Table of Contents
- DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Best Market Depth
- FanDuel: Bet $5 (Must Win), Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Best Mobile App
- Caesars: 10 100% Profit Boosts - Most Odds Boosts
- BetMGM: First Bet Offer up to $1,500 - Best Second Chance Bonus
- Fanatics: Bet & Get Up To $1,000 In No Sweat Bets - Best Rewards Program
- Bet365: Bet $5, Get $150 or First Bet Offer up to $1,000 - Best Dual Offer
- BetRivers: First Bet Offer up to $500 - Easiest to Use
- ESPN BET: First Bet Offer up to $1,500 - Best New Sportsbook
- Hard Rock Bet: First Bet Offer up to $100 - Best Florida Sportsbook
- Best Sportsbook Promos by Sport
- Types of Sports Betting Promos
- Why Do Sports Betting Sites Offer Promo Codes?
- What To Look For in a Sportsbook Promotion
- How We Evaluate Sports Betting Promotions
- Sportsbook Rankings Methodology
- Our Expert Verdict on the Best Sportsbook Promos
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Many online sportsbooks have special welcome offers. These promotions reward new patrons with bonus bets, site credit, deposit matches and more.
Fortunately for you, we’ve taken the time to sign up for different sportsbooks to see which ones have the best welcome offers and ranked them here. See below for the best promotions at our favorite betting sites along with a glossary of common sportsbook promotion terms and how they work.
Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus Offer | Min. Wager Requirement | Promo Code | Learn More | |||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
$150 | $5 (must win) | None | Learn More | ||||
$150 | $5 (must win) | None | Learn More | ||||
Up to $1,500 | None (first bet loses) | FORBES | Learn More | ||||
10 100% Profit Boosts | $1 | FORBES1000 | Learn More | ||||
Between $150 and up to $1,000 back | $5 (or first bet loses) | FORBES | Learn More | ||||
$100 to $500 | None (first bet loses) | SPORTS | Learn More | ||||
Up to $1,000 | $1 bet on first 10 days after registering | None | Learn More |
DraftKings: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Best Market Depth
One of our favorite sportsbooks is DraftKings Sportsbook. It was one of the first U.S. sportsbooks to launch in 2018 and is one of the two largest sportsbooks in the country in terms of market share.
New users can sign up for DraftKings via this link. From there, register for a new account, deposit $5 and wager $5+ on anything you want.
If you’re in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, MA, ME, NC, OH, PA, WY, or WV, you’ll get $150 in bonus bets instantly, regardless of how your bet turns out.
If you’re located in DC, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), MD, MI, NJ, NY, TN, VA, or VT, you’ll only get the $150 if your first wager wins.
No promo code is required.
Bonus bets are valid for seven days and can be used on any market. We recommend using your bonus bets on markets with plus odds like underdogs and futures to give you chances at higher payouts.
To be eligible for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where DraftKings is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing DraftKings account.
For more information, read our full DraftKings Sportsbook review.
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 | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Claim Bonus |
FanDuel: Bet $5 (Must Win), Get $150 in Bonus Bets - Best Mobile App
FanDuel Sportsbook ranks with DraftKings as one of the largest and most well-known brands in the sports betting and DFS space.
While the two apps are similar in many ways, we love FanDuel because of its sleek, modern interface. In our mind, it’s the best betting app out there.
New users who join FanDuel, deposit $5+ and win their first $5+ wager will receive $150 in bonus bets.
You’ll also get three free months of NBA League Pass, win or lose.
Bettors will receive their bonus funds within 72 hours of bet settlement. No promo code is required when you register through this link or the banner on this page.
Bonus bets are valid for seven days and can be used on anything at FanDuel Sportsbook. Again, we recommend using your bonus bets on markets with plus odds.
To qualify for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where FanDuel is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing FanDuel account.
For more information, read our full FanDuel Sportsbook review.
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 | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Claim Bonus |
Caesars: 10 100% Profit Boosts - Most Odds Boosts
Caesars Sportsbook is a top-tier platform with the most odds boosts in the industry, offering dozens on various sports daily. They’re constantly adding more odds boosts, so we recommend checking the app often to see if any speak to you.
Speaking of boosts, Caesars gives new users 10 100% profit boosts just for wagering $1+ after signing up.
To claim the promotion, register for Caesars using the code FORBES1000 and place your first wager of at least $1 on anything you want. Regardless of how it turns out, you’ll receive 10 100% profit boosts.
These profit boosts are valid for 14 days and can be used on anything. Each boost has a max. bet of $25 and max. winnings of $2,500.
To qualify for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where Caesars is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing Caesars account.
For more information, read our full Caesars Sportsbook review.
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 | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Claim Bonus |
BetMGM: First Bet Offer up to $1,500 - Best Second Chance Bonus
BetMGM Sportsbook gives new customers up to $1,500 in bonus bets back if their first wager loses. Just use the promo code FORBES, deposit at least $10 and bet on anything you want.
If your first bet doesn’t work out, you’ll get the same amount back in bonus bets up to $1,500.
If you’re located in New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Michigan or West Virginia, you’ll receive $100 in bonus bets and $150 in casino site credit for wagering $10+ on sports.
BetMGM has daily odds boosts and offers rewards through MGM Rewards, including VIP trips to MGM resorts and casinos.
Again, our advice is to make your first bet on a straight market with plus odds, since your wager is covered if it doesn’t pan out.
To qualify for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where BetMGM is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing BetMGM account.
For more information, read our full BetMGM Sportsbook review.
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 | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Claim Bonus |
Fanatics: Bet & Get Up To $1,000 In No Sweat Bets - Best Rewards Program
One of the newest sportsbooks on the market (and one of our personal favorites), Fanatics Sportsbook has rapidly expanded since debuting in 2023.
Its unique welcome offer allows new customers to earn up to $1,000 in no-sweat bets depending on how much they wager.
For the first 10 days after you create your account, Fanatics will give you a no-sweat bet up to $100 each day. No promo code is required – just opt in and wager each day to receive your no-sweat bet.
If you have the bankroll, we recommend wagering the full $100 every day to maximize your bonus.
To qualify for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where Fanatics is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing Fanatics account.
For more information, read our full Fanatics Sportsbook review.
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 | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Claim Bonus |
Bet365: Bet $5, Get $150 or First Bet Offer up to $1,000 - Best Dual Offer
The British-based Bet365 is considered one of the best sportsbooks in the world, and its welcome offer is a big reason why.
New users in the U.S. who register for Bet365, deposit $10+ and use the promo code FORBES can choose between two different welcome offers, giving them the best of both worlds. If you’re in Canada, use the promo code FORBESCAN.
One option provides $150 in bonus bets after wagering $5 (min. -500 odds), regardless of how your wager turns out.
With the second option, you’ll get a bonus bet back up to $1,000 if your first wager loses.
We recommend the first option, as you’re essentially getting free money to bet with rather than a refund if your bet loses.
Whichever one you choose, Bet365 has plenty of betting markets on a wide variety of sports to use your welcome offer on.
To qualify for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where Bet365 is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing Bet365 account.
For more information, read our full Bet365 Sportsbook review.
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 | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Claim Bonus |
BetRivers: First Bet Offer up to $500 - Easiest to Use
For bettors who want more of a local sportsbook feel compared to the bigger national brands, BetRivers is a solid option.
New users who sign up for BetRivers using the promo code SPORTS and deposit at least $10 will receive a bonus bet if their first wager loses. The offer varies by state but ranges between $100 and $500.
You can wager on any sport to receive the bonus bet. The bonus is valid for 30 days.
We recommend betting on a market with plus odds since you’ll get a bonus bet back if it doesn’t hit.
To qualify for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where BetRivers is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing BetRivers account.
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 | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Claim Bonus |
ESPN BET: First Bet Offer up to $1,500 - Best New Sportsbook
One of the newer sportsbooks on the scene, ESPN BET debuted in November 2023 after rebranding from Barstool Sportsbook. It’s a quality addition to the market with its modern app, which is easy to use and features exclusive odds boosts.
ESPN BET also has good promotions, including a strong welcome offer that gives new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their first wager loses. You’ll also get 30 free days of ESPN+.
Our advice is to wager on an underdog with your first bet. If it doesn’t cash, you can use your bonus bet on a more realistic wager.
To qualify for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where ESPN BET is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing ESPN BET account.
For more information, read our full ESPN BET review.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Offer | Get up to $1,500 first bet reset & 30 free days of ESPN+ |
Promo Code | N/A |
Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
Availability | AZ, CO, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VA, WV |
Apple Store Score | 4.8/5 |
Google Play Store Score | 4.5/5 |
Offer Expires | Feb. 10, 2025 |
Last Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Hard Rock Bet: First Bet Offer up to $100 - Best Florida Sportsbook
Hard Rock Bet debuted in early 2019 and has since expanded to several states. That includes Florida, where it’s the only legal sportsbook in the state.
When you sign up for Hard Rock, your first bet is covered up to $100. If you bet at least $10 with your first wager and it loses, you’ll receive a bonus bet for the same amount up to $100. No promo code is required.
We suggest using your welcome offer on a market with plus odds, then pivoting to a bet with minus odds if it doesn’t work out.
Hard Rock Bet also has a referral bonus and exclusive daily odds boosts for existing customers.
To qualify for this promotion, you must be of legal betting age in a state with legal sports betting where Hard Rock Bet is operational. You must also be a new customer and not already have an existing Hard Rock Bet account.
For more information, read our full Hard Rock Bet review.
Category | Description |
---|---|
Offer | Get $100 in bonus bets if your first wager loses |
Promo Code | N/A |
Requirements | New users only, 21+ and in eligible state |
Eligible Bet Types | All bet types |
Availability | AZ, FL, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, VA |
Offer Expires | Dec. 31, 2024 at 11:59 p.m. ET |
Apple Store Score | 4.9/5 |
Google Play Store Score | 4.8/5 |
Bet Now | 21+ Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER |
Last Verified | Dec. 4, 2024 |
Best Sportsbook Promos by Sport
While some sports bettors are just looking for a promotion when they join a sportsbook regardless of the time of year, other bettors want to take advantage of their welcome offers during specific sporting events or seasons.
After all, getting bonus bets to use on marquee events like the Super Bowl or March Madness is probably more fun than having bonus bets in the middle of July when there’s not much to bet on besides baseball.
In general, sportsbook promos stay the same across sports. They may change their offers ahead of certain events like the NBA Playoffs or Stanley Cup Final, but the welcome offer will be the same for new customers regardless of which sport you use it on.
With that in mind, here are our compilations of the best betting promos by sport:
- Best MLB Betting Promos
- Best NBA Betting Promos
- Best NHL Betting Promos
- Best Soccer Betting Promos
- Best NFL Betting Promos
- Best Golf Betting Promos
- Best UFC Betting Promos
- Best Boxing Betting Promos
- Best College Basketball Betting Promos
- Best College Football Betting Promos
Sportsbook | Promo |
---|---|
FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets |
DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets |
BetMGM | Get up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your 1st Bet Loses |
Caesars | Bet $1, Get 10 100% Profit Boosts |
Fanatics | Get up to $100 No-Sweat Bet Daily for 10 Days |
Bet365 | Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets OR up to $1,000 Back if 1st Wager Loses |
BetRivers | Get up to $500 in Bonus Bets if Your 1st Bet Loses |
ESPN BET | Get up to $1,500 Back if 1st Bet Loses |
Hard Rock Bet | Get up to $100 in Bonus Bets if Your 1st Bet Loses |
Types of Sports Betting Promos
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.
Why Do Sports Betting Sites Offer Promo Codes?
Sports betting sites offer promo codes to entice new customers to sign up. By giving them bonus bets or a no-sweat first bet, they’re encouraging users to try out their sportsbook and see if they like it.
Promo codes are also a way for sportsbooks to advertise themselves to potential customers and possibly get them interested in sports betting. Customers may be more likely to join a sportsbook if it has a bigger welcome offer than its competitors, especially if they feel like they’re getting a good deal.
What To Look For in a Sportsbook Promotion
Here are some criteria and terms you should know when considering a sportsbook promotion. 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.
How We Evaluate Sports Betting Promotions
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.
Sportsbook Rankings Methodology
We’ve taken the time to sample and research numerous sportsbooks, narrowing down a list of the best in the industry. These rankings can help you decide which ones to try first.
Our rankings are based on scores in the following categories:
- App reviews
- Availability across states
- Size of welcome offer
- Ease of claiming welcome offer
- Rewards program
- In-app streaming capabilities
- Existing user promos
- Customer service options
Below, we’ll break down each category and why they’re important to your sports betting experience.
Criteria
Here are the factors we considered when constructing our list.
App Reviews
A quick and easy way to get a sense of a sportsbook’s quality is by comparing user reviews on the App Store (iOS) and Google Play Store (Android). Since ratings are out of five stars, you’ll generally want a sportsbook that’s well-regarded with an average score of at least four stars.
You can also dive into specific user comments to get a sense of what people are saying about the app and if there are any recurring complaints or issues. This can be helpful for features that are hard to gauge until you actually use the app, like lagginess or customer service.
Many commenters are there to complain, so don’t put too much stock in specific reviews.
That said, if you notice common themes throughout the comments, consider it a warning for issues you may encounter with the app.
State Availability
Each state handles sports betting differently. Some states allow both in-person and mobile sports betting, while others might only allow in-person sports betting or have a hard cap on the number of mobile sportsbooks permitted.
Accordingly, sportsbooks vary by state, as each state has to approve a sportsbook before it can launch there. No sportsbook is available in every state with legal online sports betting, but a few have launched in the majority of them.
Generally speaking, the more states a sportsbook is available in, the better. That means it’s more likely to be available in your state, a bordering state or a state you’re likely to travel to, making it easier and more convenient to use. That way, you’ll be able to take your sportsbook with you rather than needing to sign up for a new one every time you leave your state.
While smaller “local” sportsbooks usually offer profit boosts and other bonuses based on hometown teams, they’re usually only available in a handful of states at most, offering limited availability.
Size of Welcome Offer
This is an important one. How much free money will a sportsbook give you for signing up?
Most sportsbooks have welcome offers to entice new customers, but it’s important to know how these offers work. Just because an offer has a higher dollar amount attached to it doesn’t necessarily make it better.
Some sportsbooks have “bet and get” promotions where you receive bonus bets (site credit) just for wagering a small amount of money. For example, you might get $200 in bonus bets just for placing a $5 wager. You’re essentially getting free money to bet with.
Other sportsbooks have “no-sweat” offers that give a bonus bet only if your first bet loses.
For example, if you place a $20 bet after signing up and it loses, you’ll receive a $20 bonus bet, similar to a refund.
These offers tend to wow bettors with larger amounts than “bet and get” promos, often going up to $1,000 or $1,500. However, you’ll only receive a bonus bet if your first wager loses, in which case you’ll need to use the bonus bet to try to win your money back. If your wager wins, you’ll receive your cash winnings like a normal wager but won’t receive any bonus.
Accordingly, “no sweat” offers generally aren’t as good as “bet and get” promos.
When comparing sportsbooks, it’s better to focus on welcome offers with guaranteed bonuses that give you site credit no matter what.
Ease of Claiming Welcome Offer
The size of the bonus offer won’t matter if it’s difficult to claim.
The best sportsbook bonus offers are as easy to claim as they are generous, being simple and straightforward without requiring you to jump through hoops.
The best bonuses are guaranteed and hit your account instantly as soon as you place your first bet. They’ll also be easy to follow and won’t require you to check a bunch of boxes to get your bonus.
Some sportsbook bonus offers require you to make multiple wagers or wait days or weeks to unlock your full bonus. This can be inconvenient, especially if you’re trying to get your full bonus ahead of a major sporting event like the Super Bowl or March Madness.
More complex offers can be a pain, so we prefer simplified offers with fewer requirements.
Rewards Program
If you bet often and are planning to use a sportsbook frequently, a strong rewards program is essential.
Loyalty programs differ by sportsbook. Some give you rewards points for each bet, which can then be converted into bonus bets or other rewards. Others offer big rewards like free trips, hotel stays, tickets to sporting events and more.
On the other hand, some sportsbooks don’t have any rewards. That might not be a big deal for casual bettors, but it can make a difference for frequent sports bettors.
It’s like paying for something with cash versus a credit card. If you place a bet at a site without a loyalty program, you’re missing out on points elsewhere.
In-App Streaming Capabilities
While bigger sports like football or basketball are usually only available to watch via traditional cable or streaming services, some sportsbooks offer the ability to stream smaller sports in the app, which is a benefit for bettors.
For example, FanDuel‘s app often streams tennis matches, which makes it easier to follow the action and place live wagers.
Beyond just offering live streaming, we also considered how laggy the stream was, how much battery it used and the amount of events available to stream in the app.
Existing User Promos
Most sportsbooks have some type of welcome offer to get new customers in the door, but where they really differ is with their promotions for existing customers.
Some sportsbooks offer a slew of daily promotions like odds boosts, no-sweat bets, bonus bets and more to keep customer coming back every day. Others only offer these sparingly, however, if at all.
One key existing user promo to consider is the referral bonus. Many sportsbooks have some type of referral bonus for getting someone else to sign up, but the amount can differ ($50 per person, $100, $200, etc.). If you’re planning to bet with friends or family, this can be a great way to score bonus bets for you and them.
Similar to a rewards program, you’ll want a sportsbook with frequent offers for existing customers if you plan to bet frequently.
Customer Service Options
Strong customer service options are a must for any sportsbook considering most disputes or calls involve someone’s money.
High marks were given to any sportsbook that offered 24/7 customer service (sporting events often end at night, after all), while points were deducted if a sportsbook relied on a FAQ page as a key part of its customer service profile. The more options for contacting customer service (email, chat, phone, etc.), the better.
Customer support is essential to guaranteeing a smooth sports betting experience. If a problem arises, it’s important to have it handled quickly and effectively.
Our Expert Verdict on the Best Sportsbook Promos
While promos vary by sportsbook, we recommend ones that give out bonus bets for betting a small amount of money, such as the offers at FanDuel, DraftKings and Bet365.
That’s because these sportsbooks are essentially giving you free money to bet with. You only need to put up $5 or so of your own money initially, but you can use the bonus bets to win real money. If you play your cards right, it’s possible to turn those bonus bets into hundreds or thousands of dollars in winnings for a very minimal investment.
Conversely, the “first bet” offers are not as appealing. You only get a bonus bet if your first wager loses, so it’s essentially a refund. The amounts sound big ($1,000, $1,500, etc.), but that’s how much you’d need to risk (and lose) to get the bonus bet.
In our opinion, Bet365 has the best betting promo because it offers both types, giving users a choice and providing the best of both worlds. Rather than forcing a new customer into one offer, it lets them decide for themselves which one they want to use and fits their betting strategy.
Bet365 isn’t as widely available as some of the bigger domestic brands, but it’s a must-try if it’s available in your state.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a sportsbook bonus?
A sportsbook bonus is when a sports betting site gives you an offer (usually some form of site credit) for signing up and creating a new account as a first-time customer. It is betting funds that you can use at the sportsbook in addition to your initial deposit.
What betting sites have the best promotions?
The betting sites listed above — DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, etc. — have the best and biggest promotions in the industry.
Who can redeem sportsbook promos?
Only new customers can redeem sportsbook promos. If you’ve signed up for a sportsbook before, you won’t be able to claim more than one welcome promo.
Additionally, you must be of legal betting age in a state where sports betting is legal.
Which sportsbook has the best welcome bonus?
That can be subjective and depends what type of offer you’re looking for, but here are our choices.
DraftKings has the best “bet and get” offer, offering $150 in bonus bets guaranteed just for wagering $5 (win or lose) depending on the state.
BetMGM has the best “second chance” offer, matching your first bet up to $1,500 if it loses.
Bet365 has the best overall offer, letting users choose between a “bet $5, get $150” promo and a “max. $1,000 bonus bet if your first wager loses” promo.
Best time to sign up for a Sportsbook based on promos?
Sportsbook promos are usually fairly consistent and don’t change much year-round, so it doesn’t matter too much when you sign up. The promo you get in January might the same as the one you’d get in July, so any time is a good time.
That said, sometimes sportsbooks offer bigger promos ahead of major sporting events such as the Super Bowl or March Madness, when betting interest is high. If you’re looking to join a sportsbook, that could be a good time to sign up.
How many times can you claim sportsbook bonus?
Only once. Once you’ve claimed a welcome offer at a sportsbook, you won’t be able to claim another one, so make sure to make the most of your bonus the first time (i.e., don’t let your bonus bets expire).
Why do sportsbooks offer promos?
Sportsbooks offer promos to attract new customers, enticing them to sign up and bet with their platform. Promos help sportsbooks stand out compared to rival betting sites and are used as a marketing tool to advertise the sportsbook.
What are the playthrough requirements for sportsbook bonuses?
It depends, but most sportsbooks have a 1x playthrough requirement. That means you only need to use your bonus one time to win real money from it, at which point you can withdraw your winnings.
However, you won’t be able to withdraw bonus bets without wagering them first. So if a sportsbook gives you $200 in bonus bets, you can’t simply take out the $200 — you need to bet it. If your wager wins, then you can withdraw the money in your account.
Are sportsbook bonuses worth it?
Yes, especially “bet and get” offers, since sportsbooks are essentially giving you free money to play with. As mentioned above, you can win serious money with bonus bets if you hit a parlay or a longshot bet with big plus odds.
It’s easier to lose money with “first bet” offers, as you only get a maximum of two chances to win a bet — your initial wager and the bonus bet if your first one loses. With “bet and get” offers, however, you may get eight or 10 bet tokens, giving you more chances to cash a bet and win real money.
What is the difference between a sports betting bonus and a promotion?
A sports betting bonus is a type of promotion, but not all promotions are sports betting bonuses.
There are many types of promotions, from odds boosts and parlay insurance to bonus bets and referral bonuses. A sports betting bonus thus falls under the umbrella of a promotion.