What Is a Bonus and How Does It Work?

Welcome bonuses. Enhanced odds offers. Bonuses tied to specific games. Sound familiar? You’ve probably come across these promotions from various sportsbooks.

Most of them refer to bonuses for new users, sometimes offering up to $350 just for signing up. You’ve likely seen these ads somewhere—perhaps while browsing lists of the best online casinos compared. Maybe you’re skeptical or wondering what’s really behind these offers. You’re in the right place.

What Is a Betting Bonus?

To find out about bonuses at sportsbooks, first, we need to understand what a bonus is. Put simply, a bonus is a marketing strategy that sportsbooks use to attract new clients. Who wouldn't want free $350? We've all been attracted by the prospect of getting "free money" just for joining a betting site. And whether it's $100, $200, or $350—it's an appealing offer.

Knowing that bonuses are incentives, users must read carefully all of the terms and conditions of the bonus, which we will detail below. Although the bonus may be offered as a promotion, it is typically based on what you wager, specific bet markets, or specific odds. The terms will determine whether you succeed in releasing the advertised bonus amount or not.

How Does a Sportsbook Bonus Work?

When we refer to sportsbook bonuses, we are mainly referring to welcome bonuses since these are the most visible and widely promoted. The concept is straightforward. You initially sign up with a sportsbook and provide the required personal information. After registering, you place your first deposit and begin betting. This is the point where bonus terms differ from sportsbook to sportsbook. 

What Types of Bonuses Are Available?

Each U.S. sportsbook has its own bonus strategy, so the type of bonus you receive depends on the operator you choose.

• Deposit match bonuses: These sign-up bonuses will match your first deposit up to a specific amount. If, for example, a sportsbook offers a 100% match bonus up to $150, and you put down an initial deposit of $100, you'll receive an additional $100 in bonus money. This bonus money, however, cannot be withdrawn until you meet the wagering requirements.
• Tiered bonuses: Some sportsbooks offer up to $200, which is offered in stages based on your betting activity. For instance, you can receive ten $20 bonuses, each of which is released after betting $100 at specific odds. This tactic helps sportsbooks ensure that you're betting actively and not just claiming a single promotion.
• Special condition bonuses: On top of the examples above, most sportsbooks offer risk-free first bets or free bets. Keep in mind most of the time that this is not withdrawable cash—it's bonus money, or what's sometimes called "free bets." These may only be used for betting on the site and may not be withdrawn unless they're bet and converted into actual winnings.

What Conditions Must Be Met to Unlock a Bonus?

This is the most important part of choosing a bonus. Each sportsbook has its own terms and conditions, attempting to make an offer that is appealing to you—while protecting their bottom line.

• Minimum odds requirement: Most bonuses will require you to bet at specific odds. For example, having to bet at odds of -110 or greater (that is decimal odds of 1.91) makes it a little bit harder to win. Always watch out for the odds requirement since some sportsbooks require odds as low as -130 and others as great as +100.
• Single or combination bets: Some bonuses require you to place combination bets or parlays. For example, a sportsbook might require you to place a three-leg parlay with each leg having odds of at least -110. While those odds are not excessive, it can be difficult to get all three legs right.
• Time-limited or event-limited bonuses: Some free bets are limited by time. If you don't know the expiry timeframe, you might lose the bonus. The same applies to promotional specials or boosted odds that are for one game or event alone. As soon as the event is over, so is the promotion. Always read the terms.

In order to make the most of the welcome bonuses offered by US sportsbooks, you must read through all the stipulations and conditions diligently. The offers usually come with time constraints—a week to a month. You may be offered $200, but you'll have to place five times that amount in bets to make a withdrawal. Placing $1,000 worth of bets in a week can be taxing and risky for a beginner. Your safest option? Read carefully, call customer support if necessary, seek advice on forums, or go to our website and directly compare welcome bonus terms in detail.