In this guide

Bonus bets return only the profit on a win — the stake is not paid back. Playthrough requirements at US sportsbooks range from 5x to 25x, with completion windows of 14 to 30 days depending on the operator.

How do bonus bets actually work?

A bonus bet functions like a real wager in almost every way except one: if it wins, the sportsbook pays the profit only, not the original stake. So a $50 bonus bet placed at +100 odds returns $50 in cash profit — the $50 stake disappears regardless. That structure makes the real cash value of a bonus bet considerably lower than its face value, especially when used at short (negative) odds.

Compare that to a cash deposit match at a casino, where a winning bet typically returns stake plus profit. Always factor in the odds you intend to play when sizing up any sportsbook welcome offer.

What is a wagering requirement and how is it calculated?

A wagering requirement — sometimes called a playthrough or rollover — is the number of times bonus funds must be bet before any winnings can be withdrawn. Requirements range from 5x to 25x across licensed US sportsbooks. A $100 bonus with a 7x requirement means $700 in total wagers must be completed before withdrawal is permitted.

Completion windows add another layer of risk: most operators set a 14-day or 30-day deadline. Bonus funds not wagered within that window are forfeited entirely, so reading expiry dates before depositing is essential.

Do minimum odds restrictions apply during playthrough?

Yes, and they matter more than most bettors realize. Some sportsbooks prohibit using bonus funds on markets priced shorter than -250; others set the floor at -200. BetRivers requires wagering on markets at -200 odds or longer, with a 30-day validity window. Locking heavy favorites out of the playthrough path slows progress and increases the chance of forfeiture.

Can one household claim the same welcome bonus twice?

No. Welcome bonuses are limited to one per household, IP address, or device. Attempting to claim a second offer through a shared address or network typically triggers an account review and can result in closure of one or both accounts. This applies to offers across all major licensed operators.

What types of welcome bonuses do sportsbooks offer?

The three main formats are bet credits (bonus bets), deposit matches, and second-chance bets. A second-chance bet refunds the stake as bonus funds if the first wager loses; the refund is then subject to its own playthrough terms. Deposit matches credit a percentage of the initial deposit as bonus funds, while bet credits are issued as a fixed dollar amount.

For a ranked comparison of current offers across major operators, see the best sportsbook bonuses guide.

Are sportsbook bonuses available in every state?

Only in states where online sports betting is legal. As of 2026, 32 states plus DC allow statewide online or mobile wagering through licensed operators; 11 states have no legal betting at all. Availability of specific promotions can also vary within a legal state based on operator licensing agreements. Check the state-by-state legality guide before assuming a bonus is accessible in your location.

What other bonus pitfalls should bettors watch for?

  • Expiry before completion: A 14-day window on a 10x playthrough is tight for casual bettors who don't wager daily.
  • Minimum deposit thresholds: Many promos require a minimum $10 deposit and a qualifying first wager at standard odds — not at the shortest lines available.
  • State eligibility: BetMGM, for example, requires users to be 21+, physically located in a qualifying state at the time of wagering, and not enrolled in a self-exclusion program.
  • Method mismatches: Some payment methods are ineligible for bonus-qualifying deposits; confirm before funding your account.

For deeper dives into individual operator terms, the BetMGM review and FanDuel review cover first-bet and bonus-bet mechanics in detail. For payment speed context relevant to clearing bonuses, the fastest-paying sportsbooks ranking is a useful cross-reference.

Must be 21+ (18+ in select states). If gambling is becoming a problem, call 1-800-GAMBLER.