league’s Christmas Day slate. It also has futures markets and specials involving LeBron James and Bronny.

The sportsbook also has a large NBA betting bonus where you get a bonus bet back if your first wager loses. Just enter the BetMGM NBA bonus code FORBES when signing up to claim it.

Category	Description
Offer	Get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses
Promo Code	FORBES
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	All bet types
Availability	AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY
Offer Expires	Feb. 10, 2025
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.3/5
Date Verified	Nov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

At Caesars, you’ll find a host of NBA betting markets, promotions and odds boosts. In fact, Caesars has the most odds boosts in the industry, offering dozens every day throughout the NBA season.

Caesars also has a special NBA betting bonus for new customers that gives them 10 100% profit boosts when they wager $1+ after signing up. Use the Caesars NBA bonus code FORBES1000 during registration to claim it.

Category	Description
Offer	Bet $1, get 10 $100% profit boosts
Promo Code	FORBES1000
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	All bet types
Availability	AZ, CO, DC, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MS, NV, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, PR, TN, VA, WV, WY
Offer Expires	11:59 a.m. local time on Jan. 27, 2025
Apple Store Score	4.7/5
Google Play Store Score	4.3/5
Date Verified	Nov. 25, 2024
Claim Bonus

Bet365 was started overseas but still has plenty of betting markets on American sports, including the NBA. You’ll find prop bets, parlays, odds boosts and more.

Bet365 also has a unique NBA betting bonus that gives new customers the choice between two options. Regardless of which one you choose, make sure to use the Bet365 NBA bonus code FORBES in the U.S. and FORBESCAN in Canada.

Category	Description
Offer	Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets OR get up to $1,000 in bonus bets if your first bet loses
Promo Code	FORBES (U.S.), FORBESCAN (Canada ex. Ontario)
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	Min. -500 odds
Availability	AZ, CO, IA, IN, KY, LA, NJ, NC, OH, PA, VA
Offer Expires	TBD
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.6/5
Date Verified	Nov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

BetRivers has the look and feel of a smaller sportsbook, making it perfect for first-time bettors. It still has plenty to choose from for NBA bettors, including same-game parlays, odds boosts and traditional markets like spread and moneyline.

The sportsbook also has an NBA betting bonus that gives customers their first wager back if it loses. The amount varies by state, but use the BetRivers NBA bonus code SPORTS to claim it.

Category	Description
Offer	Get $100-$500 in bonus bets if your first wager loses (depending on state)
Promo Code	SPORTS
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	Min. -200 odds
Availability	AZ, CO, DE, IA, IL, IN, LA, MD, MI, NJ, NY, OH, PA, VA, WV
Offer Expires	TBD
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.7/5
Date Verified	Nov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

Fanatics is one of the newest sportsbooks on the market and is a must-try for NBA bettors. It tailors the home page based on your betting preferences and has tons of NBA markets available, including live betting.

Fanatics also has a special NBA betting bonus where you can earn bonus bets every day for up to 10 days after opening your account. No Fanatics NBA bonus code is required.

Category	Description
Offer	Get daily $100 no-sweat bet for 10 straight days
Promo Code	N/A
Requirements	New users only, 21+ and in eligible state
Eligible Bet Types	$1+, min. -500 odds
Availability	AZ, CO, CT, DC, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NY, NJ, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, WY
Offer Expires	Dec. 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET
Apple Store Score	4.8/5
Google Play Store Score	4.4/5
Date Verified	Nov. 26, 2024
Claim Bonus

Another new sportsbook, ESPN BET has quickly established itself as a go-to destination for NBA bettors thanks to its modern app, frequent promotions, exclusive odds boosts and fun tie-ins to ESPN personalities.

It also has an NBA betting bonus for new customers where you get your first wager back in bonus bets if it loses. No ESPN BET NBA bonus code is required.

Hard Rock Bet isn’t as widely available as some of the other sportsbooks on this list, but it’s still a great option, especially if you’re in Florida. It has everything NBA bettors are looking for, including odds boosts, a clean mobile app and more.

There’s also an NBA betting bonus for new customers, who can get their first wager back in site credit if it loses. No Hard Rock Bet NBA bonus code is required.

• FanDuel Sportsbook: FanDuel is known for having one of the smoothest interfaces in the industry. New customers can claim $150 in bonus bets by winning their first $5+ wager after signing up.
• DraftKings Sportsbook: DraftKings is on par with FanDuel and has a Parlay Builder tool that makes it easy to assemble parlays for almost any game. New users can get $150 in bonus bets by winning their first $5+ wager after signing up.
• BetMGM Sportsbook: BetMGM also has a user-friendly layout that makes building parlays incredibly easy. New players at BetMGM can get up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first wager loses using the NBA promo code FORBES.
• Caesars Sportsbook: Caesars has the most extensive array of odds boosts in the industry. New users can claim 10 100% profit boosts to use on any sport with the NBA bonus code FORBES1000.
• Bet365 Sportsbook: Bet365 is a British-based gambling company with an outstanding global reputation. New customers can claim up to $1,000 in bonuses using the NBA promo code FORBES.
• Fanatics Sportsbook: Previously, PointsBet Sportsbook, Fanatics launched in 2023 and is one of the newest sportsbooks on the market. New users can earn up to $100 in no-sweat bets each day for 10 days.
• BetRivers Sportsbook: BetRivers has more of a local flavor compared to bigger-name sportsbooks. Its welcome offer varies by state and ranges between $100 and $500 in bonus bets if you use the NBA bonus code SPORTS.
• ESPN BET Sportsbook: ESPN BET debuted in 2023 and has quickly established itself as one of the stronger online sportsbooks on the market.
• Hard Rock Bet: Hard Rock Bet launched in 2019 and features a modern app with plenty of bells and whistles.

Here are some criteria and terms you should know when considering an NBA promo. Much of this information can be found under a promotion’s terms and conditions.

• Bonus Type: Most new-user bonuses either give you bonus bets for wagering a small amount or refund your first wager if it loses. 
• Eligibility: Many promotions are only available to new customers who haven’t signed up for that sportsbook before, and there are often age and state requirements as well. 
• Wagering Requirements: To qualify for a promotion, your wager may need to meet specific criteria. It may need to be on a certain game or over a certain odds threshold. 
• Minimum Odds: A qualifying bet may have minimum odds to prevent customers from betting on heavy favorites.
• Validity Period: The amount of time that a bonus is valid for. Most bonuses are usually valid for seven days, but the time period can vary.
• Maximum Win/Bonus Cap: Some bonuses have a limit on the amount of money you can win with them to protect sportsbooks from losing too much money. 
• Bet Type Restrictions: Some promotions only allow certain bet types to be eligible for a promotion or prevent you from using your bonus on certain betting markets. 

Claiming an NBA betting promo is easy and only takes a few minutes. Just follow these steps.

1. Go to an NBA betting site that you haven’t signed up for yet.
2. Create a new account.
3. Verify your identity and location.
4. Enter a promo code (if applicable).
5. Make your first deposit using an accepted payment method.
6. Make your first qualifying wager to claim the welcome offer.

Bet & Get: When you get “bonus bets” after betting a certain amount with your first wager, as low as $5 in some cases. In return, the sportsbook gives you bonus bets to use at the site. You may need to win your first bet or wait for it to settle to trigger the bonus, but other sportsbooks will give you the site credit regardless, and sometimes as soon as you place your first bet. 

Bonus Bet: A type of site credit that’s essentially a free bet. It’s a bet for a specific amount you can use on most markets. Bonus bets don’t have cash value and cannot be withdrawn. Your stake isn’t included in any winnings. So, if you use a $10 bonus bet, the bonus won’t be included in a payout.

Deposit Match: This is usually a promotion for online casinos rather than sportsbooks. You receive an amount of site credit equal to the full amount or a percentage of your deposit. If you deposit $100 with a 50% deposit match, you’ll earn $50 in site credit to use.

First Bet Bonus: A common welcome offer related to your first wager after signing up. If your first bet loses, some sportsbooks will refund your first bet in site credit up to a specific amount. So, if you place a $100 wager with your first bet and it loses, you may be eligible to receive a bonus bet up to $100. If your bet wins, you may not receive a bonus.

Loyalty Bonus: Some sportsbooks provide these as part of their rewards programs. As you bet more money at a sportsbook over time, you become eligible for certain promotions like bonus bets, special VIP trips and game tickets.

New User Promo: A one-time promotion only available to a new customer who hasn’t previously registered and bet with a sportsbook. A bettor can only get one new user promo at each sportsbook. Sportsbooks verify your social security number when you sign up, so they know if you’ve registered before, even if it was in a different state or with a different email address.

No Sweat Bet: Formerly known as a “risk-free bet.” This is essentially a first bet bonus where you get a bonus bet equal to your wager if it doesn’t win.

Odds Boost: When a sportsbook increases the odds of a bet to raise the potential payout. For example, a bet with +120 odds could be boosted to +240, which would double your winnings. These are usually available for specific markets, like for a player to score a TD.

Opt-In: To trigger a promotion, you usually need to click “Opt-In.” This tells the sportsbook that you are participating in the promotion and makes you eligible for the rewards. If you don’t opt in, you will likely not qualify for the promotion.

Parlay Insurance: This is a common promotion thanks to the popularity of parlays and same-game parlays. Depending on the offer, you can get the stake for your parlay back as site credit if it loses. Sometimes, the promotion is valid if only one leg of your parlay loses.

Profit Boost: Similar to an odds boost, a profit boost makes the odds more favorable to increase the potential earnings. For example, a 25% profit boost would increase the odds of a bet from +100 to +125, raising your winnings by 25%. Sometimes, these are only available in certain betting markets (i.e., NBA games), but other times, bettors can use a profit boost on whatever sport or game they want.

Promo Code: When signing up for a sportsbook, you may need to enter a special promo code to unlock the offer. If you don’t enter the code when prompted, you may miss out on the rewards. Some online sportsbooks don’t require a promo code, but check to see if you need one before signing up.

Qualifying Wager: A type of wager that meets the required criteria for a promotion. Promotions often have restrictions around what kind of bets can be used, so read these carefully to ensure your bet qualifies for the promotion. For example, sometimes a bet will be ineligible for a promotion if it is a futures bet, if it is on an event outside the promotional period, or if its odds are too short (i.e., below -500).

Refer a Friend: Referral bonuses are available at most major sportsbooks. If you already have a sportsbook account, you can send someone a link to sign up. If they’re a new customer, you’ll both typically get site credit once they register and make a bet. The amount of the referral bonus varies by sportsbook.

Safety Net: The same as a first bet bonus or no sweat bet. If your first wager loses, you get the same amount back in bonus bets up to a specific threshold. 

Second Chance Bet: Another way to describe a no-sweat bet where you get a bonus bet if your first wager loses. You can then use your bonus bet to place another wager. 

Site Credit: Rewards that can only be used at the sportsbook that issued them. Site credit can’t be withdrawn from your account or transferred to other players. These include bonus bets, deposit matches, rewards points and other bonuses. You can use site credit to place wagers and win real money, but it has no standalone value.

Welcome Offer: Another phrase for new user promo. The offer that sportsbooks give to new customers when they sign up for an account. Claiming multiple welcome offers or signing up for multiple accounts at the same sportsbook is usually impossible, but it’s possible to claim welcome offers from various sportsbooks.

Once you’ve registered for an NBA betting site, there are plenty of ways to safely fund your account.

These options vary by state and operator, but here are some of the most common deposit methods:

• Bank Transfer
• Credit/Debit Card
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Apple Pay
• Wire Transfer
• PayNearMe
• Skrill
• Gift Card

You can choose which option is the best and most convenient for you.

Similarly, there are a number of ways you can withdraw money from your account as well.

• Bank Transfer
• Debit Card
• PayPal
• Venmo
• Check By Mail

Online sportsbooks protect your banking information, so you don’t have to worry about it being stolen when you’re making transactions.

Here are some pros and cons of NBA betting.

Pros

• Nearly endless prop bets, especially for star players
• Good for live betting with frequent breaks in the action
• Has games almost every day during regular season and playoffs
• Games are fast-paced and high-scoring

Cons

• Moneyline markets rarely have value, forcing bettors to target spreads and other markets
• Star players frequently sit due to load management reasons, as the regular season doesn’t matter as much compared to the playoffs
• Players can get into foul trouble, reducing their playing time
• Bad beats are common due to garbage time, missed free throws and late-game chaos

While we don’t have a formal rating for sports betting promotional offers, we only write about consumer-friendly signup offers regarding the following criteria.

• Size of offer: Sports betting signup bonuses range from $100 to $1,500. The size is important, but it depends on the type of the offer. Regardless of size, a sports betting signup offer can give you some cushion for your first betting experience. Remember, these offers are one-time deals.
• Offer format: Most sportsbooks offer a so-called “bet & get” offer, where if you make a wager, you will receive so-called bonus bets. These wagers are in the form of site credit. Sometimes, your bet must win to claim the site credit. Other sportsbooks will offer a so-called free bet where you can get a refund in the form of site credit if your first wager loses. Both have their advantages.
• Time to receive site credit: It’s better if you receive your site credit immediately rather than having to wait 2-3 days. This can be relevant to your betting experience. However, all sportsbooks issue site credits in a timely manner.
• Odds requirement: It’s always better if the promotion doesn’t stipulate a minimum or maximum odds for your qualifying wager.

Some sportsbook signup offers are slightly better than others, but you can claim one new user offer at each sportsbook. You should claim each site’s offer if you want to try out multiple sports betting sites.

Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images.