What is a betting bonus?
It is true that the best sports betting bonuses are always the center of attraction. Online bookies offer a wide selection of free promotions to create an engaging player experience and stay competitive. But all things being equal, you will find the best betting promo at top betting sites like Stake.com, Betano, and BC.Game.
These incentives allow players of all ranks to enjoy exploring all betting options and features available on the platform without breaking a sweat. If you are a newbie, bonuses will go a long way to help you acquaint yourself with the inner workings of sports betting. It is also a chance for regular players to test-drive newly launched sites and features.
Bonus types at the best sportsbooks
If you are hesitant about trying new betting sites, you may be relieved to know that there are plenty of bonuses that you can claim without too much hassle. New operators coming onto the market are getting more creative and creating the best betting bonus offers.
A sportsbook really needs to shine to attract new business. So, the welcome bonus is typically the biggest offer you will ever receive. With no deposit bonuses, you are only required to create a new account. However, you mostly find match deposit bonuses, where you get a percentage of our first deposit as bonus cash.
Reload promos are ongoing giveaways found at the best betting sites. This offer creates a continuous supply of bonus cash each time you make a deposit. While the percentage may be lower than the welcome bonus, you can claim this bonus multiple times.
Sometimes, the best way to get the most competitive odds isn’t to shop around but to claim enhanced odds right at the sportsbook you’re already signed up with. Here, instead of getting the standard payout on winning bets, you get a little bit extra.
Some bookies reduce the sting of losing by returning part of your stake as bonus cash. This may not be the best betting bonus in terms of amounts, but it allows you to get back in the game and make new wagers.
| Bonus Type | Characteristics | How to claim |
| Welcome offer | Usually, the biggest bonus. | Create an account, may need to deposit |
| Free bets | Allows you to place a bet for free | Claim the bonus, may need to deposit. |
| Odds boost | Boosts your potential payouts | Claim the bonus and place eligible bets. |
| Cashback | Returns percentage of losing wager amount | Bet on eligible events and periods |
| Reload promos | Boosts your bankroll | Make an eligible deposit |
Top sites for the best betting bonus
I will now briefly review the top three platforms to hunt for the best bookmaker bonus offers.
Pros & Cons
- 30+ sports
- Exclusive niche markets
- Quality odds
- Several promotions
Stake.com offers all new bettors a generous 200% deposit match bonus up to $2000 when you sign up using our code GAMELANDGG. Additionally, Stake.com also has a decent list of ongoing promotions to help online bettors keep their bankrolls filled. These rewards include a raffle and various contests. You also get reload bonuses for different markets, so you pick what’s suitable for you.
Stake.com doesn’t skimp on its betting markets and presents more than 30 sports, from basketball to Muay Thai. Comprehensive filters allow you to locate and bet on exciting tournaments or teams quickly. Selecting local events displays all current matches in your area, from the NFL to esports.
BC.Game – best for crypto betting
Pros & Cons
- Cloud-based wallets for added security
- Unlimited deposits
- Fast payouts
- Competitive odds
BC.Game embraces the growing shift towards crypto betting and is arguably among the best Bitcoin sports betting sites. The 180% up to 20,000BCD BC.Game welcome bonus is way above what many other BTC sports betting sites have on offer. Players, however, must wager 35x the bonus to withdraw real money. And once you’re in, you take your pick from a wide array of sports betting markets, from esports to Kabbadi.
Thousands of live sporting events are available, so you’ll get plenty of fast-paced betting action. BC.Game channels its resources to provide players with competitive odds across all markets. If you stick around long enough, joining the VIP program rewards your betting efforts with lofty perks.
Betano – best selection of betting markets
Pros & Cons
- Decent bonuses and promos
- Gambling site has won multiple awards
- Downloadable mobile app
- Over 100,000 betting markets
- Restricted in several countries
The 2021 Best Football Operator and 2019 EGR Rising Star in Sports Betting awards say all you need to know about Betano. This is one of the best newer betting sites. The €20 free bet welcome bonus could be better, but you only need €10 to unlock it and wager 1x to claim a real money payout. While football is a clear favorite, Betano also covers rugby and basketball. You can also bet on chess and badminton.
Players here can find over 100,000 betting markets, from the basic moneyline and totals to matchups and handicaps. Betano is licensed in multiple jurisdictions and has affiliations with big soccer teams like Benfica and Olympiacos.
Comparing the best betting bonus offers
Each of the bonuses on my top 3 best betting bonus list has its strengths and weaknesses, but here is a summary of the welcome offers.
| Betting Site | Bonus | Playthroughs | Expiry |
| Stake.com | 200% deposit match up to $2000 | 40x | 30 days |
| BC.Game | 180% up to 20,000BCD | 35x | 30 days |
| Betano | €20 free bet | 1x | 3days |
Choosing the best betting bonuses
Looks may be deceiving. Some promotions may seem extraordinary but actually fail to impress. So, if you are trying to find the ultimate best betting bonus, here are some useful tips.
- The first thing to consider is the size of the offer. In essence, the more bonus cash, the more free play you can enjoy. You get to access more betting options and generally have a great time.
- You cannot immediately withdraw bonus cash, but you have to wager a certain number of times before getting the cash prize. This is known as a playthrough. Different operators have unique conditions for specific promos, but the best sportsbook bonus, like Betano’s, will have a playthrough of just 1x.
- Pretty much every bonus will have an expiration date. I always look for bonuses with a long shelf life. 30 days or more is quite reasonable.
- Another critical area is eligible games or sports to bet on. Most offers are flexible and accommodate a variety of gaming options, but always check if your preferred events and markets are included.
- Also check if you can claim the bonus multiple times. Regular bonuses like reloads are excellent because you can stay stocked up on bonus cash.
How to claim a free betting bonus
Because they come in many different shapes and sizes, online sports betting bonuses aren’t always easy to claim. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it.
1. Create an account and complete the necessary verifications.
2. You usually have to make a deposit to claim the welcome offer. You can enter a promo code, or the betting site automatically credits your signup bonus.
3. For reload bonuses, you’ll need to make subsequent deposits.
4. You can proceed to the lobby or choose your favorite sports markets and start betting with your bonus cash.
Can I win money using a betting bonus?
The best betting bonus at online sportsbooks allows you to claim a real money withdrawal. However, the payouts aren’t available to you immediately after claiming your bonus. I have studied the T&Cs, and here is what you must do to get your winnings.
Also known as rollover conditions, these terms stipulate the number of times you must wager a bonus before withdrawing winnings. The lower the rollover conditions, the quicker you can get your hands on your winnings.
Most online sports betting bonuses expire after a set time, and any remaining bonus funds are revoked. Always observe expiry dates to avoid running out of time before completing your wagers.
The minimum deposit refers to the least amount you must deposit to successfully unlock a bonus. Generally, the lower the minimum deposit, the better.
On the flip side, bookies limit the maximum amount you can deposit to qualify for the associated bonus. While you’re free to exceed the maximum amount, additional funds don’t translate to additional bonus value.
Most sports betting sites limit the use of specific bonuses to a narrow range of sports and betting markets. For instance, an operator may highlight that a free bet promo is only eligible for football wagers with 1.5 odds or higher.
Conclusion – Unlocking the best betting bonus
Not all online sportsbooks offer the best betting bonus offers. But, since I have a lot of time on my hands, I searched and discovered a handful of sites that are pretty generous. My top pick is Stake.com, which offers a generous welcome bonus of a 200% deposit match up to $2000 when you sign up using our promo code GAMELANDGG as well as plenty of ongoing promos. You can also sign up with BC.Game or Betano for generous welcome offers.
Our favorite bonuses to get you started
1.
Claim your Special Pick via Code + First Time Deposit up to $250 in bonus!
Players from United States of America accepted
Best betting bonus FAQ
❓ What should I do if I forget to claim my betting bonus upon signing up?
If you forget to opt in for a welcome bonus, you may lose the privilege entirely. However, you could try to get in touch with customer support for an optional promo code. That said, you may be able to get the best betting bonus without the need to opt in.
💰 Can I exchange my betting bonus for cash?
No, not without a playthrough. Bonus credits only give you access to place bets on the site for free. You may use your bonus cash to place bets and claim a payout once you clear the playthrough requirements.
⏱️ How long will it take for my bonus to be credited?
Typically, the betting site will credit your welcome bonus as soon as you complete your registration and make a deposit. Some sites may need to verify your account first before crediting the bonus.
Many of the betting sites I’ve seen do not require a promo code when you claim a bonus. You simply need to opt in. However, you can enter a code upon registration if you have one.
