Sports betting is exciting for several reasons, with the ability to capitalize on many sportsbook app bonuses sitting high on the list for many players. In a very competitive industry, almost every sportsbook operator offers exciting deals. These come in the form of free bets, game bonuses, deposit bonuses, and more.
If you are smart when using these sports betting bonuses, you can quickly boost your bankroll. However, sportsbooks now provide so many unique offers for bettors. It can often be overwhelming and time-consuming knowing which offers are best. You also need to understand how to claim bonuses and how to gain the most value from them.
Thankfully, we are here to help! Keep reading for a comprehensive guide on all US sportsbook bonuses to start making real money today.
Sportsbook App Bonuses: Free Bets
Most players assume they need to put money into a sportsbook app to be eligible for bonuses. However, many US sportsbooks run free bet offers. These promotions allow you to place wagers and try out the app with no financial risk. Here’s some more on how these sportsbook app bonuses work, how you can claim them along with the fine print.
How Free Bets Work
Sportsbook free bets are typically given as new player bonuses. As the name suggests, these sports betting bonuses provide the opportunity to place a wager for free. You won’t need to wager any real money or contribute to the stake. However, if your wager comes in, you’ll receive a payout just as if you had placed a real money wager.
There are two main types of sportsbook free bets: those that require you to make a deposit and those that don’t. Free bet “no deposit” offers are entirely risk-free. You won’t need to fund your account to claim the offer. However, the amount will probably be minimal, ranging from $5 to $10. Comparatively, those that require you to make a deposit are often more generous.
How To Claim Free Bets
To claim free bets, you will need to register for an account with your chosen sportsbook app and verify a payment method. If the free bet bonus requires you to make a deposit, you will need to do this before claiming the offer. The following steps then depend on the sports betting website you’re operating on.
Most sites will have a promotional code that you need to input during the registration process or when depositing. After entering the code, the free bet will automatically be credited to your account.
Alternatively, some US sportsbook apps don’t use promo codes. In these cases, you will still need to look out for the “opt-in” button usually found on the promotion page of the website. If you tap it, it will credit the free bets to your account.
Calculating The Value Of A Free Bet
Calculating the value of sportsbook-free bets is straightforward. The sportsbook app will clearly state the free bet amount, such as $5 or $10. It is the amount you have to wager on the site. The winnings you will receive from the free bet will then depend on the odds of the bet you choose to place.
As with a regular real money bet, higher odds mean you will receive a bigger payout if your wager comes in. The opposite is true for wagers with lower odds. The expected return from the free bet increases with the odds.
Best Way To Use A Free Bet
Sportsbook free bets are typically small in value, rarely seen to be above $10. Many bettors place free bets at higher odds to get a more generous return. It will increase your profits from the bet and account for the stake not being returned.
There is no financial risk with free bets, so it offers an excellent opportunity to find profitable bets. It also provides the opportunity to place riskier bets that create higher returns instead of making safer bets that will increase your bankroll by only a few dollars.
Important Terms And Conditions Of Free Bets
As with all sportsbook app bonuses, terms and conditions apply. These vary depending on the sportsbook app but typically include:
- Restricted Odds – All free bets will have a lower limit on qualifying odds. Most will require odds of at least -150, so be sure to check the odds for each wager before placing your bet.
- Single Bets – You will also be required to place the value of the free bet on one event only. For example, you could not split a $10 free bet into two $5 wagers.
- Capped Winnings – There will also be a maximum amount to win from a free bet bonus after clearing the wagering requirements.
- Limited-Time Offers – As free bets are available to new players only, there will often be time restrictions on the bonus, which is often within seven days of creating your account.
Example Of A Free Bet
For better understanding, we will run through an example of a free bet currently offered by the William Hill Sportsbook app. If you lose your first bet, you can earn a free bet of equal value up to $500. So depending on what amount you first placed on the wager you lost, you can receive back the same amount up to $500 to put on a risk-free bet. To claim the offer, you simply need to enter the promotional code as part of the registration process.
After registering and verifying your account, the amount will automatically be credited. You can then use the free bet as you wish, but the following terms apply:
- If you have placed two wagers in your bet slips, the first bet recorded by William Hill will be considered.
- The free bet will be added to your account within three business days.
- You have seven days from registration to claim the promotion.
Note that this is an example of a free bet that may not be available in your state. Check our offers page for all current bonuses and promotions and claim the best free bets available from sportsbook apps in your state.
Sportsbook App Bonuses: Match Bets
Match bet sportsbook app bonuses, also referred to as risk-free bets, are similar to free bets. It too lets you try out a new sportsbook app with no financial risk. However, you will be required to wager with real money upfront.
How Match Bets Work
Match bet sportsbook bonuses are usually given as welcome bonuses. With these promotions, the first wager you place on the US sportsbook app will be risk-free. In other words, you have to use your own money to place your initial bet. However, if it loses, the sportsbook will refund your stake.
In most cases, sportsbooks will offer a 100% return on your initial stake, which may be in the form of site credit, free bets, or cash. However, in some cases, you will only receive part of your stake back. Upper limits will also apply to match bets.
These sportsbook app bonuses provide new players with an opportunity to place riskier and potentially rewarding bets with no financial risk, essentially offering you a safety net. If the bet wins, you’re guaranteed to make a profit, and if it loses, you’re no worse off. It also allows you to test out the site and get a feel for the wagers and events they offer.
How To Claim Match Bets
To claim a match bet, you will need to create a new account with the US sportsbook app of your choice, make your initial deposit, and place your first bet. Most sportsbooks will have a section on your bet slip where you can select the option to use the risk-free bet sports betting bonus. Be sure to choose this option when placing your bet to claim the offer. In other cases, it will be automatically applied.
After placing your bets, you simply need to wait and see if your wager wins. If so, you can keep the winnings, and you won’t receive any bonus funds. If not, the sportsbook bonus will automatically be credited to your account. You can then use these funds on the site to place future wagers hoping to have better luck and take home a decent payout.
Calculating The Value Of A Match Bet
The value of a match bet is generally equal to the amount you initially wager. Place a stake of $10, and you will receive $10 compensation if your bet loses, whereas betting $200 will see you get a refund of $200. If the bet doesn’t come in some rare cases, it will only return a percentage of your stake, so check this before claiming any offers.
One thing to note with risk-free bet sportsbook app bonuses is that you may not receive any bonus funds whatsoever. If your first wager wins, the sportsbook operator won’t offer you any additional form of compensation. The amount you receive is entirely dependent on the odds of the wager you’ve chosen to place.
Best Way To Use A Match Bet
As match bets have no associated financial risks, many bettors often use their bonus opportunity on wagers with high odds and high payouts. As the sportsbook will refund your stake if the wager loses, you may also place the riskier bets. These will see you having the highest returns if your bet does come through, and if it loses, you are financially no better or worse.
However, it is essential only to wager what you can afford to lose. The site will refund your stake as site credit subject to wagering requirements or free bets to use at the sportsbook. Therefore, match bets give you a second chance at winning rather than being entirely risk-free.
Important Terms And Conditions Of Match Bets
Match bets are not as straightforward as free bets. As with all sportsbook app bonuses, there are terms and conditions attached that you need to understand before betting real money. These vary between sites but generally include:
- Maximum Bonus – There will always be a cap on the amount the sportsbook will cover you. Generally, this ranges from $250 up to $1,000. The value of the wager must also meet a minimal amount, typically at least $5 to $10.
- Qualifying Wagers – For your risk-free bet to qualify, you will need to place it on a wager with at least the minimum odds specified by the sportsbook. There may also be restrictions on the types of wagers available.
- Wagering Requirements – If your wager loses and you receive the sportsbook bonus, this amount will be subject to wagering requirements. It refers to the number of real money wagers you will need to place before you can withdraw any winnings.
An Example Of A Match Bet
The welcome promotion currently up for grabs at FanDuel Sportsbook is an excellent example of a match bet bonus. It now offers all new players a $1,000 match bet, which means the sportsbook will match your deposit with bonus money, up to $1,000. The bonus’s terms and conditions are:
- The match bet bonus is only valid on the first real money wager placed on the site.
- The site credit can take up to 72 hours to show in your account.
- If your qualifying bet loses, the maximum $1,000 bonus amount is awarded as site credit and subject to a 1x wagering requirement.
- A wagering requirement, also known as rollover, is the amount of times you will need to wager your bonus money before you can withdraw it.
Keep in mind that US sportsbook operators constantly update their bonuses and promotions. The match bet above is an example. For all current bonuses and promotions, check our offers page and claim the best free bets available from sportsbook apps in your state.
Sportsbook App Bonuses: Deposit Bonus
Another popular type of promotion is a deposit offer, which also offers you free money to wager. These are one of the most frequently seen offers run by leading US sportsbooks but can be overwhelming and complicated to understand at first. Before you jump in and claim one, here is everything you need to know – including what it is, how to claim it, and how you can maximize the value of your sports betting bonus.
How Deposit Bonuses Work
Deposit bonuses match the value of your deposit with free bonus funds to wager with. It is typically given as new player bonuses to customers making their first-ever deposit on the site. However, many legal sportsbooks in the US also offer to reload bonuses for future deposits.
After claiming these sportsbook app bonuses, all or part of your deposit will be matched up to a maximum amount. For example, a 100% deposit match bonus up to $500 will see your initial deposit double. Deposit $100, and the sportsbook will give you $100, whereas deposit $500, and you’ll receive $500 in bonus funds. However, deposit $600, and you will still only be awarded $500 in free bonus funds as this is the bonus’s cap.
How To Claim A Deposit Bonus
Claiming deposit sportsbook app bonuses is simple:
- Sign up and register for an account on a sportsbook app,
- Set up a verified payment method from the selection your chosen sportsbook offer,
- Make your initial deposit on the site (the amount you deposit will affect the deposit bonus value).
Some online sportsbooks will require you to use a promotional code when making your deposit or to complete the registration process. Be sure to do this, so you don’t miss out. In other cases, simply selecting the “opt-in” button on the sign-up form or promotional page before depositing will enable you to claim the offer.
Calculating The Value Of A Deposit Bonus
The value of a deposit bet sportsbook bonus depends on three factors:
- The amount you initially deposit.
- The percentage match that the sportsbook is offering.
- The maximum amount you can claim from the offer.
Bonuses with a significant percentage match and a high upper limit have the potential to be the most profitable, but only if you can afford to deposit a large amount initially.
To calculate the value, simply multiply your deposit by the percentage match to work out the free credit you will receive. For example, a 20% match bonus on a $100 initial deposit works out at a bonus amount of $20. On the other hand, a 100% match on a $100 deposit will award you with $100. To increase the value of the bonus, deposit as much as possible up to the maximum amount.
Best Way To Use A Deposit Bonus
As the value of deposit match sports betting bonuses is based on your initial deposit, it is usually best to deposit as much as possible. This way, you can increase the value of the bonus. However, be aware that the new player bonus will come with wagering requirements, which are the times you need to play through the bonus money before you can withdraw it as cash.
Once you have bonus money in your account, you can use this towards any wagers you wish. The bonus money is essentially free to use (but not to withdraw until you fulfill the wagering requirements). We recommend playing it on bets with higher odds to increase your returns. Most importantly, have fun! Place the money on sporting events you love and try various betting options to test the site and see what works for you.
Important Terms And Conditions Of A Deposit Bonus
Again, terms and conditions will apply to deposit bonuses. Understanding these restrictions before claiming the offer is essential; otherwise, you may accidentally end up forfeiting your sportsbook app bonuses. The exact terms will vary, but as a general rule includes:
- Deposit Eligibility – There will always be a minimum amount you need to deposit to be eligible for a deposit bonus, typically between $5 and $20. Sometimes there are restrictions on the payment methods supported.
- Wagering Requirements – This refers to the number of times you need to play through the value of the sports betting bonus before the sportsbook releases the funds. Time restrictions on how long you have to do so will also apply.
- Maximum Winnings – This refers to the maximum amount you can claim from a bonus. Even if your deposit match would equate to a higher value, you won’t receive any additional bonus funds above the cap.
Example Of A Deposit Bonus
For a real-world example, DraftKings Sportsbook offers new players a 20% deposit match bonus up to $1,000. With a low percentage match, you would need to deposit $5,000 to claim the full $1,000 site credit. As with all sportsbook app bonuses, terms and conditions also apply. For this bonus, these are:
- The offer is available for new players only and applies to the first deposit on the site.
- Only deposits of $5 or more will qualify for the promotion.
- The sportsbook bonus has a playthrough requirement of 25x, with bonus credit being released bit by bit at a rate of $1 for every $25 of real money wagered.
- DFS contests, sports wagers with odds of -300 or greater, and casino games contribute to the playthrough requirements.
- You must meet the wagering requirements within 90 days of claiming the bonus. Other bonuses are offered at US sports betting apps.
Other Sportsbook App Bonuses
Aside from the three popular offers mentioned above that typically apply to new players, several other sportsbook app bonuses also exist. These are all ongoing promotions that keep existing players happy and their betting accounts booming. Nowadays, US sportsbooks are getting creative with the promotions on offer, but here is a look at four common offers you may stumble across.
Odds Boosts
Odds boosts are limited-time US sportsbook app bonuses where the odds for a particular event, usually the most popular events of the day, are increased. The odds will swing in favor of the bettor and are generally limited to moneylines, point spreads, and totals. Occasionally, proposition bets will also have their odds boosted.
Odds boosts essentially give the bettor the advantage and result in a larger payout if the wager proves true. These promotions will change daily, so always check to see whether an event with boosted odds appeals to you.
Event Bonus
Operators may also hand out sportsbook bonuses to players who bet on specific events, known as event bonuses. For example, a sportsbook may award you a free bet if you place a wager on an MLB game each week. Alternatively, it may run enhanced odds on particular events or reward you with site credit if a wager on their chosen event loses.
Sportsbook bonuses for specific sporting events are often featured in major leagues competitions like the Super Bowl and March Madness. Another form of event bonuses is for the sportsbook to offer prize draws and competitions between participating bettors. Often, anyone who has placed a real-money wager on the event can enter the competition for free.
Parlay Insurance
Parlay bets are among the most popular types of wagers you can place. These bets comprise several smaller wagers or “legs,” and all of your selections must win to receive a payout. The winnings are often the most profitable, but choose wrong, and you can ruin the whole parlay. It is even more frustrating when the bet loses due to one poor selection.
Thankfully, this is where parlay insurance comes in. These sportsbook app bonuses will cover your losses if you lose a parlay by one leg. Often the amount of compensation you can receive is capped, around $25.
Cashback
Cashback is another standard sportsbook bonus that offers you money back on your losses. These promotions may be offered as an event bonus and are valid only on a specific game. Alternatively, parlay insurance is a form of a cashback promotion that is valid only for specific bet types. The percentage of your stake that the cashback bonus will cover will be detailed in the terms and conditions.
Sportsbook App Bonuses: FAQs
Are free bets at sportsbooks really free?
Yes – free bets at sportsbooks are free because you can claim bonus funds without spending real money. However, only bonuses that do not require a deposit are entirely free with no risk.
Do all sportsbook apps offer new player bonuses?
No – not all sportsbook apps offer new player bonuses. However, most of them do. In the competitive US legal betting market, running generous welcome promotions is a great way for licensed sportsbook operators to attract new players.
Can I create multiple accounts to keep getting the bonuses?
No – you can only hold one account with each US sportsbook app and claim new player bonuses once. You will need to provide personal information and prove your identity when registering, so it is impossible to hold more than one account.
Why do sportsbooks give away free bets?
It’s simple – legal US Sportsbooks give away free bets to attract new players to download their app and sign up for an account. The legalized betting industry is highly competitive, and sportsbook operators know that giving away a little for free can help win you over. Besides, once you create an account, it banks on you continuing to use the site.
What’s the catch with free bets at sportsbook apps?
There is no catch with sportsbook free bets. However, terms and conditions will apply. Be sure to read through and understand these before claiming a free bet, so you don’t feel cheated out of any bonus funds after claiming an offer.
Do I need to deposit to qualify for new player bonuses at US sportsbooks?
Sometimes – some sites will offer no deposit sportsbook bonuses, which will allow you to claim a bonus simply for registering. In other cases, you will need to deposit to be eligible for the bonus.