What They Are: Bonus bets grant you a set amount of betting credit—say, $25 or $50—to use on any market. Win, and you keep the profit (but not the stake).
Alternate Names: Free plays, site credits, bonus wagers.
Example: BetOnline offers “Deposit $500, Get $250 in Bonus Bets” for new users. BetOnline is offering 100 free casino spins.
Pros: Low-risk way to explore the platform; winnings are yours to keep.
Cons: Credits often expire (e.g., 7-14 days), and you don’t get the stake back on wins.
Tip: Use bonus bets on underdogs with +200 odds or higher to maximize returns.

2. No Sweat Bets (Risk-Free Bets)

What They Are: If your first bet loses, you get a refund, typically as bonus bets or site credit, up to a capped amount.
Alternate Names: First bet insurance, second-chance bets.
Example: BetOnline “No Sweat First Bet Up to $25” refunds your initial wager in bonus bets if it flops.
Pros: Protects your cash on a bold first play; great for testing big bets.
Cons: Refunds aren’t cash—they’re credits with wagering requirements.
Tip: Go big on your first bet (within the cap) since you’re covered if it loses.

3. Deposit Match Bonuses

What They Are: The sportsbook matches a percentage of your deposit, often 100%, up to a limit (e.g., $500).
Alternate Names: Welcome match, deposit boost.
Example: BetUS Sportsbook offering a 125% deposit match your first three deposits up to $1,000.
Pros: Doubles your starting bankroll, ideal for long-term play.
Cons: High playthrough requirements (e.g., 10x the bonus) before withdrawing.
Tip: Deposit the max to fully leverage the match, but check the rollover terms first.

4. Odds Boosts

What They Are: Enhanced odds on specific markets, increasing your potential payout.
Alternate Names: Profit boosts, enhanced lines.
Example: MyBookie boosts NHL, NBA, NFL games & props every day on select bets.
Pros: Higher returns on winning bets; often tied to big events.
Cons: Limited to specific wagers; max bet caps apply.
Tip: Pair boosts with bets you’d already make to avoid chasing bad lines.

5. Referral Bonuses

What They Are: Earn rewards (e.g., $50 in credits) when a friend signs up and bets using your referral link.
Alternate Names: Invite-a-friend bonus, buddy boost.
Example: MyBookie gives up to $200 to both you and your friend after they deposit.
Pros: Passive way to earn extra funds.
Cons: Depends on others signing up; credits may have restrictions.
Tip: Share during peak seasons like March Madness for better uptake.

6. Cash Bonus Offers

What They Are: If you do not like rollovers then look for a cash bonus.
Alternate Names: 1x bonuses.
Example: MyBookie offers 10% bonus on deposit up to $2,000.
Pros: 1x rollover so you can withdraw your winnings after just one bet.
Cons: There are a lot of 100% bonus offers.
Tip: If you do not need the bonus then don’t take it.

State-Specific Gaming

Use our Bonus Search on this page to find your Gambling Promotion

BetOnline: Available in all 49 States(not in NJ), Canada & Mexico.
BetUS: Available in all 50 States, Canada & Mexico
Bookmaker: Available in all 50 States, Canada & Mexico
Bovada: Unavailable in: AZ, CO, CT, DC, DE, KS, LA, MA, MD, MI, NV, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, WV
BUSR: Unavailable in NJ, NV, NY, PA
MyBookie: Unavailable in NJ, NV, NY, PA .
Sportsbetting ag: Available in all 49 States(not in NJ), Canada & Mexico
XBET: Unavailable in NJ, NV, NY, PA
Ozoon: Canada & Mexico but not in USA.

Terms & Conditions to Watchout For

Sportsbook promos come with rules that can trip up newcomers. Here are the big ones to scrutinize:

Wagering Requirements: A 5x playthrough on a $100 bonus means betting $500 before withdrawing.
Minimum Odds: Bets below -500 (e.g., -1000) often don’t qualify for bonuses.
Expiration Dates: Credits may lapse in 7-30 days—use them fast.
Stake Exclusion: Bonus bet winnings exclude the stake (e.g., a $25 bet at +100 pays $25, not $50).
State Restrictions: Some promos exclude local college teams or prop bets.

Always review the T&Cs on the sportsbook’s promo page to avoid surprises.

Risks of Sportsbook Promotions

While promos boost your bankroll, they’re not risk-free. Here’s what to consider:

Overbetting: Chasing bonuses can lead to reckless wagers beyond your budget.
Rollover Traps: High playthroughs tie up funds, delaying withdrawals.
Expiration Pressure: Short deadlines force rushed bets on bad lines.
Addiction Risk: Easy bonuses may encourage problem gambling—bet responsibly.

Set limits, stick to a plan, and use resources like 1-800-GAMBLER if needed. We’ve partnered with Responsible Gambling Council to promote safe play.

Gambling Bonus Comparison

	BetOnline	Bovada	BetUS
Welcome Bonus	50% To $250 FREE250	50% Up To $1,000 BV1000	125% Up To $2,625 JOIN125
Features	Risk FREE sports bet up to $250.	Bovada sports betting welcome bonus up to $1,000.
	See Bonus Read Review	See Bonus Read Review	See Bonus Read Review