Introduction: Why Sportsbook Promos Matter
The U.S. sports betting market is booming, and with that growth comes an explosion of sportsbook promos. If you’re a bettor looking to maximize your bankroll—or simply someone curious about taking advantage of bonus bets and credits—knowing the ins and outs of these promotions can be a huge asset. As different sportsbooks scramble to capture your attention, they roll out enticing first-bet bonuses, odds boosts, bet credits, and deposit matches. These offers might look complicated at first glance, but when you break them down, you’ll find that they’re designed to give you a stronger position and a little more security when placing your wagers.
In my own experience, these promos have not only made betting more fun, but they’ve also helped me learn better bankroll management. Whether you’re completely new to the scene or a seasoned veteran, understanding how bonuses like Bet & Get or deposit matches work will enable you to make informed decisions on how to spend your bet credits or “bonus bets.” Even if you’re unsure about sports betting, the bonuses themselves can often offset some of the risk, giving you a cushion as you get comfortable with the platform. In this guide, I’ll lay out the best sportsbook promos, the different types of offers, and what I’ve learned over years of experimenting with them.
Understanding the Competitive US Sports Betting Market
Sports betting in the United States took a massive leap forward after the Supreme Court struck down PASPA (the Professional and Amateur Sports Protection Act) in 2018. Since then, many states have legalized online sports betting, and sportsbooks have seized the opportunity to compete for market share. The result is a landscape bursting with special offers:
- Welcome Bonuses: Typically larger, first-bet deals or deposit match promos for new players.
- Ongoing Promotions: Targeted at loyal customers, these can be weekly parlay boosts, reduced juice lines, or special insurance deals on specific sports.
- State-Specific Offers: Some sportsbooks tailor their promos to individual markets, meaning an Ohio-based promo might differ from what’s offered in New York or Colorado.
Because of this fierce competition, each sportsbook tries to stand out from the pack, giving new users a reason to sign up with them rather than a rival. For bettors, it’s basically a win-win: whether you’re brand new or an existing user, there’s a constant stream of promotions designed to keep you active and satisfied.
Key point: More states legalizing sports betting translates into more competition among operators. This drives the creation of bigger, better promos, which can be especially advantageous if you sign up early in a newly launched market.
My Personal Experience With Sports Betting Promos
I’ve been betting on sports for years, and throughout that time, sports betting promos have been a key factor that keeps me engaged. These promotions do more than just act as flashy advertisements. They genuinely add extra value to my wagers.
- Boosting Winnings: I’ve often used my bonus bets on straight wagers because single bets are simpler and come with a higher probability of success. There’s a temptation to use bet credits on parlays—since parlays can produce bigger payouts—but typically, parlays have a lower chance of winning. So my personal philosophy is to treat these bonuses as if they’re my own money and focus on smaller, more strategically-placed bets.
- Learning New Bet Types: Certain promotions like Same Game Parlays or special event-based bet credits can motivate me to try new bet types in a controlled environment. With a buffer of bonus funds, it’s less intimidating to experiment.
- Research-Focused: Even when the funds aren’t technically my own—like a second chance bet or bonus credits—I still do the same research and treat them with the same caution as I would any deposit from my bank account. This keeps me from wagering blindly and helps ensure I’m not squandering what amounts to free money.
Ultimately, these promotions have kept me positive about the sports betting experience. Knowing I can rely on a first-bet insurance or a deposit match means I’m getting more mileage out of my bankroll.
Types of Sports Betting Promotions
The range of promotional offers can be overwhelming at first, especially if you’re new to sports betting. Below is a breakdown of the most common promotion types you’ll see advertised, plus some insights on how I use them.
Deposit Bonuses
A deposit bonus is among the most straightforward promotions: when you sign up and fund your account for the first time, the sportsbook matches a certain portion of your deposit in bet credits. This can vary widely in amount—some operators match up to $100, while others go as high as $1,000 or more.
- Playthrough Requirements: Often, the sportsbook will require you to wager the matched amount a certain number of times (1x, 5x, etc.) before you can withdraw any winnings.
- Best Strategy: Start by depositing an amount you’re comfortable with. Then, use your matched funds on smaller, single-event wagers to ensure you can realistically meet the rollover.
Bet & Get Offers
These offers are extremely popular. They let you place a bet—sometimes as low as $5 or $10—and receive a fixed amount of bonus bets or site credits (for example, $150–$200). An advantage here is that you can quickly gain extra ammo for future wagers, often irrespective of whether your initial bet wins or loses.
- Winning vs. Losing: Some Bet & Get deals require your initial bet to win to receive the bonus. Others (like Bet365’s Bet $5, Get $150) pay out regardless of the outcome. This is crucial to check in the fine print.
- My Approach: If the bonus is given regardless of outcome, I’ll occasionally take a shot on a bigger underdog. If I lose, I still get the bonus credits. But I make sure that the underdog bet is something I’ve researched, not a total long shot with virtually no chance of winning.
Second Chance Bets / First Bet Insurance
This type of promo provides a partial safety net on your very first wager. If your first bet loses, the sportsbook will credit you with site credits or “bonus bets” equal to the amount you lost, up to a specified cap (often $1,000, but sometimes more, sometimes less).
- Key Benefit: You effectively get a do-over for losing your first bet, which reduces the sting of a rough start.
- Winning Strategy: Rather than deliberately trying to lose your first bet, place a well-researched wager. If it wins, fantastic—you keep your winnings. If it loses, you can recoup losses in bonus bets.
Bonus Bets
Often used as a catch-all term for site credits or tokens, bonus bets can appear in multiple forms. You might earn them from a deposit match, a Bet & Get deal, or a second chance bet. Keep in mind:
- Expiry Dates: Bonus bets typically expire after a set time (7 days, 14 days, or 72 hours).
- Splitting Credits: Some sportsbooks (like BetMGM) let you split your total bonus bet into multiple smaller bets. Others require you to use the entire bonus bet amount in one shot.
Odds Boosts
Odds boosts raise the potential payout of a specific wager—e.g., boosting a line from +100 to +150. This can give you a higher return on the same risk. However, not all odds boosts are worthwhile. Compare the boosted line to the odds offered at other sportsbooks to ensure you’re getting a real deal.
- Example: I once saw a special on Anthony Edwards’ points total. One sportsbook boosted an Over 26.5 from -130 to +100. This turned out to be an excellent value because other sportsbooks still had it at around -140.
- Caution: If the boosted bet is something you wouldn’t normally wager on, skip it. A poor bet with bigger potential returns can still be a losing proposition.
Sport-Specific Promotions
Many sportsbooks run limited-time promotions on major sports or events: the Super Bowl, March Madness, the NBA playoffs, and so forth. You might see deals like “Bet $50 on a team to win the Stanley Cup, get $5 in bonus bets for every playoff win.” These can be fantastic if you already planned on betting that team.
The Best Online Betting Offers for New Customers
Now that you have an overview of the most common promo types, let’s dive into specific offers from top sportsbooks. Each brand has its own flavor, so it pays to shop around.
Caesars Sportsbook
Quick History: Caesars Entertainment, a world-renowned casino conglomerate, launched its sportsbook in 2018. By acquiring William Hill in 2021, Caesars combined two big names under a single powerful betting platform.
- Why Caesars Stands Out:
- Robust rewards program (Caesars Rewards) that also extends to its physical casinos.
- A variety of daily odds boosts.
- Attractive new user offers, often called “First Bet Insurance” or “First-Bet Bonuses.”
Current Promo:
- $1,059 First-Bet Bonus: Use the Caesars Sportsbook promo code GAMEDAY1000 to unlock up to $1,059 in bonus bets if your initial wager loses.
- Payout & Expiration: Bonus bets arrive within 72 hours. The entire bonus must be used in a single wager, and it expires in 14 days.
- Deposits: Caesars has a wide range of deposit methods—online banking, PayPal, credit cards, and in-person deposits at Caesars properties.
If you’re someone who loves traveling to or through Las Vegas (or visiting a Caesars property in other states), you can quickly rack up loyalty points both online and in person.
BetMGM Sportsbook
Origins: BetMGM arose from a partnership between MGM Resorts and Entain Holdings in 2018. It leverages MGM’s massive footprint in the casino world and pairs it with Entain’s digital prowess to build a well-rounded sports betting app.
- Why BetMGM Shines:
- Live betting with streaming: Track events in real-time and place wagers accordingly.
- Easy Parlay feature: Simplifies parlay building, especially for new bettors who find the process intimidating.
- The BetMGM Rewards program for users who frequent MGM casinos or want extra perks.
Current Promo:
- $1,500 First-Bet Bonus with the BetMGM bonus code GAMEDAY. If your first bet loses, you’ll receive bonus bets up to that losing amount (capped at $1,500).
- Splitting Bonus Bets: One big advantage is that you can divide your returned amount into multiple tokens—usually in 20% increments. For a $1,000 losing bet, you might get five $200 bonus bets instead of a single $1,000 token.
For many bettors, BetMGM’s approach is more flexible. You don’t have to “all in” your bonus bets on one game—ideal if you like smaller or more diversified wagers.
FanDuel Sportsbook
Background: FanDuel began as a daily fantasy sports site around 2009. After Paddy Power Betfair (now Flutter Entertainment) acquired it, FanDuel launched a sportsbook that quickly became a major player in the U.S.
- What FanDuel Offers:
- Same Game Parlay pioneer: Now widely adopted by competitors, but FanDuel was a big early adopter.
- A user-friendly interface and a fast, reliable mobile app.
- Regular odds boosts and a robust variety of lines (often some of the best in the market).
Current Promo:
- FanDuel Bet $5, Get $200: You don’t need a promo code; if your first bet is at least $5, you’ll receive $200 in bonuses—even if that first bet doesn’t win.
- Reward Systems: FanDuel’s loyalty program includes site credits and occasionally special giveaways.
Given how widely available FanDuel is across multiple states, it remains one of the top options for bettors new and old.
DraftKings Sportsbook
Formation: Launched as a daily fantasy platform in 2012, DraftKings pivoted into sports betting in 2018. They’re known for big partnerships with brands like ESPN, the NFL, and Michael Jordan.
- Standout Features:
- Early Lines: If you love player props, DraftKings often posts them earlier than other sportsbooks, giving you a chance to grab favorable lines.
- Frequent promotions like odds boosts and parlay insurance.
- A polished rewards program that awards Dynasty Rewards points for regular play.
Current Promo:
- $200 in bonus bets for betting $5: You do not have to win your first bet to receive the bonus. No special code is necessary.
- This approach is widely referred to as a “Bet & Get” model, perfect for new bettors who want immediate bet credits.
Because DraftKings frequently tries to stay ahead of the curve in terms of lines and unique promos, it’s popular with players who want a large variety of betting markets.
bet365
Global Force: bet365 has been a household name in Europe (particularly the U.K.) since the early 2000s, and it’s making significant inroads in the U.S. with a growing presence in states like New Jersey, Colorado, Ohio, and beyond.
- Selling Points:
- Extremely competitive odds and some of the fastest payouts around.
- Exclusive daily Super Boosts and special “Early Win Payouts” on sports like baseball or basketball.
- A flexible deposit/withdrawal system with few transaction delays.
Current Promo:
- Two Choices:
- bet365 Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets.
- $1K First Bet Safety Net (similar to a second chance bet up to $1,000).
- Bet365 stands out as one of the only sportsbooks letting new users choose which welcome bonus they prefer—one for casual bettors and another for higher stakes.
Fanatics Sportsbook
Fanatics, the huge sports apparel brand, is now live in the sportsbook space. It offers:
- Up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets: If your first bet loses, you’ll get matched in bonus bets up to $1,000.
- States like New York (NY), North Carolina (NC), and Illinois (IL) instead see a Fanatics Bet $10, Get $50 type offer. Check your local variations.
Fanatics also frequently ties in merchandise rewards with bets, so it’s a must-check if you’re a fan of collecting sports gear.
BetRivers Sportsbook
BetRivers is owned by Rush Street Interactive and has grown steadily since 2019:
- Highlights:
- Live-streaming: Watch selected events right in the app.
- Fast Payouts: Minimal processing times for deposits and withdrawals.
- Regular profit boosts and bet & get offers on marquee events (like UFC).
Current Promo:
- Second Chance Bet up to $250: If your first wager loses, BetRivers gives you that amount back in bonus bets (up to $250).
- The platform typically has some of the more competitive lines, making it a worthy addition to your sportsbook rotation.
Hard Rock Bet
Hard Rock Bet is back in Florida, offering sports betting once again:
- Promo: Up to $100 in bonuses if your first bet (minimum $5) doesn’t win.
- Similar “second chance” structure as BetMGM or Caesars, but with a lower limit.
- The bonus bet can be divided into smaller tokens, which is a plus for those who want to spread their wagers around.
Legendz
Legendz is a brand-new social sportsbook that also includes a sweepstakes casino. Use virtual currency like Gold Coins to play for free plus Sweeps Coins that can be redeemed for prizes.
- Promo: Get 500 Gold Coins and 3 FREE Sweeps Coins. You can also enjoy a 10% discount on your first purchase.
- What’s great about social sportsbooks like Legendz is that since it falls under sweepstakes laws, it’s more widely available — users in states without sports betting will have a chance to make their favorite picks. This includes player props and much more.
Sportzino
Like Legendz, Sportzino features a social sportsbook and sweepstakes casino. It’s a free-to-play platform where you can rack up Gold Coins and redeem Sweeps Coins for prizes.
- Promo: Earn 220,000 Gold Coins and 10 FREE Sweeps Coins upon signup. You can continue adding coins through other offers, such as a daily login bonus.
Thrillzz
Thrillzz is another social sportsbook that also features a sweepstakes casino. Players can participate for free using virtual currency like Thrillzz Coins and Thrillzz Sweeps, the latter of which can be redeemed for cool prizes.
- Promo: Get 3,000 Thrillzz Coins and 3 FREE Thrillzz Sweeps. Your first purchase will also be matched 100% up to $25.
- What I like about Thrillzz is that you can find your favorite sports picks here — including player props — allowing users in states where sports betting is not operational to be able to join in on the fun.
ESPN BET
ESPN BET is the online sportsbook resulting from The Worldwide Leader in Sports (ESPN) partnering with Penn Interactive. The site features an intuitive app and user-friendly platform.
- Promo: New users will get a First Bet Reset up to $1,500. This is where your first wager is matched up to $1,500 if it loses.
- When playing at ESPN BET, I’ve noticed that you can find some favorable lines here, particularly on player props, so make sure to take advantage.
How to Use Bonus Bets Wisely
No matter which sportsbook you choose, you’ll likely see some form of bonus bets or second chance bet in your account. Here’s how I maximize them:
- Stick to Your Usual Strategy: Don’t let free credits drastically alter your risk profile. If you usually bet single games or prefer underdogs, continue with that approach.
- Timing Matters: If there’s a big sporting event you’ve been eyeing, consider waiting until that day to use your bonus funds—especially if additional promos might stack.
- Avoid “Lock” Mentality: There’s no such thing as a sure thing in sports betting. Even with free money, chasing large favorites can be a wasted opportunity if the oddsmakers are overcharging or if the line movement isn’t in your favor.
Sport-Specific Promos: NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL & More
NFL
Football rules the U.S. betting scene. Books typically roll out some of their biggest offers for NFL season, like:
- Bet & Get deals for the Super Bowl.
- Odds boosts on marquee matchups.
- Parlay insurance or “No Sweat” tokens for certain markets.
On top of that, plenty of first-bet deals revolve around NFL events, as operators know this is the main draw for many bettors.
NBA
Basketball fans enjoy a high volume of games (82 regular season matchups per team, plus the playoffs), which means consistent opportunities for promos:
- First Basket Insurance: If your pick doesn’t score the first basket, you might get a partial refund in bet credits.
- Bet & Get for Three-Pointers: Some sportsbooks run deals where you get $1-$3 in bonus bets for every three-pointer your team makes, after you place a qualifying wager on that game.
- Odds Boosts: Always watch for boosted lines on star players’ points, rebounds, or assists.
MLB
From April through October, baseball provides daily action for bettors:
- Home Run Specials: FanDuel’s Dinger Tuesday is a prime example—bet on a player to homer, and for each home run in that game, you get a $5 bonus, even if your chosen player doesn’t go yard.
- Early Payout: Some books pay out early if your MLB team leads by a set margin (like 2 or 5 runs).
NHL
Hockey might not attract as many casual bettors as the NFL or NBA, but it still spawns creative promos:
- Bet & Get for goals scored.
- First Goal Scorer Insurance: Miss your pick, and you get some money back in bet credits.
During the Stanley Cup playoffs, many sportsbooks step up with more generous offers or special bet clubs.
College Football & College Basketball
- Bowl Season: Expect big sportsbook deposit matches or Bet & Get deals around the national championship or high-profile bowl games.
- March Madness: Arguably the busiest time for college basketball betting. Sportsbooks shower new and existing bettors with bracket contests, parlay insurance, or boost tokens.
UFC, Tennis, Soccer & More
No matter your favorite sport, chances are you can find a promo tailored to it, especially during major events like:
- UFC pay-per-view cards.
- Grand Slam tennis tournaments (Wimbledon, US Open, etc.).
- Global soccer events (World Cup, Champions League, etc.).
Key Considerations When Choosing a Sports Betting Promo
- Wagering Requirements (Rollovers): Check if the bonus has a 1x or a 5x requirement, as that drastically affects how much you must bet before withdrawing.
- Expiration Dates: Many bonus bets vanish if not used within a week or two.
- Minimum Deposit: Some promos require a certain deposit amount ($10, $20, or more).
- Odds Restrictions: Certain bonuses only apply if you bet on lines of -200 or better, for instance. Make sure you can place wagers that meet this threshold.
Why Sportsbooks Offer Promotions
Sportsbooks aren’t just giving out money for fun. These promos:
- Attract New Bettors: With dozens of legal sportsbooks in some states, operators need a hook to get people to register.
- Retain Existing Users: By offering consistent promotions—like daily odds boosts or recurring “No Sweat Bets”—sportsbooks keep their customers from drifting off to rival operators.
- Highlight Specific Markets: An NHL-themed bonus or an MLB home run promo encourages bettors to try sports or bet types they might otherwise ignore.
A healthy marketplace fosters more competition, which ultimately is great for bettors since it means more promotional opportunities.
Step-by-Step: Claiming a Sportsbook Promotion
- Choose Your Preferred Sportsbook: Compare the sign-up offers, read the terms, and pick one with an attractive welcome bonus that fits your betting style.
- Register an Account: You’ll likely need to provide basic personal info (name, address, date of birth, etc.). This is also where you’ll typically enter a promo code or bonus code if required.
- Deposit Funds: Use a secure method like online banking, PayPal, credit card, or in-person deposit at a partner casino. Ensure you deposit at least the minimum if the promo demands it.
- Place a Qualifying Wager: This might be a $5 bet for a Bet & Get deal or a bigger wager if you’re going after a first-bet match.
- Receive Bonus Bets: If your bet wins or if it meets the conditions (e.g., you placed a second chance bet and lost), watch for your bonus bets to appear in your account.
- Use Your Bonus Wisely: Remember: treat your bonus bets as real money. Aim for bets you genuinely believe in, not random shots in the dark.
Final Thoughts: Maximizing Value and Having Fun
Promotions are an integral part of the modern sports betting experience. They can help a new bettor get comfortable without risking too much capital, or they can give experienced players a bit more juice on their favorite wagers. Whether you’re using deposit matches, Bet & Get deals, or second chance bets, the main objective is to increase the value you get from your wagers.
- Stay Informed: Keep track of daily odds boosts and rotating promos.
- Don’t Chase Losses: Even with bonus bets, it’s easy to get caught up in the rush. Stick to your bankroll strategy.
- Look for Low Rollover: If a promo requires you to bet 10x your deposit, that might not be worth it unless you plan to bet at that sportsbook frequently.
- Claim Early: Some of the best offers might only run for a short window, especially around huge events (e.g., the Super Bowl, March Madness).
With mindful usage, these bonuses can power up your bankroll and make the entire experience more exciting. By combining research, discipline, and knowledge of each sportsbook’s requirements, you can consistently find excellent opportunities to bet on your favorite sports.
