What are the best betting offers and sportsbook promotions you can claim?

Everyone loves a good sportsbook bonus, but not every welcome offer delivers the same value. Some promotions advertise huge dollar amounts yet require a large first wager, while others reward you for betting as little as $5. The best sportsbook bonus depends on how you bet, where you live, and whether you prefer bonus bets, a first-bet safety net, or a second-chance offer.

With online sports betting now legal across dozens of U.S. jurisdictions, competition among sportsbooks has never been stronger. FanDuel, DraftKings, BetMGM, bet365, BetRivers, Caesars, Fanatics, Hard Rock Bet, and several other operators continue to update their welcome promotions to attract new customers. That means offers can change frequently and often differ by state.

At Horse.bet, we regularly review sportsbook promotions and compare more than just the headline number. We look at qualifying bets, promo codes, expiration periods, payout methods, and the overall value of each offer. Every sportsbook listed below is licensed in at least one U.S. jurisdiction, and all promotions should be verified on the operator’s official website before registering, as availability and terms vary by state.

Whether you’re betting on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, soccer, golf, UFC, or horse racing, these are the sportsbook bonuses we believe provide the best value for new customers.

Best Online Sportsbook Bonuses Compared

*Offers vary by state and may change. Always check the sportsbook’s official promotion page before signing up.

Understanding Sportsbook Bonuses

Choosing a sportsbook based only on the advertised dollar amount is one of the biggest mistakes new bettors make.

A sportsbook advertising a “$1,500 First Bet Offer” is not automatically better than one offering “$200 in Bonus Bets.” In many cases, you would need to place a much larger qualifying wager to receive the full value of the larger promotion.

Before opening an account, look at the type of bonus being offered.

Remember that bonus bets are not cash. If you use a $25 Bonus Bet at +100 odds and win, you generally receive the profit only, not the original $25 bonus stake. Most sportsbooks also require bonus bets to be used within a limited period

1. BetRivers Sportsbook – Second-Chance Bet up to $500

Promo Code: Varies by partner

Available In: Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and other licensed BetRivers markets.

BetRivers has built one of the strongest reputations among U.S. sportsbooks thanks to its straightforward promotions, reliable payouts, and excellent customer experience. Rather than offering complicated bonus structures, BetRivers focuses on a Second-Chance Bet that refunds your qualifying first wager if it loses.

In many eligible states, new customers can receive a refund of up to $500 in Bonus Bets if their first real-money wager doesn’t win. The exact maximum refund depends on where you live, as some jurisdictions feature different welcome offers. Full eligibility requirements, qualifying wagers, and bonus terms are published on BetRivers’ official promotions page.

Beyond the welcome offer, BetRivers stands out for its clean interface, fast withdrawals through PayPal, online banking, Play+, and other payment methods, as well as an extensive selection of live betting markets. The sportsbook also offers frequent odds boosts, same-game parlays, and regular promotions for existing customers.

Best use tip: A Second-Chance Bet is best used on a wager you already planned to place rather than forcing a longshot simply because the first bet is protected.

Horse.bet Verdict: BetRivers remains one of our favorite sportsbooks for new bettors looking for first-bet protection without overly complicated terms

2. FanDuel Sportsbook – Up to $350 in Bonus Bets

Promo Code: None required in most eligible states

Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, Wyoming, and Washington, D.C.

FanDuel continues to set the benchmark for online sportsbook apps in the United States. Its intuitive interface, deep betting markets, and excellent live betting experience make it one of the easiest sportsbooks for beginners while still offering enough features for experienced bettors.

Current welcome promotions generally provide up to $350 in Bonus Bets after completing the qualifying requirements, although the exact structure may differ depending on your state. Some jurisdictions distribute Bonus Bets across multiple days after qualifying play, while others feature different introductory offers. The official FanDuel promotion page always displays the current offer available in your location.

FanDuel excels in NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college sports, golf, UFC, soccer, and same-game parlays. Live betting is particularly strong, with fast odds updates and one of the best-designed mobile apps in the industry.

Best use tip: Spread your Bonus Bets across several different wagers instead of placing everything on one longshot. This generally gives you more opportunities to maximize the promotional value.

Horse.bet Verdict: FanDuel is still one of the easiest sportsbooks to recommend for first-time sports bettors thanks to its polished app and consistently competitive welcome offers

3. DraftKings Sportsbook – Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets

Promo Code: None required in most states

Available In: All legal DraftKings Sportsbook jurisdictions.

DraftKings continues to offer one of the most accessible sportsbook promotions in the country. Instead of asking customers to risk hundreds of dollars, new users can typically place a qualifying $5 wager to receive $200 in Bonus Bets, subject to the current promotion in their state.

The simplicity of the offer is one of its biggest strengths. There are no complicated deposit tiers or confusing reward structures, making DraftKings particularly attractive to first-time online bettors.

Outside the welcome promotion, DraftKings remains one of the most complete sportsbook platforms available. The app covers thousands of betting markets across professional and college sports while also offering live betting, same-game parlays, player props, odds boosts, and regular promotions throughout the year.

The mobile app consistently ranks among the highest-rated sportsbook apps in the United States, combining fast navigation with excellent in-play functionality.

Best use tip: Use your Bonus Bets on multiple wagers instead of one large parlay. Diversifying your bonus credits often provides better long-term value.

Horse.bet Verdict: DraftKings combines one of the easiest welcome offers with one of the strongest sportsbook apps available today

4. bet365 Sportsbook – Bet $10, Get Up to $365 in Bonus Bets

Promo Code: None required in most eligible states

Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana (eligible parishes), Maryland, Missouri, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, and additional licensed markets where bet365 operates.

bet365 has quickly established itself as one of the leading online sportsbooks in the United States after decades as one of the world’s largest betting brands. Known for its extensive live betting markets, competitive odds, and outstanding soccer coverage, the sportsbook has become a favorite among bettors who enjoy wagering during games rather than before kickoff.

In many eligible states, new customers can deposit at least $10, place a qualifying wager of $10 or more, and receive up to $365 in Bonus Bets after the qualifying bet settles. Depending on where you live, bet365 may instead display a different welcome promotion, such as a First Bet Safety Net, so it’s important to review the offer presented during registration. Offer availability, qualifying requirements, and bonus amounts vary by jurisdiction.

One of bet365’s biggest strengths is its live betting platform. The sportsbook offers thousands of pre-game and in-play markets across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, tennis, golf, UFC, Formula 1, horse racing, and many international competitions. Features such as Bet Boosts, Same Game Parlays, live statistics, and cash-out options further enhance the betting experience.

Bonus Bets are not withdrawable cash and generally expire after a limited period, so plan how you’ll use them before claiming the promotion.

Horse.bet Verdict: If live betting, soccer, and international sports are your priorities, bet365 is one of the strongest all-around sportsbook apps currently available in the U.S

5. BetMGM Sportsbook – First Bet Offer up to $1,500

Promo Code: None required in most eligible states

Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.

BetMGM remains one of the biggest names in U.S. sports betting and continues to attract new players with one of the largest first-bet offers on the market. Instead of awarding bonus bets immediately after registration, BetMGM’s promotion focuses on protecting your opening wager.

In many eligible states, new customers can receive up to $1,500 in Bonus Bets if their first qualifying wager loses. The maximum amount, qualifying requirements, and payout structure vary by jurisdiction, so it’s worth reviewing the promotion available in your state before signing up.

Outside the welcome offer, BetMGM offers one of the deepest betting menus in the industry. You’ll find extensive markets on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, college football, college basketball, golf, tennis, Formula 1, soccer, UFC, boxing, and international sports. Same Game Parlays, live betting, player props, and early cash-out features are all available on eligible events.

The sportsbook is also integrated with the MGM Rewards loyalty program, allowing eligible players to earn rewards that can be redeemed at MGM Resorts properties across the United States.

Best use tip: Because this promotion is designed around a larger opening wager, it offers the most value to bettors who already planned to place a sizeable first bet rather than increasing their stake simply to qualify.

Horse.bet Verdict: BetMGM combines one of the largest first-bet offers in the country with an excellent sportsbook app, making it one of our top choices for experienced bettors.

6. Caesars Sportsbook – Profit Boost Welcome Offer

Promo Code: None required in most eligible states

Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington, D.C., West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Caesars Sportsbook has shifted away from traditional risk-free bets and now focuses on a welcome package built around Profit Boost Tokens. New customers typically place a small qualifying wager before unlocking a series of 100% Profit Boost Tokens that can be used on future bets.

While the advertised value may not appear as large as BetMGM or BetRivers, frequent bettors often get more long-term value from Profit Boosts because they can be applied strategically throughout the season instead of using one large first-bet refund.

Caesars also benefits from integration with the Caesars Rewards loyalty program, allowing eligible customers to earn Reward Credits and Tier Credits while betting. Those credits can be redeemed at Caesars hotels, casinos, restaurants, and entertainment venues throughout North America.

The sportsbook covers all major U.S. sports while also offering extensive international markets, same-game parlays, live betting, player props, and regular odds boosts throughout the year.

Best use tip: Save Profit Boost Tokens for bets with higher odds rather than heavy favorites to maximize the additional payout.

Horse.bet Verdict: Caesars is an excellent option for regular sports bettors who value ongoing promotions and one of the strongest rewards programs in the industry.

7. Fanatics Sportsbook – FanCash Rewards and Welcome Bonus

Promo Code: None required in most eligible states

Available In: Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, West Virginia, and Wyoming.

Fanatics Sportsbook has grown rapidly since launching nationwide and now competes with the industry’s biggest operators through its unique FanCash rewards program.

Unlike many sportsbooks that focus exclusively on Bonus Bets, Fanatics allows eligible players to earn FanCash, which can be redeemed toward Bonus Bets or purchases from the Fanatics online merchandise store. Depending on the promotion available in your state, new customers may receive a FanCash Match, Bonus Bets, or another introductory offer.

The sportsbook itself is well-designed, with a clean interface, strong same-game parlay builder, live betting, player props, and extensive coverage across the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, soccer, golf, UFC, tennis, and college sports.

The biggest difference compared with competitors is the loyalty ecosystem. Sports fans who already purchase jerseys, apparel, or collectibles from Fanatics may find additional value through the FanCash program that extends beyond sports betting.

Best use tip: If you’re already a Fanatics customer, linking your sportsbook activity with the FanCash rewards ecosystem can provide additional long-term value beyond the welcome offer.

Horse.bet Verdict: Fanatics Sportsbook is one of the best choices for sports fans who want a rewards program that extends beyond betting.

8. Hard Rock Bet – A Simple Welcome Bonus for New Customers

Promo Code: None required

Available In: Arizona, Florida, Illinois, Indiana, New Jersey, Ohio, Tennessee, Virginia, and other eligible Hard Rock Bet markets.

Hard Rock Bet has become one of the fastest-growing sportsbook brands in the United States, particularly after its successful expansion in Florida. Rather than offering one of the largest headline bonuses, Hard Rock focuses on a straightforward welcome promotion that’s easy for new players to understand.

Depending on your location, new customers may qualify for Bonus Bets after placing a small first wager or receive a first-bet refund if their qualifying wager loses. Because Hard Rock Bet customizes promotions by state, you’ll need to review the offer displayed during registration.

The sportsbook covers all major U.S. leagues while also offering competitive live betting, same-game parlays, player props, and casino integration where online casino gaming is legal.

One feature many bettors appreciate is the clean mobile interface. The app is easy to navigate without feeling overloaded, making it a good option for newer bettors.

Best use tip: Hard Rock Bet frequently runs additional promotions during major sporting events, so check the promotions page after creating your account.

Horse.bet Verdict: Hard Rock Bet is an excellent alternative to the larger national sportsbooks, particularly for bettors in Florida and other eligible markets.

9. AmWager – Best Bonus for Horse Racing Bettors

Promo Code: AMWAGER – Currently new users get a 100% deposit match up to $50

Available In: Most states where advance-deposit wagering on horse racing is permitted.

If your primary interest is horse racing rather than traditional sports betting, AmWager continues to offer one of the strongest welcome bonuses available.

Unlike sportsbooks focused on football or basketball, AmWager specializes in thoroughbred, harness, and international horse racing. New customers can typically claim a deposit bonus after funding their account, although the exact amount and qualifying terms depend on the current promotion.

The platform provides access to major racing events, including the Kentucky Derby, Preakness Stakes, Belmont Stakes, Breeders’ Cup, Royal Ascot, Dubai World Cup, and thousands of races throughout the year.

Experienced horseplayers will appreciate features such as advanced handicapping tools, live streaming for eligible races, rebates for qualifying bettors, and a wide range of wagering options, including exactas, trifectas, superfectas, Pick 4s, and Pick 6s.

Horse.bet Verdict: If you’re looking specifically for horse racing bonuses rather than sportsbook promotions, AmWager remains one of our highest-rated ADW platforms.

TOP Betting Deals & Free Bets Listed

With so many legal sportsbooks in the U.S. now, the welcome bonus you choose matters more than ever. From low-risk promos like Fanduels’s $5 deal, to big protection with second-chance offers like Caesars or BetRivers, there’s something for every betting style.

Before you jump in, always:

• Check state availability
• Use the right promo code
• Read terms & wagering requirements
• Bet responsibly

For more promo codes, updated bonuses, and how to get the most value when betting online, always use Horse.Bet, which is not only about the best horse betting deals.

How to Claim a Sportsbook Sign up Offer

Claiming a sportsbook bonus only takes a few minutes, but overlooking a small detail—such as forgetting to opt in or using the wrong payment method—can prevent you from receiving the promotion. Before creating an account, take a moment to review the sportsbook’s official terms.

Step 1: Choose a Legal Sportsbook App

Online sports betting is regulated at the state level, meaning each sportsbook operates only where it holds a license. Before registering, confirm that the operator is available in your state.

Step 2: Register Your Account

You’ll need to provide:

• Full legal name
• Date of birth
• Residential address
• Email address
• Phone number
• Last four digits of your Social Security Number (where required)

Sportsbooks verify your identity to comply with state gaming regulations.

Step 3: Enter a Promo Code (If Required)

Some promotions activate automatically, while others require a specific promo code or opt-in before making your first deposit.

If a promo code is required, enter it before completing registration.

Step 4: Make Your Qualifying Deposit

Many sportsbooks require a minimum deposit to activate the welcome offer. Others simply require your first real-money wager.

Supported payment methods typically include:

• Visa
• Mastercard
• PayPal
• Apple Pay
• Online Banking
• ACH
• Play+
• PayNearMe
• Venmo (eligible sportsbooks)
• Cash at Casino Cage (where available)

Step 5: Place Your Qualifying Bet

Read the promotion carefully.

Some bonuses require:

• Any wager
• A minimum $5 or $10 bet
• Minimum odds
• Your first wager to settle
• Your first wager to lose

Each sportsbook structures its promotions differently.

Step 6: Receive Your Bonus

Depending on the operator, you’ll receive:

• Bonus Bets
• Bet Credits
• Profit Boost Tokens
• FanCash
• Second-Chance Bets
• First Bet Credits

Most sportsbooks credit eligible bonuses shortly after the qualifying wager settles.

Sportsbook Promo Terms You Should Know

Before claiming any sportsbook betting offer, it’s worth understanding a few common terms you’ll see throughout the industry.

Understanding these terms helps you compare promotions more accurately instead of simply choosing the biggest advertised bonus.

Which Sportsbook Bonus Deal Is Best?

Choosing the “best” sportsbook depends on how you like to bet.

What are the best sportsbook promos available today?

There isn’t one universal answer. Casual bettors often receive the best value from smaller “Bet and Get” promotions like DraftKings, while experienced bettors placing larger wagers may benefit more from BetMGM’s First Bet Offer or BetRivers’ Second-Chance Bet.

Can I claim more than one sports betting bonus?

Yes. Each licensed sportsbook generally allows one welcome offer per eligible customer. Many bettors legally claim bonuses from several sportsbooks after creating separate accounts.

Are betting bonuses taxable?

Potentially. Sports betting winnings are taxable under U.S. federal law, regardless of whether they originate from cash wagers or Bonus Bets. Some states also tax gambling winnings. Consult a qualified tax professional if you’re unsure about your reporting obligations.

Do sportsbook offer Bets expire?

Yes. Most Bonus Bets expire within a limited period, often seven to fourteen days after being credited. The expiration period varies by operator.

Are sportsbook promo codes free?

Yes. Legitimate sportsbook promo codes are free to use and should never require payment. Use Betrivers’ promo code USBTRV.

Can I withdraw Bonus Bets?

No. Bonus Bets generally cannot be withdrawn as cash. If a Bonus Bet wins, you usually receive only the profit while the bonus stake itself is not returned.