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Bonus Bets

Bonus Bets are one of the most appreciated sportsbook promotions out there. Previously known as free bets, a Bonus Bet lets you place a wager with the sportsbooks' money - and keep what you win. Here's all you need to know.

American Bonus Bets

- State by state -

Sorting
21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
BonusTurnoverMinimum depositState
#1
Bet $5, Win $300 in Bonus Bets
Turnover
1x
Minimum deposit
$10
State
NY
PA
CO
+19
NJ
IL
IN
IA
MI
VA
WV
AZ
LA
WY
CT
TN
MA
OH
MD
KS
KY
VT
NC
Place a $5 Wager and Get $300 in Bonus Bets If That Bet Wins
21+. New customers only. Offer(s) available in AZ/CO/CT/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/MA /MI/NC/NJ/NY/OH/PA/TN/VT/VA/WV/WY/DC.
Minimum $5 first deposit required. Promotion bonus will be credited to your account within 72 hours of settlement of Qualifying Wager. First online real money wager only (minimum $5). Bonuses issued as non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days.
See full T&C at FanDuel.
#2
Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets
Plus Over $200 off NFL Sunday Ticket
Turnover
1x
Minimum deposit
$5
State
NY
PA
CO
+18
NJ
IL
IN
IA
MI
VA
WV
AZ
LA
WY
CT
TN
MA
OH
MD
KS
KY
NC
Bet $5+, Get $200 in Bonus Bets Instantly AND Over $200 Off NFL Sunday Ticket
21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply.
On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Fees may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Get 1 promo code to redeem discounted NFL Sunday Ticket subscription and max. $200 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Limited time offer.
Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos.
NFL Sunday Ticket: YouTube TV base plan (not included in this offer) required to watch NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. Subscription auto-renews yearly at then-current price (currently $378 for YouTube TV subscribers, or $480 for YouTube subscribers); cancel anytime. Terms, restrictions, embargoes and eligibility requirements apply. No refunds. Digital-only games excluded. Commercial use excluded. Addt’l terms: https://tv.youtube.com/learn/nflsundayticket/draftkings/. Offer ends 9/29/25 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
See full T&C at DraftKings.
#3
Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
Turnover
1x
Minimum deposit
$10
State
NY
PA
CO
+20
NJ
IL
IN
IA
MI
VA
WV
AZ
LA
WY
TN
NH
OR
MA
OH
MD
KS
KY
NC
DC
Up to $1,500 Back in Bonus Bets if Your First Wager Doesn't Win
21+. New users only. Offer available in AZ/CO/DC/IL/IN/IA/KA/LA/MA/MD/MI/ NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY. Offer not available in NV/NY/PR.
Qualifying deposit (min $10) and first real money wager required. If qualifying bet settles as a loss, user is refunded 100% in non-withdrawable bonus bets up to $1,500. Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days.
See full T&C at BetMGM.
21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. NY: Call (877-8-HOPENY) or text HOPENY (467369).
#4
Bet $10, Get $100
in Bonus Bets
Turnover
1x
Minimum deposit
$10
State
NY
PA
CO
+17
NJ
IL
IN
IA
MI
VA
WV
AZ
LA
TN
MA
OH
MD
KS
KY
NC
DC
Bet $10, Get $100 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose
21+. New customers in AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/KS/KY/LA/MD/MA/MI/NJ/NY/NC/OH/PA/TN/VT/VA/WV/DC only.
Players who place Eligible Wagers on the Eligible Games will receive $100 in Bonus Bets after their Eligible Wager(s) settle as a ‘win’ or ‘loss’. The Bonus Bet reward will be split into five (5) Bonus Bets valued at $20 each. Bonus Bets will be applied to the player's Account within 72 hours and must be used within seven (7) days of receipt. Limit one (1) Promotion Offer per Account.
See full T&C at ESPN BET.
#5
Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
Turnover
1x
Minimum deposit
$5
State
NJ
IL
IN
+6
IA
VA
AZ
TN
OH
FL
Place a $5 Wager and Get $150 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins
21+. 1 per new customer. Offer available in AZ/IL/IN/NJ/OH/TN/VA. Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply.
$5+ first-time bet req. Max. $150 issued as 6 $25 non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout.
See full T&C at Hard Rock Bet.
#6
Bet $10, Get $50 in Bonus Bets
Turnover
1x
Minimum deposit
$10
State
NY
CO
NJ
+8
IN
IA
VA
AZ
TN
MA
OH
MD
Get $50 in Bonus Bets After Your First Real Money $10 Wager
21+. 1 per new customer. Offer available in AZ/CO/IN/IA/MD/MA/NJ/NY/OH/TN/VA. Eligibility restrictions apply.
Min. $10 deposit. Min. $10 qualifying wager with minimum odds of -250. Bonus bet tokens issued within 48 hours of settlement of qualifying wager. $50 bonus issued as two non-withdrawable $25 Bonus Bets. Bonus Bets expire 7 days (168 hours) after issuance. Bonus Bet stakes removed from payout.
See full T&C at Bally Bet.
Join A Sportsbook
Join A Sportsbook
Make A Deposit
Make A Deposit
Place A Qualifying Bet
Place A Qualifying Bet
Get Your Bonus Bet
Get Your Bonus Bet

Frequently Asked Questions about Bonus Bets

What is a Bonus Bet?

A Bonus Bet means that the sportsbook gives the player a prepaid bet to be wagered on any game they want. The size of the Bonus Bet will be determined by your qualifying wager. You can use the bet for anything in the sportsbook, provided that you bet at- or above the minimum odds.

If your Bonus Bet wins you'll receive the profits of the wager, usually minus the amount of the Bonus Bet. If it loses - well, it wasn't your own money anyway!

Are Bonus Bets the same as Free Bets?

Yes. Bonus Bets used to be called free bets, but since you have to deposit money and wager it in order to claim them, they're not actually free. This made "free bet" a slightly misleading term, and sportsbooks were prohibited from using this label. Since then, this type of promotion has gone by the name of Bonus Bet instead. 

Is a Bonus Bet the same as a No Sweat Bet?

No, there are similarities, but they are not the same. Bonus Bets are what used to be known as free bets. They mean that you get a pre-paid bet from the sportsbook, and get to keep to keep the potential winnings.

No Sweat Bets or Second Chance Bets are what used to be called a risk-free bet. These offers also had to change their names, as there is always a risk involved in depositing and betting with real money. 

What is a qualifying bet?

After making that first deposit and accepting the Bonus Bet promotion, you'll have to place a qualifying bet before receiving the bonus. The value of your Bonus Bet will be determined by the size of your qualifying bet, up to a maximum amount. 

A qualifying bet means the first bet you place after opting in for the offer, that follows all of the related bonus terms. In other words; minimum deposit, minimum odds and any other specified terms. For example, sometimes parlay bets are not qualified. This is always stated in the bonus terms. 

Does the outcome of my qualifying bet matter?

No, the outcome does not matter for a normal Bonus Bet. In rare occurrences however, the bonus terms may specify that the Bonus Bet will only be paid out if the initial qualifying bet is a loss. We'd technically call this a Second Chance Bet or a No Sweat Bet ourselves, but sometimes the betting sites do not. That's why it's always important to read the terms and conditions. 

When do I get credited my Bonus Bet?

In order to get a Bonus Bet from a sportsbook, you first have to place a qualifying bet. The outcome of said qualifying bet has to be determined before you receive your Bonus Bet. The reason is that there is always a slim chance that your bets get cancelled, due to for instance a match cancelled due to weather, or the player you bet on being injured. 

Keep in mind that even after the game is over, it might take an hour or so before the odds provider has had the time to report in the correct result to the sportsbook. 

What is a Bonus Bet?

Bonus Bets are a very common type of sportsbook promotion found in almost every state that has legalized online gambling. In essence, you could say that it's a prepaid bet worth a pre-decided amount, that players receive from a betting site and then can use to wager on whatever they like. 

New players at a sportsbook can often get a Bonus Bet as part of a welcome offer, but promotions like deposit bonuses, referral bonuses or promo codes makes it possible for already existing customers to get their hands on them as well. 

Bonus Bets come with some important terms:

  • Minimum deposit
  • Max bonus amount
  • Minimum odds
  • Turnover requirement
  • Other specific terms

These terms are important both when you opt in and when you use the bonus. Sportsbook promotions usually have a minimum deposit required, especially if the offer is connected to a sign-up bonus. Make sure to deposit the stated amount or above in order to get the bet. 

The size of a Bonus Bet is sometimes decided by the size of your qualifying bet, but sometimes players receive a fixed amount regardless of what they wager. If it is based on your qualifying bet, it is always capped at a maximum amount. Bonus Bets based on your qualifying bet can be seen as having a 1x turnover requirement. The qualifying bet and Bonus Bet have minimum odds attached to them. If you bet at a lower odds than the stated minimum, the bet won't count as qualifying. 

Example of a Bonus Bet based on the qualifying bet: 
- Get 100% up to $100 as a bonus bet

It's important to note that some sportsbooks only hand out the Bonus Bet if your qualifying bet results in a loss. This is especially common if the promo offers a fixed amount. This is always specified in the bonus terms or general terms and conditions of the sportsbook. We recommend you always check these out before opting in. 

Example of a fixed amount Bonus Bet:
- Bet $5, win $100 in bonus bets if your first bet doesn't win

Bonus Bets = Free Bets with a new name

Did you know that Bonus Bets used to be called "Free Bets", and that this term is still used in many other countries across the globe? But technically they aren't free, as you need to make a qualifying bet in order to get them. The US Government did not agree with this wording, and banned sportsbooks from using what they deemed a misleading term. That's why Free Bets are nowadays called Bonus Bets instead.

Different types of Bonus Bet promotions

Sportsbooks, like most types of companies supplying goods or services, offer different types of promotions and offers to both new and already existing customers. The terms and conditions may vary between offers, but due to state legislation certain types of promos may be more or less common, or even banned, in some states. To help clear things out, here are some of the most common types of Bonus Bet promotions you might encounter.

Sign-up Bonus Bets - For new players

Probably the most common type of Bonus Bets. Sign-up bonuses are promotions specifically targeting new customers, and usually only valid when registering an account and making your very first deposit. A minimum amount has to be deposited, and a as always a qualifying bet has to be placed. 

Deposit Bonus Bets - When making a deposit

Luckily for already existing customers, it's also common for sportsbooks to offer Bonus Bets as a deposit bonus. Any player who's a member at the betting site can take part of these offer simply by making a deposit at- or above the stated minimum amount and tick the box that say that they want to take part.

Bet Get Bonus Bets - Get when you bet

Bet Get bonuses means just what they sound like; players bet something to get something. Usually both the amount you have to bet and the bonus your receive are predetermined, so just make sure to follow the rules stated in the T's & C's. 

Bonus Bet promo codes - Get your bet using a bonus code

Sportsbooks sometimes offer special offers only redeemable when using a promo code. This is especially common during sports season. Sportsbook promo codes are usually entered in your profile page or when making a deposit, and often give Bonus Bets as part of the offer.

Referral bonuses - You and your friend both gets a Bonus Bet

Refer-a-friend bonuses are a great marketing tactic that sportsbooks use that also rewards the players. Go to your profile and generate your unique referral code, send it to your friend, and you may both be rewarded with a Bonus Bet if your friend signs up. 

Mashups - Get a Bonus Bet from a No Sweat Bet

As long as they follow local laws, betting sites are free to mix and match promotions any way they can think of. Right now it's very common that they mix Bonus Bets with what is traditionally seen as a term attached to No Sweat Bets. These offers only hand out the bonus if the qualifying bet loses (which normally makes it a No Sweat Bet), but players receive a Bonus Bet if they do. 

For both new and existing customers

While many of the best offers and promotions out there are only for new customers at a sportsbook, Bonus Bets might be for existing players too. Thanks to a variety of different promo types, such as deposit- and referral bonuses, you can continuously be rewarded with new bonuses, and Bonus Bets are one of most common options.

Top 5 best Bonus Bets in the US right now

  1. BetMGM - Up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if Your First Bet Doesn't Win
    Available in: NY/PA/CO/NJ/IL/IN/IA/MI/VA/WV
    AZ/LA/WY/CT/TN/NH/OR/MA/OH/MD/KS/KY/NC/DC
     
  2. DraftKings - Bet $5, Get $200 + $200 off NFL Sunday
    Available in: NY/PA/CO/NJ/IL/IN/IA/MI/VA/WV
    AZ/LA/WY/CT/TN/MA/OH/MD/KS/KY/NC
     
  3. FanDuel - Bet $5, Win $300 in Bonus Bets
    Available in: NY/PA/CO/NJ/IL/IN/IA/MI/VA/WV
    AZ/LA/WY/CT/TN/MA/OH/MD/KS/KY/VT/NC
     
  4. Hard Rock Bet - Bet $5, Win $150 in Bonus Bets
    Available in: NJ/IL/IN/IA/VA/AZ/TN/OH/FL
     
  5. Bally Bet - Bet $10, Get $50 in Bonus Bets
    Available in: NY/VA/OH/IN/CO/MA/AZ/NJ/TN/MO/IA

How to claim and use a Bonus Bet

Betting-beginner or first time checking out a Bonus Bet promo? Don't sweat it. We show you how to get started by finding and claiming a Bonus Bet in three simple and easy-to-follow steps.

1
Find a Bonus Bet promotion

First off, find a licensed and legitimate online sportsbook with an offer that suits your needs. You will have different options depending on if you're a first time customer making your first deposit or an existing customer. Also make sure that the offer is valid in your state. You can read more about different types of Bonus Bet promos on this page, and find an offer valid for your state in our toplist. 

2
Read the terms carefully

The bonus terms state everything you need to know about the offer; from the minimum deposit to the minimum odds required for your qualifying bet. It also states if some markets, like parlay bets, are excluded. You also want to make sure to understand if the offer gives you a matched Bonus Bet based on the size of your qualifying bet, or a fixed amount only given out if your qualified bet results in a loss. Read this information before opting in.

3
Place your qualifying bet

When you've opted in and made your first deposit (if required), you need to place your qualifying bet. Make sure that you bet the minimum amount required, and that you bet at or above the minimum odds. As an example, if the min. odds are -200, a bet with -100 or +100 is valid. A bet with -300 odds is not. 

That's it! As soon as the result of your qualifying bet has been decided, the sportsbook will deposit the Bonus Bet to your account. Now all you have to do is bet it. Best of luck!

Terms, conditions and things to keep in mind

The sportsbook general terms and conditions and/or bonus terms contains everything you need to know in order to start playing and using a bonus. You normally don't have to read everything, but when opting in for a promotion, there are some common mistakes that players misunderstand. Here's what you should pay extra attention to:

  • State availability - In which states the offer is available.
  • Expiration date - How long you have to use the bonus after receiving it.
  • Minimum deposit - How much you need to deposit to get the bonus.
  • Promo code - If you need a bonus code to redeem the offer.
  • Bonus amount - How much you can get, and if it depends on your deposit size.
  • Valid payment methods - If any payment service is excluded from the promo.
  • Min/max bet - How much you need to/may bet with your qualifying bet.
  • Minimum odds - The lowest odds playable for your bet to count.
  • Turnover requirement - Times the bonus has to be wagered before withdrawal.
  • Specific terms - Anything else relevant for the particular offer.

Common Bonus Bet mistakes - And how to avoid them

Not placing your qualifying bet
You need to place a bet before you can receive your Bonus Bet. Many players make their first deposit, wait, and finally contact customer support saying they did not receive their bonus. The first question will be if you placed your qualifying bet yet.

Misunderstanding the qualifying bet
The qualifying bet is where most mistakes are made, and there are many things that can make your first bet not count. Make sure to wager enough, bet at- or above the minimum odds and avoiding disqualifying markets if there are any. Some offers also state that players only receive the Bonus Bet if their initial bet loses.

No depositing enough
Most bonus promotions have a minimum deposit. If that limit is $10 and you deposit $5, you won't get the bonus. If it's a sign-up bonus, you might have also lost your only chance to claim it. 

Trying to withdraw the Bonus Bet
Bonus Bets are not given out in cash, they work like a prepaid bet you can use later. If you attempt to make a withdrawal when you haven't yet used your Bonus Bet, you might forfeit it. 

Strategies for USA Bonus Bets

As Bonus Bets are one of the most common and popular sportsbook offers in the US, it's no wonder that people have very different opinions on them, and ideas about how to use them. A Bonus Bet is a very flexible alternative to a normal betting bonus, and here is some inspiration of how others use them.

  • To check out a new sportsbook
    As players usually get rewarded from staying loyal, many tend to stick with their brand for a very long time. A Bonus Bet is a cheap and easy way to check out a completely different betting site - perhaps a brand new sportsbook that's just be launched. Who knows, maybe you find a new favorite?
     
  • To try different types of bets or sports
    When playing with your own money, most players tend to stick to what they know and to play it safe. When literally using the sportsbooks' own money to bet, you can take the opportunity to check out a different type of betting market, or maybe even bet on a new sport.
     
  • Focusing on plus-money bets
    Underdogs or parlays (if allowed) is a great way to maximize the potential return you might get from your Bonus Bet. We'd understand if you want to play it safe with your own money. But when betting the sportsbooks' money, many say go big or go home.
     
  • Hedging through another sportsbook
    You've got a pre-paid bet to place on anything you'd like, but of course you'd like to win. If you find an interesting game with the right odds on both teams, using your Bonus Bet on outcome A with one sportsbook, and wagering your own money on outcome B in another sportsbook, might result in you going home a victor no matter what. 

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