How welcome bonuses work
Almost every sportsbook offers a welcome bonus to attract new users. When properly understood they can add value, but they all come with conditions. Here we explain how they work and what to look at before accepting one.
What a welcome bonus is
It is a promotion for new customers, usually an extra percentage on your first deposit (for example, "100% up to $300,000") or a free bet. It is not free money: it comes with conditions.
Wagering requirement (rollover)
The key concept. A rollover of "x5" means you must bet the bonus amount five times before you can withdraw it. The higher the rollover, the harder it is to turn the bonus into withdrawable money.
- Check the rollover and what it applies to (the bonus only, or bonus + deposit).
- Check the minimum odds that count toward the rollover.
- Look at the deadline: many bonuses expire within days or weeks.
Types of bonus
- Deposit bonus: they match a percentage of your first deposit.
- Free bet: a risk-free bet up to a certain amount.
- No-deposit bonus: a small credit just for signing up (less common).
Tip
A bonus should never be the only reason to choose a sportsbook. Prioritise the license, the odds and the payment methods; the bonus is an extra. And never deposit more than your budget just to "take advantage of" a bonus.
Frequently asked questions
Is the welcome bonus real money?
Not directly. It is credit subject to wagering requirements (rollover) that you must meet before you can withdraw the associated winnings. Always read the terms and conditions.
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