How to Claim a Sportsbook Bonus — Step-by-Step for New Bettors
Claiming a sportsbook bonus takes less than ten minutes — but one wrong move, like depositing with a disqualified payment method or skipping the promo code field, and the offer is gone. I've walked plenty of bettors through this process. Here's exactly how to do it right.
What Are the Basic Steps to Claim a Sportsbook Welcome Bonus?
The core flow is the same at nearly every licensed US sportsbook: create an account, enter your promo code if required, deposit using a qualifying method, then place the qualifying bet. The details in each step are where bettors get tripped up.
- Choose your sportsbook. Compare current offers at our best sportsbook welcome bonuses ranked by value page before committing to one operator.
- Register and verify your identity. Every licensed US sportsbook must confirm your age and identity before you bet. Most states require you to be 21+; seven states allow betting at 18.
- Enter the promo code. Some sportsbooks require a code at sign-up; others apply the offer automatically. BetMGM uses a promo code field during registration, for example. If a code is required and you skip it, the bonus will not attach to your account.
- Deposit with a qualifying payment method. This step is where a lot of new bettors get burned. E-wallets, prepaid cards, and certain other methods are frequently excluded from welcome-offer eligibility. Read the which sportsbook payment methods actually qualify for welcome bonuses guide before you fund your account.
- Place the qualifying bet. Most offers activate after your first real-money wager. Some require a minimum bet amount; others set a minimum odds threshold (e.g., -200 or better). A wager that doesn't meet those odds won't count.
- Receive and use your bonus. First-bet insurance offers like BetMGM's up to $1,500 in bonus bets pay out after a losing first bet. FanDuel's seven-day bet match requires placing a $5 wager on any market each day for seven consecutive days after a $5 deposit. Fanatics pays out 10 × $100 in FanCash — which is not withdrawable as real money.
Which Bonuses Have the Simplest Claim Process?
| Sportsbook | Offer Type | Promo Code Required? | Key Claim Condition |
|---|---|---|---|
| BetMGM | First-bet insurance up to $1,500 in bonus bets | Yes (PLAYLSRSB per Legal Sports Report) | First qualifying bet must lose to trigger refund as bonus bets |
| FanDuel | 7-day bet match | No code required | $5 deposit + $5 bet per day for seven consecutive days |
| Fanatics | 10 × $100 Bet Match in FanCash | Varies — confirm on site | Minimum $1 qualifying wager activates each match; FanCash not withdrawable |
| DraftKings | Profit boost packs + VIP perks | Some offers require no code | Terms vary by active promotion; confirm before depositing |
Offers change often. Always verify current terms directly on the operator's promotions page before you deposit — an affiliate page may be showing an expired version.
What Mistakes Most Often Void a Sportsbook Bonus?
Depositing via PayPal, Skrill, or a prepaid card when those methods are excluded is the most common reason a welcome offer never triggers. Second most common: forgetting to enter the promo code before completing registration. Some platforms won't let you add it retroactively.
Bonus bets also expire — usually within 7 to 14 days. If you don't use them in time, they disappear. And remember: if a bonus bet wins, you receive only the profit, not the stake. A $50 bonus bet winning at -110 returns roughly $45 in profit, not $95.
Once you've claimed the offer, you'll likely face a rollover requirement before you can withdraw. Our sportsbook rollover requirements guide explains exactly how to calculate what you owe and how to clear it efficiently.
Do Sportsbook Bonus Winnings Count as Taxable Income?
Yes. The IRS treats all gambling winnings — including winnings generated from bonus bets — as ordinary taxable income. A Form W-2G may be issued for qualifying wins; net earnings above $600 can also trigger a 1099-MISC. See do you owe taxes on sportsbook bonus winnings for a full breakdown, and consult IRS Instructions for Forms W-2G and 5754 for the official reporting thresholds.
For ongoing deals after the welcome offer clears, check best ongoing sportsbook promotions beyond the sign-up offer. Must be 21+ (18+ in some states). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.