Understanding Sportsbook Bonus Types

Sportsbook Bonuses Explained

Online betting sites are always competing for new customers and one way to attract potential customers is by offering a welcome bonus. A welcome bonus is a special promotion that is offered to those who are just opening a new account. This bonus can be used to place secure wagers and start earning profits. Each online site will have a different offer and some feature welcome bonuses that are tiered deals, providing bonus funds on multiple deposits.

When new members sign up for an account at a sportsbook, they will be greeted with a bonus. Most sites call it a welcome bonus, but it can also be referred to as a sign up offer or a new player bonus. These all offer the same perks. Anyone looking to get started at a leading online sportsbook will want to learn more about these bonuses and how they can be used to enhance the betting experience.

Types of Welcome Bonuses

There are different types of sign up bonuses that can be redeemed online. Each of these provides customers with a way to begin wagering and enjoying the world of online sports betting. Before redeeming any offer, be sure to understand how it works. Below, we discuss the most common types of bonuses that can be enjoyed by new bettors.

Free Bet Sign Up Offer

Many online sportsbooks present a free bet deal to those opening a new account. Right after registering, a small bonus amount is credited to the account. This can be used to place bets on different markets. The amount cannot be withdrawn from the account. It can only be used to place real money wagers. 

No Deposit Bonus

This is a great offer for those who are not yet ready to make a financial commitment to a site. With a no deposit deal, a small bonus amount is credited after an account has been opened. Users can then place bets with the bonus funds. The catch to a no deposit bonus is that no bonus winnings can be withdrawn from an account until a qualifying real money deposit has been made.

Risk-Free Bet

This is a great opportunity for customers to place a wager and get money back if that bet loses. Most sites have an offer that will award 100% of the lost bet up to a certain amount. For example, BetMGM has an offer for a risk free bet up to $1000.

Deposit Match

This is a very common form of a welcome bonus. After opening an account, customers will make a minimum deposit. The site will then offer a match bonus on that deposit amount. Some sportsbooks feature a 100% match on the first deposit up to $100 or more. Newer sites that are trying to attract customers may also have a welcome match package. With his, the first few deposits will receive a match bonus, though they will not all be for 100%.

How to Claim a Bonus

Even though the bonus offers will vary per site, taking advantage of these deals is done in the same manner. All online sportsbook welcome bonuses will require customers to create a new member account. This is a simple and safe process where the member will select a username and password to access the account. They will also have to provide personal information and verify their age and location.

Once an account has been opened, it is time to redeem the offer. A free bet or a no deposit bonus will be instantly credited once the account has been verified. When using a risk-free bet or a deposit match, real money must be deposited into the account. The bonus amount will depend on that deposit amount, or in the case of a risk-free bet, the amount that has been wagered.

Some sites will make use of bonus codes. This is a specific code that must be entered when making a deposit. Bonus codes are not required for all bonuses nor are they used at all sites. When a code is in use, it will be listed on the promotions page and customers will simply copy that code and redeem it through the cashier or customer support.

Terms and Conditions

Every operating sportsbook will have terms and conditions that apply to all bonus offers. It is important to read and understand these before taking advantage of any promotion. The terms of a bonus will provide key details, including the minimum deposit required, maximum bonus value, maximum cashout amount, excluded bets, minimum odds, and more.

Terms will also inform users of the wagering requirement. This is an amount that must be wagered before a bonus is considered clear. Once completed, any funds won using bonus funds can be removed from the account. Wagering requirements can be quite high, which is why it is important to read terms and compare offers to get the best bonus value.

When looking for the best welcome bonus, be sure to compare these terms. Find the offer that provides the most free cash while having the fewest restrictions and lowest requirements. Deposit bonuses that have a 15x wagering requirement are considered good deals.

Here's a welcome bonus with FanDuel

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