Sports Betting Bonuses – The Best Sportsbook Bonuses

With sportsbook bonuses, you can boost your initial bankroll, giving you more moolah to punt on your favourite markets. The bookmakers that we recommend offer value-for-money bonuses with fair wagering requirements, but how do you discover the best sports betting bonuses for you? Keep reading our guide to find out.

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Casinos with The Best Sportsbook Bonuses

Casinos with The Best Sportsbook Bonuses

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Introduction

Introduction To The Sportsbook Bonuses

When it comes to the best sports betting bonuses, we’ve uncovered the most valuable offers out there. Online sports gamblers know that bonuses vary greatly from one bookmaker to the next, which is why we’ve put together this guide to teach you about the different types of bonuses and those all-important terms and conditions you need to be aware of.

How It Works

How Sports Betting Bonus Works

Palmslots freebetJust about every online bookmaker offers some type of bonus to new and loyal players. Sportsbooks know you’re on the hunt for bonus opportunities, and they’re vying for your business, which is why there are so many sportsbook promos right at your fingertips.

For many punters, deposit sports betting bonuses are what draw them in when it comes to deciding which sportsbook to sign up at. The overall odds, variety of markets and payout speeds count, too, but are often a second place to the number of bonus funds you can get just for making a deposit.

Sportsbook bonuses are certainly a great way to boost your initial bankroll, but picking a bonus isn’t as easy as depositing money and receiving the funds. There is some due diligence you need to follow to make sure you’re getting a fair deal.

To understand just how sports betting bonus works, you need to know about the different types of sportsbook promos on offer.

Types of Sportsbook Bonuses

Here Are Types of Sportsbook Bonuses

Sportsbook BonusDescription
Deposit Welcome BonusThe sportsbook matches a percentage of your deposit up to a specified amount.
Reload BonusBuilt for existing players, you receive a percentage of your deposit in bonus funds.
Free BetsFree wagers on a particular game, attached to the welcome bonus or as a reward for loyal punters.
Events BonusGiven for special sports events.
Express Bet Of The DayA sports betting bonus with a pre-selected set of events and an included bonus rate on them.
Risk-Free BetIf your bet wins, you get the win and your bonus. If the bet loses, you get your bet amount in real money but no bonus. If the bet partially wins, you get only your winnings and no bonus funds.
AllWinMake wagers using the sportsbook’s funds. If your bet wins, the winnings are credited to your account. If the bet loses, you don’t lose anything.
OnlyWinBet with bonus money, and if you win, you’ll receive the difference between the bet and the win in real money.
CashbackA partial repayment of a loss on a specific sport, competition or championship, often returned as a free bet or wager bonus.
Parlay InsuranceGreat for making multi-tiered sports bets, Parlay insurance gives you a small refund if you lose your parlay by one leg. This bonus offers flexible betting options and the chance to make a high risk, high rewards bet.
Boosted OddsIncreased betting lines on specified outcomes. Boosted odds may increase your potential payout and are offered on various bets, like point spread, moneyline and over/unders.
VIP RewardsBonuses for high rollers and regular players, can include holidays, cards and exclusive promotions.

Why do online sportsbooks offer sports betting bonuses? It’s their way of trying to gain new customers and retain regulars. It’s the same as the way online casinos offer signup and regular bonuses. The operators know that throwing special perks your way will keep you coming back for more.

But before you claim any bonus, you need to know the difference between the most popular types of sportsbook bonuses.

Bonuses vs Free Play

Cash Bonuses vs Free Play Bonuses

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Most of the sportsbook bonuses you’ll come across are “free play” bonuses. With these, you receive a portion of your deposit in free-play form, with wagering requirements attached.

The biggest difference between free play and cash bonuses is that when you bet from your free play balance, the cash is removed from your balance, no matter what the outcome of your wager is. For example, if you have €300 in your free play balance and you bet €100 in free play funds, the total drops to €200, regardless of whether your bet wins or loses. If you win, your winnings are only added to your cash balance.

On the other hand, cash bonuses return both the stake and profits if your bet wins, making them the most favourable type of sports betting bonus.

Bet on Popular Sports Events

Popular Sports Events To Use Your Sports Betting Bonuses On

Now that you have an idea of the different types of sports betting bonuses to boost your betting bankroll, you’ll want to know which sports to spend them on.

Some of the most popular events at online sportsbooks include:

  • NBA
  • NHL
  • Tennis
  • Football
  • Cricket
  • Rugby
  • Cycling
  • Horse Racing

Terms and Conditions

Terms And Conditions Apply – Always!

The most important rule to remember when claiming online sportsbook bonuses is that you need to make sure you understand all aspects of sportsbook promos. The fine print should only take you a few minutes to go through, and while it doesn’t sound terribly exciting, if you want to get your bonus funds and freebies, you need to do it.

The best sportsbooks will do their best to clearly lay out their bonus terms and conditions. Just be sure you take the time to read that information to understand what you’re getting into.

Common sports betting bonus terms and conditions include:

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Minimum odds level

You may be limited to the particular type of sports betting odds to spend your free bets on. For instance, there may be a minimum odds level of -200 to unlock your free bets. If your wagers don’t meet this requirement, they won’t count as a qualifying bet.

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Betting type restrictions

Free bet offers, especially, may be limited to straight bets like totals, point spreads and moneylines. Futures aren’t usually accepted as free bet credits. You may also be restricted to which markets, matches or competitions you can spend your sports betting bonus on.

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Wager value

Almost all bonuses will come with minimum and maximum bet stakes. In other words, you may be limited by how much or how little you can wager. There may also be limits on how much you can win using the sports betting bonuses, as well as a minimum deposit required to claim an offer.

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Time limit

Almost all sportsbook bonuses have a validity period. Fail to use up and play through your bonus in that time, and it is voided.

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Deposit restrictions

Certain deposit methods may not be eligible for sports betting bonuses, such as Paysafecard, Neteller and Skrill.

Wagering Requirements

Wagering Requirements For The Best Sportsbook Bonuses

Getting your claws into online sportsbook bonuses isn’t as easy as making a deposit and claiming the reward. With pretty much all bonuses, there is a rollover rate (wagering requirement), and you must meet the requirements before you can cash out your bonus or winnings from the bonus.

A wagering requirement is the number of times your bonus (and often the deposit) must be wagered before you can withdraw your bonus.

For instance, if you deposit €2,000 and receive a 25% free play bonus, you get an extra €500 to bet with. If the bonus comes with, let’s say, a 4x wagering requirement, it means you’d need to bet at least €10,000 (€2,500 x 4) before you can get your hands on your €500 bonus. It may sound unreasonable, but it’s the bookmaker’s way of making sure punters don’t simply deposit, grab the bonus funds and be on their way.

But it’s a double-edged sword. Wagering requirements vary depending on the sports betting bonuses and operators. That’s why it’s important to read the terms and conditions and only bet at licensed sportsbooks that clearly set out their requirements. The most common wagering requirements for sports bonuses are between 3x and 6x.

The higher the wagering requirements, the more difficult it is to clear a bonus. Rollover rates within the 10x – 12x range make it almost impossible to clear without significant losses.

Clearing Sports Bets

Tips For Clearing Sports Betting Bonuses

You can simply wager the required amount to clear your bonus, but there are a few ways to maximise your funds, too.

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TIP 1

Firstly, free plays don’t work the same way as money coming out of your cash balance, as we mentioned. But parlays allow you to wager the same amount several times on multiple different selections. For example, betting on 3-team parlays is a great way to maximise your chances of winning with a free play bonus and clear a rollover.

TIP 2

Secondly, you can lock in a profit using sure-betting or arbing. The latter involves locking in your profit due to differences in betting lines between two bookmakers. All you need to do is watch the betting market and take advantage of line moves to wager your free play funds on a market move while locking in the price at another bookmaker. For this strategy, though, you’d need to have two or more accounts at different online sportsbooks.

How To Spot The Best Sportsbook Bonuses

How To Spot The Best Sports Betting Bonuses Online

Before you grab any bonus you come across, there are a few elements you should consider that will help ensure you get the best bang for your bucks.

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Size of The Bonus

The best online sportsbooks offer the biggest bonuses. While you can’t judge the quality of a bonus solely on its size, it’s an important factor when deciding where to spend your money.

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Easy To Claim

There is no need to jump through hoops or bend over backwards to claim the best sports betting bonus. Wagering requirements should be straightforward and fair, and claiming an offer should be just as easy.

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Fair Terms

Some sites may offer big, juicy bonuses, but they come with rather scary terms attached. This could include strict limitations on who can claim the bonus, a short window in which to clear the offer and other restrictive terms that make it almost impossible to get your hands on your bonus sports betting funds. What you want is a bonus with fair terms, that’s easy to roll over and won’t cost you a fortune in the long run.

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Reputable Betting Sites

This is one of the most important things to consider when shopping around for the best sportsbook bonuses. If a site can’t be trusted, you can’t trust the bonus.

How To Claim a Sport Betting Bonus

How To Claim Online Sports Betting Bonuses

Claiming and enjoying sports betting bonuses means choosing a bookmaker with an attractive offer right from the time you sign up. You can browse through our top list of sites and check out casino reviews and recommendations. Then, pick a site and register. It’s usually during the registration process, or at least when you make your first deposit, that you get to unlock a best signup bonus sports betting.

bookmaker bonuses

Most sportsbooks will automatically credit your account with the bonus sports betting, but others may require a bonus code, for you to opt-in, or you might have to contact customer support to claim an offer. Remember to read the terms, conditions and wagering requirements. You don’t have to take an offer if you don’t want to.

Once you’ve met the bonus’s wagering requirements, you can head to the bookmaker’s withdrawal section, pick your preferred payment method and request a withdrawal. While deposits tend to be instant, there’s usually a short processing time for withdrawals – which differ depending on the sportsbook and your chosen payment method.

If you prefer to punt on the move, you can always use a sportsbook’s mobile site to sign up, claim sports betting bonuses and play them.

Pros and Cons

The Pros and Cons Of Sports Betting Bonuses

While using sportsbook bonuses has its benefits, there are also a few drawbacks worth noting.

Pros

  • Extra funds to use when betting on your favourite sports
  • Chance to win without risking your own funds
  • Opportunity to bet on different sports markets

Cons

  • There are always bonus terms and conditions
  • Some bonuses lure punters into depositing more money
  • You might end up placing bets on something you don’t want to

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Aleksandra Nolan

Experienced online casino writer and reviewer who loves to share her knowledge and experience with others. She enjoys analyzing the latest trends in the industry and offering valuable tips to help others by having the most from betting at online casinos. She is constantly looking for new and interesting topics to write about and stays up-to-date on the latest changes in the online gambling industry.