Best Sportsbook Promos & Betting Bonuses for May 2026

Key sportsbook promos highlights

⭐ Top sportsbook promos explained: I break down the best sportsbook bonuses and explain which welcome offers provide real betting value versus flashy headline numbers.

⭐ Hands-on bonus analysis: I share my experience evaluating bet-and-get offers, bonus bets, and promo terms, including what’s worth claiming and what to watch out for.

⭐ Updated promos for major events: I highlight how sportsbook promos change around big sporting events and which platforms consistently offer the strongest incentives for new users.

All of the top sportsbooks in the U.S. offer competitive bonuses worth considering, which makes claiming multiple sportsbook promos an easy choice when you're just starting out. 

To get you started, we've laid out the top bonus options, with each clearly outlined to help you compare one sportsbook welcome offer to the next. Use our guide to the best sportsbook promos to choose the best fit for your next bet.

Top sports betting sites consistently offer great bonuses and promotions across a wide range of events, and you don't have to be a new user to take advantage. Current and existing users can use these weekly sportsbook promos to boost their bets whenever they appear, but hurry, as they are often limited-time offers.

Here are our top three sports betting app promos for May 10, 2026:

1. FanDuel NBA Happy Hour: Get a 30% profit boost token to use on a "player points" wager between 5:00 PM ET and 10:00 PM ET today.
2. DraftKings: NBA Playoffs Boosts Don't Stop: Get a Profit Boost to use on a 4+ leg NBA SGP or SGPx bet today.
3. BetMGM NBA Odds Boost Token: Get an increased payout when you apply this token to an NBA wager today.

Our top pick for the best sportsbook promo is BetMGM’s welcome offer, which provides up to $1,500 in bonus bet protection on your first bet. It combines meaningful upside with built-in downside coverage, making it the strongest all-around option on the board.

Read on to learn more about our top sportsbook promo for May 2026.

Our experts have decades of combined sports betting experience that shapes how we view and rank the top new sportsbook promo offers in the U.S.

We’ve narrowed it down to our top five choices and provided our favorite feature at each of these betting sites, all while including our exclusive sportsbook promo codes that you can use right now when registering your account through our links.  

1. BetMGM promo - Best online sportsbook promo
2. Caesars Sportsbook promo - Best bonus for profit boosts
3. FanDuel promo - Best sportsbook promo for casual bettors
4. DraftKings promo - Best bet and get sportsbook bonus
5. Fanatics Sportsbook promo - Best sportsbook promo for daily bettors
6. bet365 Sportsbook promo - Best dual welcome promo

BetMGM bonus details

• Welcome offer: Up to $1,500 in bonus bets + $50 in Rewards Points
• Promo code: SIBONUS50
• Bonus structure: Bets of $50 or less receive one bonus bet equal to the stake if the first wager loses; bets over $50 are refunded as five bonus bets, each worth 20% of the original stake
• Minimum deposit: $10
• Bonus expiration: Seven days
• Offer expiry: July 1, 2026

The best online sportsbook for payouts truly delivers with its May 2026 welcome offer.

How the offer works

Using the BetMGM promo code SIBONUS50, new users can place a first wager and receive bonus bets equal to their stake if that bet loses, up to $1,500. If the wager wins, you keep the profit as normal.

If it loses, your stake is refunded as bonus bets, typically split into multiple equal portions.

The structure allows flexibility. Bettors can test the platform with a smaller wager or scale up to maximize the $1,500 safety net to chase some big profit. Because the refund only triggers on a loss, your first bet strategy plays an important role in how you approach the offer.

✍️ SI verdict: This welcome offer is best suited for bettors who are comfortable placing a larger first wager with downside protection built into their introduction to the platform. The refund structure scales well, making it viable for both mid-level and higher-stakes players.

Read our BetMGM review for a full breakdown of the best option among college football betting sites.

Caesars Sportsbook bonus details

• Welcome offer: 10 100% profit boost tokens
• Promo code: SICZRDYW
• Minimum deposit: $10
• Qualifying bet: First wager must be placed at odds of -10,000 or longer
• Bonus expiration: 14 days
• Offer expiry: Aug. 18, 2026

How the offer works

Using the Caesars Sportsbook promo code SICZRDYW, new users can place their first wager and receive 10 100% profit boost tokens.

Because the Caesars Sportsbook new user promo is guaranteed regardless of outcome, bettors can focus more on finding value rather than hedging purely for protection. The -10,000 minimum odds requirement also allows flexibility for those who prefer backing favorites.

✍️ SI verdict: This offer stands out for its guaranteed bonus structure and straightforward terms. It’s a strong fit for bettors who want meaningful upside from their first wager without dealing with rollover requirements. 

Check out our Caesars Sportsbook review for a more detailed look.

FanDuel bonus details

• Welcome offer: Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets if you win
• Minimum deposit and wager: $5
• Odds restrictions: None on the qualifying bet
• Bonus expiration: Seven days
• Offer expiry: June 3, 2026

How the offer works

With the FanDuel promo code offer, new users can sign up, deposit $5, and place a winning $5 wager to unlock $150 in bonus bets.

There are no odds restrictions on your first wager, so you can place it on the biggest favorite you can find. You'll get a small payout, but receiving the $150 in bonus bets should be the main goal with your first wager, so ensure you choose a massive favorite.

✍️ SI verdict: This offer is simple, yet effective, and appeals to all types of bettors. We may sound like a broken record at this point, but FanDuel has no odds restrictions on that first wager, so remember not to take any chances with your first bet. Once that first bet settles as a win, you're free to test the site with $150 in bonus bets with this offer.

Make sure to read our FanDuel review to learn more about the sportsbook, which is one of the best prop betting sites. If you're a current customer, you can look at our FanDuel promo code for existing users page for all the newest offers.

💵 Current FanDuel customers can also earn up to $375 per month through the FanDuel refer-a-friend program.

🏇 Makee sure to check out our Where to bet on the Kentucky Derby page and take advantage of a FanDuel Racing promo.

DraftKings bonus details

• Welcome offer: Bet $5, Get $100 Instantly in bonus bets
• Bonus structure: Bonus bets are issued as 4 $25 tokens.
• Minimum deposit and wager: $5
• Odds requirement: None. Bonus bets awarded, win or lose after first bet settles.
• Bonus expiration: Seven days
• Offer expiry: May 31, 2026

How the offer works

The DraftKings promo code offer allows new users to deposit $5 or more and place a $5 or more first wager. When your first bet settles, win or lose, you'll receive $100 in bonus bets.

Bonus bets are issued as 4 separate $25 tokens, each valid for seven days. Because the stake is not returned on winning bonus bets, only the profit is paid out. Your wager must win to unlock the bonus, and the offer comes with a minimum odds requirement of at least -500.

DraftKings also offers a 20% deposit match up to $1,000. That bonus is released gradually based on wagering activity, making it better suited for higher-volume bettors comfortable with playthrough requirements.

✍️ SI verdict: The $5 bet-and-get structure makes this a strong low-commitment entry point. Don't be afraid to play a big underdog on that first bet either, as there is no requirement that it must settle as a winner to receive your bonus bets. The optional deposit match also adds upside for more experienced players. 

Read our DraftKings review for a full breakdown of everything the best online sportsbook offers in 2026, including why it ranks among the best parlay betting sites.  

💵 As a current DraftKings user, you can also secure up to $500 in bonus bets with the DraftKings refer-a-friend program.

Important terms and conditions:

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET, (800) 327-5050 or visit MA Gambling Helpline (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY).

Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit CONNECTICUT COUNCIL – ON PROBLEM GAMBLING (CT), or visit Home (MD), 1-800-981-0023 (PR).

21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/PR/WY). Void in NH/OR/ONT/PR. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new DraftKings customer. $5+ first-time bet req. Max. $100 issued as non-withdrawable Bonus Bets that expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: Promos | DraftKings Sportsbook. Ends 5/31/26 at 11:59 PM ET.  

Fanatics Sportsbook bonus details 

• Primary welcome offer (outside of NY): Up to $1,000 in FanCash
• Alternate offer (IN, IA, AZ, TN, MA & WY): Bet $20, get $350 in bonus bets
• Alternate offer (MD, KY, MI, CO, KS, LA, PA, DC): Bet $20, get $200 in bonus bets instantly
• Alternate offer (CT, MO, VA, NJ, WV, OH, NC): Bet $20, get $200 in bonus bets
• Primary welcome offer (NY): 10 x 100% profit boosts
• Bonus structure: $1,000 in FanCash - 10 x $100 bet matches over 10 days
• Minimum deposit: $10
• Wager requirement: $1–$100 per day; bet matches given win or lose
• Duration: 10 days (10 x $100 bet matches over 10 days)
• Bonus bet expiration: Seven days from issuance
• Offer expiry: Sept. 8, 2026

How the offer works

The Fanatics Sportsbook promo allows new users to access a high value welcome offer of up to $1,000 in FanCash bet matches. When you claim this offer, for 10 straight days, you can earn up to $100 in bet matches, win or lose, simply by placing a qualifying wager at odds of -200 or larger.

To maximize the Fanatics welcome offer, you should consider consistently making at least one bet of $100 or more per day, as that will allow you to earn the full $1,000 in FanCash over the 10-day period.

Smaller daily bets will still qualify at the corresponding match amount. For example, if I make a $50 wager at odds of -200 or longer on my first day, regardless of whether my bet wins or lose, I'll still receive a $50 bet match in FanCash. However if I had made a $100 bet, my bet match would have been $100 in FanCash.

Regardless of how much you earn, remember that all FanCash must be used within seven days of issuance, and the stake is not returned on winning wagers. Just be sure to keep up with daily bets, as missing a day means forfeiting the potential $100 FanCash bet match bonus for that day.

Because the second reward is earned daily rather than triggered by one large bet, this structure favors consistent bettors who prefer spreading their action across multiple days.

Other Fanatics welcome offers

10 x 100% Profit Boost Tokens (Fanatics NY)

The primary welcome offer for Fanatics NY users offers the chance to grab 10 x 100% profit-boost tokens (PBTs) instantly.

Apply it to a bet with minimum -500 odds wager, up to $25 per wager, to enhance your potential winnings.

✍️ SI verdict: Fanatics separates itself with flexible, daily-based rewards rather than a single qualifying bet. That structure makes it especially attractive for routine bettors who prefer steady value over an all-or-nothing introduction. For a full breakdown of features and user experience, see our Fanatics Sportsbook review.

bet365 bonus details

• Welcome offer: Bet $10, get $200 win or lose, or $1,000 First Bet Safety Net
• Minimum deposit: $10
• Minimum wager: $10
• Odds requirement: -500 or longer
• Bonus expiration: Seven days after issuance
• Offer expiry: June 1, 2026

How the offer works

Using the bet365 bonus code offer, new users can choose between two welcome offers during registration.

With the $200 bonus bet option, you deposit at least $10 and place a $10 qualifying wager at odds of -500 or longer. Once the bet settles, you receive $200 in bonus bets regardless of the outcome. Bonus bets must be used within seven days, and the stake is not returned on winning wagers.

This option works well for bettors who prefer a low upfront commitment and want guaranteed bonus value from a small qualifying bet.

Alternate welcome offer: $1,000 First Bet Safety Net 

The second option is a first bet safety net of up to $1,000. If your first wager loses, you receive your full stake back in bonus bets, up to $1,000.

The refund amount is based on your initial wager. Bonus bets are issued after the losing bet settles, expire seven days after being credited, and the stake is not returned on winning bonus wagers. This offer also requires the bet365 app.

This structure is better suited for bettors who plan to place a larger first wager and want downside protection built into that bet.

✍️ SI verdict: bet365 offers two distinct paths — a straightforward bonus bet option for casual users and a scalable safety net for higher-stakes bettors. The flexibility makes it appealing to a wide range of users. 

For a full breakdown on the sportsbook, check out our bet365 review

💵 Current users also grab up to $500 in bonus bets per year with the bet365 refer-a-friend program.

Here’s a look at the best sportsbook promos, collected in one place so you can quickly compare and find the offers that fit your betting style.

We suggest claiming multiple offers, or as many as you can, but pace yourself instead of triggering them all at once. Spacing them out gives you more time to meet all the requirements and ensures you’re getting the most out of each bonus.

Welcome bonuses are just one type of sportsbook promo available to bettors in the U.S. Most top sportsbooks also have many existing customer promos for you to claim as soon as you start betting. Here's a look at what you can expect to find.

Odds boosts 

Odds boosts are promos that increase the odds in your favor to give you a bigger payout if you win.  

For example, let’s say the Los Angeles Lakers are playing the Boston Celtics and the Lakers have +200 odds to win. An odds boost promotion may increase those odds to +400. If you bet $20 on the Lakers without the odds boost, you would win $40. With the odds boost, you would win $80. 

Reload bonuses 

Reload bonuses are promotions that reward you for topping up your sportsbook account, such as giving you a set amount of bonus bets when you make a deposit. More commonly, you will see sportsbooks offering deposit match bonuses on specific days of the week. 

Referral bonuses 

Sportsbook referral bonuses allow you to claim a bonus offer by suggesting a sportsbook to your friends. Your sportsbook will give you a unique code or sign-up link — all you have to do is share it. Once your friend signs up with your link or code, you and your friend will claim an exclusive bonus.  

Major U.S. sportsbooks run rotating promotions across different leagues and bet types throughout the year. Below is a breakdown of the recurring promo categories you’ll typically find at each sportsbook.

🟡 BetMGM

BetMGM consistently rotates daily sportsbook promos across major leagues and global events. While specific offers change, bettors can expect a steady mix of tokens, boosts, refund promos, and contests throughout each season.

Here’s what you can typically find:

• Sport-specific odds boost and no-sweat tokens: Regular tokens for NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB, college sports, golf, and soccer that either increase your potential payout or return your stake in bonus bets if your wager loses.
• Any-sport parlay boosts and insurance: Boost tokens and no-sweat protections that can be applied to parlays across multiple leagues, giving bettors flexibility beyond a single matchup.
• Milestone and near-miss refund offers: Promotions that return your stake if a team narrowly misses a key benchmark — such as giving up a late goal after building a two-goal soccer lead — or if your selected golfer finishes just behind the tournament winner.
• Season-long contests and prize pool promos: Opt-in contests tied to player milestones, tournament outcomes, or marquee matchups that award bonus bets or cash prizes to qualifying participants.

Claim BetMGM promos

⚫ Caesars Sportsbook

Caesars Sportsbook regularly features prebuilt boosted parlays, interactive contest promos, and rotating seasonal offers across major leagues. While specific prize pools and event names change, the overall promo structure stays consistent throughout the year.

Here’s what you can typically find:

• Prebuilt boosted parlays across major sports: Ready-made parlays with enhanced odds for the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, college sports, and more, allowing bettors to lock in boosted pricing without building their own tickets.
• Milestone-based contest promos: Opt-in promotions tied to player or team benchmarks — such as high-scoring NBA performances or standout NFL and MLB achievements — that award bonus bets or shared prize pools.
• Interactive daily promo games: Click-to-play style promotions that offer profit boosts, bonus bets, or contest entries simply for participating.
• Seasonal futures boosts: Limited boosts tied to division winners, championship futures, or other long-term markets during peak points of the sports calendar.

Claim Caesars Sportsbook promos

🔵 FanDuel

FanDuel consistently rotates major league contests, flexible reward promos, and sport-specific boosts across the calendar. Its offers often center around high-profile matchups and customizable bonus options.

Here’s what you can typically find:

• Choose-your-own-reward tokens: Select between options like no-sweat bets or profit boosts, giving bettors more control over how they enhance their wagers.
• Sport-specific odds boosts: Rotating MLB, NBA, NFL, and event-based boosts tied to primetime games and marquee matchups.
• Seasonal and event-driven promos: Special offers built around playoffs, rivalry games, and championship events throughout the year.

Claim FanDuel promos

🟢 DraftKings

DraftKings features daily profit boosts, league-specific parlay enhancements, and recurring promotional offers across pro and college sports. Its promo rotation blends flexible tokens with wager protections and same-game parlay value.

Here’s what you can typically find:

• Daily profit boost offers: The “Daily Drop” and similar recurring promos provide a profit boost that can often be applied to a wide range of sports and markets.
• League-specific same-game parlay boosts: Enhanced payouts on SGP(x) wagers across the NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, and college sports.
• Early exit and bet protection promos: Select offers that let you receive a payout or partial return if your bet is in a strong position but doesn’t fully cash, helping reduce downside on certain wagers.

If you’re looking for sportsbook promos that refresh daily and emphasize parlay flexibility and wager protections, DraftKings consistently offers multiple ways to enhance your bets.

Claim DraftKings promos

🔴 Fanatics Sportsbook

Fanatics Sportsbook centers its promo strategy around FanCash rewards, rotating odds boosts, and personalized in-app offers. Its structure ties betting incentives to both bonus bets and merchandise value.

Here’s what you can typically find:

• FanCash reward promos: Recurring offers that return a percentage of your wager in FanCash, which can be used for bonus bets or Fanatics merchandise.
• Scheduled FanCash drops and contests: Weekly or event-driven promotions that award FanCash through opt-in contests or limited-time campaigns.
• Sport-specific odds boosts: Enhanced pricing on select NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and primetime events throughout the season.
• Personalized in-app promotions: Targeted offers available in the Discover tab that vary by user activity and betting history.

Claim Fanatics Sportsbook promos

🟢 bet365

bet365 offers a steady mix of odds boosts, parlay promotions, early payout features, and interactive free-to-play games across select U.S. markets. Its promo structure blends traditional sportsbook bonuses with engagement-based features tied to specific sports.

Here’s what you can typically find:

• Odds boosts, and parlay boosts: Rotating enhanced-odds offers across major sports, including the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, and international events.
• Early payout features: Select wagers may qualify for early settlement, allowing you to cash out automatically if your team reaches a strong in-game advantage, such as building a multi-goal lead in soccer.
• Free-to-play prediction games: Interactive contests, including over/under style games available in select states, that award bonus bets for correct predictions without requiring a traditional wager.
• Event-driven promotions: Targeted boosts and bonuses tied to marquee matchups, tournaments, and seasonal sporting events throughout the year.

NFL betting promos

NFL betting promos add extra value to every part of the season, from weekly matchups to Super Bowl betting promos. Sportsbooks roll out consistent NFL betting offers that help bettors get more out of spreads, parlays, and player props all season long.

BetMGM stands out for its exclusive NFL betting markets, with the BetMGM new user promo being perfect for anyone looking to go big with their first NFL bet. For streaming, Caesars Sportsbook offers built-in NFL live viewing for select games, along with a great profit boost offer for new users. These NFL betting promos are available throughout the regular season and playoffs, giving bettors plenty of chances to maximize value on the best NFL and Super Bowl betting sites.

Beyond those two operators, all the best NFL betting sites provide a steady lineup of NFL betting promos every week of the season, ensuring bettors always have new ways to find added value from kickoff to the final whistle.

College football betting promos

College football betting promos focus on the biggest games each week. Most college football betting sites roll out odds boosts and game-specific offers for ranked matchups, rivalry games, and conference showdowns, adding extra value from Week 0 all the way to the National Championship game.

College basketball betting promos

College basketball betting promos ramp up during the regular season and reach their peak with March Madness. Many March Madness betting sites offer enhanced odds, bonuses, and game-specific promotions, while top March Madness betting promos give bettors extra value on brackets, spreads, and more. 

NBA betting promos

NBA betting promos are available all season long, with many NBA betting sites offering weekly and recurring bonuses. DraftKings’ Shaq Pack delivers two profit boosts every week, while FanDuel’s Choose Your Own Reward lets bettors choose from three NBA reward options, creating consistent value on nightly games and player-driven markets.

NHL betting promos

NHL betting promos typically include profit boosts, parlay deals, and player-based offers across the league. BetMGM’s Hit the Hat Trick Jackpot stands out, awarding bettors a share of $10,000 in bonus bets when a selected player scores a hat trick, adding extra excitement to regular-season and playoff hockey.

Soccer betting promos

Soccer betting promos run year-round, with top operators offering odds boosts and match-specific bonuses across major competitions like the UEFA Champions League, MLS, and the English Premier League. bet365 stands out as one of the best soccer and World Cup betting sites by settling moneyline wagers as a win if your team goes up 2-0 at any point, even if the match later ends in a draw or loss. With global action nearly every week, bettors can consistently find added value from kickoff to full time.

UFC betting promos

UFC betting sites typically center promotions around major fight cards, offering profit boosts and enhanced odds on headline bouts. Caesars Sportsbook goes beyond standard fight and round props with a deep menu of pre-built same-game parlays in its MMA markets, many featuring payouts of +2000 or higher. That gives bettors more ways to build creative wagers and target bigger returns on fight night.

Golf betting promos

Golf betting promos usually focus on major tournaments and marquee PGA Tour events throughout the season. Many golf betting sites offer odds boosts, profit boosts, and leaderboard-based offers on markets like tournament winners, top-10 finishes, and head-to-head matchups, giving bettors extra ways to find value from Thursday’s opening tee shot through Sunday’s final round.

The best sportsbook promo isn’t always the biggest one. It’s the one that fits how you already bet.

Here’s what matters most:

🎯 Fit your betting style

Parlay bettors should look for SGP boosts. Straight bettors may benefit more from bet-and-get or no-sweat offers.

💰 Upside vs. protection

Some promos boost potential payouts. Others reduce risk with insurance-style refunds. Decide which adds more value to your strategy.

🔄 Ongoing promo depth

Beyond the welcome offer, consider whether the sportsbook consistently runs daily boosts and seasonal promos.

Choose an offer that complements your approach — not one that forces you to change it.

When claiming betting bonuses, the process is quick and easy when you follow these seven simple steps.

1. Pick a sportsbook promo 

Start by selecting the sportsbook bonus that best fits your needs. With many betting sites and sports betting apps available, you'll have plenty to choose from.

2. Claim your promo code

Be sure to claim your promo code by clicking on any of the links on this page.

3. Create a new account

Registering is straightforward. You’ll need to enter basic personal info — like your name, address, and date of birth. Some promos may need to be claimed through a mobile app, so always check the terms and conditions.

4. Verify your identity

Most sportsbooks will ask for a government-issued ID, such as a driver’s license, to verify your identity. Some may also request proof of address, like a utility bill.

5. Deposit funds

Deposit the minimum amount required to claim your bonus. All major sportsbooks offer various deposit methods, such as debit, PayPal, Venmo, Apple Pay, and bank transfers.

6. Place a bet

Place your first bet, and make sure that it meets the minimum requirement of your bonus.

7. Enjoy your bonus

Once you've fulfilled the requirements of your first bet, you'll be able to enjoy your bonus. Remember, you typically have seven days before your bonus expires. 

For a more curated list of sportsbook promos available in your region in May 2026, refer to our state-specific guides below.

No matter where you’re betting in the U.S., most of the top sportsbook promos fall into three main categories: bet-and-get offers, second-chance bets, and deposit match bonuses. Below, we break down how each of these works, along with a few other common promo types you’re likely to see in 2026.

Second chance bet 

Second-chance bet promos allow you to get your money back in bonus bets if you lose your first bet. For example, if you're looking at BetMGM through Ohio sportsbook promos or claiming from anywhere else in the United States, your first bet with BetMGM is covered. If your initial wager settles as a loss, the online sportsbook will refund your first wager of up to $1,500 in bonus bets.

These betting promos are popular with sports bettors looking for a low-risk first bet at a new sportsbook. They are also popular with experienced bettors who are comfortable betting $500+ with their first wagers.  

Bet and get 

Bet and get promos are offers that allow you to turn a small initial bet into a large amount of bonus bets. For example, the FanDuel bet and get offer will give you $150 in bonus bets from a $5 wager if you win your first bet.   

Deposit match bonus 

Deposit match bonuses reward you for making a big first deposit. Typically, online sportsbooks offer a 100% match, but some betting sites may offer bonuses that are either much larger or smaller.

For example, you can land a 20% deposit match bonus worth up to $1,000 with DraftKings.

Profit boosts

A profit boost bonus typically provides tokens with a designated boost percentage. For example, a sportsbook could offer bettors 100% profit-boost tokens as a welcome bonus. This means players can double their winnings with their bets.

No-deposit bonus 

No-deposit bonuses are sports betting promos you can claim without depositing real money. Unlike other sportsbook promos, no-deposit bonuses tend to be smaller and have more restrictive terms.

While you may be able to claim a no-deposit bonus as a welcome offer, these instances are rare. Online sportsbooks usually limit this type of offer to new legal state sports betting launches. If you're an existing sportsbook user, you may also receive this bonus as an incentive to become a more active bettor.

The best sportsbook promotions for new bettors are usually simple 'bet and get' offers. These bonuses require only a small deposit, making it easy to try an online sportsbook without a big commitment. Place a qualifying wager, win it, and you collect bonus bets on top of your cash winnings.

One of the strongest betting app promos comes from DraftKings Sportsbook. It rewards you simply for placing a $5 wager.

Offers like the Fanatics promo are still great; however, they usually require more upfront betting to unlock full value — the same is true for BetMGM, which often asks for a larger initial wager. These promos can deliver big upside, but they’re typically better for users willing to spend a bit more or looking for higher-value returns from their first online sportsbook experience.

Sports betting promos are a great way to get started, but every offer comes with terms that can impact your experience and your payout. Before claiming a bonus, it’s important to understand the key conditions that affect how and when you can use the offer. Here’s what to look for:

Age and location requirements

To claim any sportsbook bonus, you must be at least 21 years old (18 in some states) and physically located in a state where online sports betting is legal. Your account must be verified before any bonus is activated. 

Canadian bettors can check out the best sportsbook promos in Canada to get started with the betting sites servicing customers north of the border.

Minimum deposits and wagers

Most offers require a minimum deposit, typically $5 or $10, to qualify. You’ll also need to place a minimum wager to activate the bonus, which is usually clear from the offer itself. Other betting app promos may have less obvious requirements, so it’s always worth double-checking the fine print.

Wagering requirements

Some bonuses come in the form of site credit or bonus bets that must be wagered before they can be converted into real, withdrawable cash. Always check whether the offer requires you to play through your bonus.

Minimum odds

Some sportsbook promos require your qualifying bet to meet minimum odds, like -200 or longer, to be eligible for the bonus. That means betting on heavy favorites may not qualify. 

Wagering periods

Most sportsbooks give you seven days to use your bonus bets before they expire. Some sportsbooks offer a longer window — for example, Caesars Sportsbook gives users 14 days to use their bonus. Ensure you are aware of your deadline to avoid missing the opportunity.

Specific conditions

Even some of the best sportsbook promos only pay out if your first bet wins. Others, like BetMGM’s $1,500 offer, only apply if your first wager loses, and the amount you get back depends on how much you staked.

We evaluate sportsbook promos based on the real value they deliver and how easy they are to use. Here’s how we rate each offer and decide which ones are worth your attention.

💰 Bonus value potential

We assess the maximum amount of bonus bets or site credit you can realistically earn. Larger offers can be appealing, but we prioritize promos that provide attainable value rather than inflated headline numbers.

💵 Deposit and betting requirements

We examine how much you need to deposit or wager to qualify. Lower barriers to entry and reasonable qualifying bets make an offer more accessible for most bettors.

🔁 Wagering conditions

We review playthrough requirements, minimum odds restrictions, and usage limitations. Clear, fair rollover terms increase the likelihood that a bonus provides genuine value.

⏳ Bonus expiration terms

We compare how long bonus bets remain active before expiring. Longer windows provide more flexibility and reduce unnecessary pressure to wager quickly.

📱 User experience

We evaluate how smooth the process is from registration through bonus use and withdrawal. Straightforward opt-ins, transparent terms, and a seamless app experience all factor into our rankings.

With over 70 years of dedicated sports reporting, Sports Illustrated has earned the trust of millions. When we review online sportsbooks, we take a hands-on approach — signing up, depositing real money, claiming welcome bonuses, and placing informed bets.

The first-hand experience allows us to thoroughly evaluate each platform’s pros and cons to give you honest, detailed recommendations. We only endorse sportsbooks we trust and would personally use. If a site falls short of our standards, we’ll inform you and guide you toward better options. 

Sports betting should be for entertainment only. The best way to make sure betting stays that way is by practicing responsible gambling.  

Many sportsbooks have features like time limits, deposit limits, and other account limits. If you are a new bettor, we recommend setting some limits just to be safe. Offshore betting sites tend not to have these tools, and there are certain sportsbooks to avoid.

If you or someone you know needs help with gambling responsibly, consult these resources to get help.  

• Gamblers Anonymous
• National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG)
• NCPG Hotline: 1-800-GAMBLER

In addition to the national resources above, you can find local resources on your state's gaming regulator’s website.