With the online sportsbook marketplace becoming even more competitive as new betting sites enter the fray each month, bettors are being bombarded with new bonuses and promotions like never before. Every bookie wants you to sign up with them, but there’s just not enough time in the day to give them all a go. Fortunately, you won’t have to.
There are a bunch of welcome bonus offers out there, but there are also a few promotions for existing players too. Whether you’re looking to grab a bonus at a top football betting site, or want a bonus for betting on tennis, our quick guide to sports betting bonuses will give you everything you need to know to pick out the best bonus for you. Once you’re done, you can choose from our list of top sports betting sites – we’ve only picked out the best on the market.
Everything you need to know about sports betting bonuses
Types of sports betting bonuses
Matched deposits
The matched deposit bonus, which is often used by online casinos, is also a popular sportsbook offer. It’s very straightforward in that a bettor makes a deposit and it will be matched (up to a certain amount) by the sportsbook operator.
You might find a bookie that welcomes you with an offer of 100% matched first deposit up to £100, for example. This instantly provides you with the twice as much cash to kick off your sports betting. Sounds great, right? There is almost always a wagering requirement attached to a matched deposit bonus, which will need to be cleared before you can bank this money and any winnings made from it. The wagering requirement will involve a turnover of the bonus money a certain number of times by placing wagers at or above a pre-set price. Be sure to read the terms and conditions surrounding any introductory betting bonus offer before you sign up.
Matched bets
Matched bets are largely the same as matched deposits. The only difference here is that you’ll only be credited with your bonus funds once you’ve placed your first bet, rather than making your first deposit.
Free bets
This is probably the most popular betting bonus on the market – you’ll find a free bet offer at almost every top bookie. It’s nice and simple – all you need to do is place a wager at (or above) the minimum stake amount and at odds greater than a specified amount. For example, you may be offered the chance to bet £10 and get a £10 free bet.
One clear benefit of a free bet is that it gives you a lot more flexibility with your initial bet. If the first bet doesn’t land you winner, you’ll still have your free bet in your locker. Perhaps you’ll put your real money stake on a ‘long shot’. If it doesn’t land, there’s always the opportunity to use your bonus next time without having to deposit again!
Risk free bet
As the name suggests, this is the safest bet you can get. If you don’t land a winner, you get your stake back! There is a small catch – the maximum amount refunded is usually capped at a figure between £10 and £25. Plus, the returned stake is usually in token form, so it’s non-withdrawable. That aside, this is still a decent offer which allows you to bet with a little more confidence knowing that at the very least, you’ll have your stake returned as a free bet.
No deposit bonus
While you’ll usually find this kind of offer at online casino sites, there are a few bookmakers that are now giving sports punters the chance to get in on the fun too. No deposit bonuses do exactly what it says on the tin – you can claim a betting bonus without making a deposit. A great option for punters who essentially want to try before they buy.
Other sports betting promotions
In addition to the four introductory bonus offers mentioned above, the best online gambling sites offer a great selection of frequent promotions for new and existing customers. Whereas the bonus offers are designed primarily to attract new customers, promotions function as a way of keeping the existing customers happy. These vary from bookmaker to bookmaker, but here’s a selection of the most popular promotions, so you know exactly what to expect once you’ve used your introductory bonus.
- Frequent price boosts.
- Acca insurance – money back when your accumulator loses by one leg.
- Request bets using social media.
- Enhanced odds accumulator bets.
- Free bet club for players who stake a certain amount on a weekly basis.
What is the best betting bonus?
This is a common question which we are often asked and unfortunately there is no definitive answer. The best bonus is the one which appeals to you as an individual bettor. It’s the bonus which you believe holds the most value for your style of betting. For example, if you are a single selection punter, then the risk free bet is a solid choice, but if you’re likely to place a range of accumulators, then a matched deposit bonus offer might suit you better. One thing we are certain of, is that you’ll find the perfect bonus for you right here at Compare.bet.
Place your bets!
Now we’ve shown you the ropes, it’s time to get out there and grab yourself a bonus! Not sure where to start?
Follow these 5 simple steps to claim your exclusive betting bonus:
- Check out our list of top bookies
Our review team has filtered a list of hundreds down to just the very best bookies available online today. There’s plenty to choose from so you’re sure to find the perfect site for you. - Compare bonuses
Our review team has done the legwork to bring you a list of top bookies that’s jam-packed with some of the best bonuses on the market. Now it’s your job to pick out a favourite. Compare the welcome bonuses on offer and choose one that best suits your betting style. Remember, bigger doesn’t always mean better! Keep an eye out for wagering requirements of each offer as these are often a great way to set a decent bonus apart from the very best. - Sign up
Once you’ve picked a favourite, follow our link to sign up and become eligible for an exclusive welcome bonus. Registering an account is simple and can almost always be completed within a matter of minutes. All you’ll need to do is provide a few personal details. - Deposit
Unless you’ve opted to claim a no deposit bonus offer, you’ll be required to make an initial deposit before you can claim your bonus. The top bookies on our list offer a wide range of payment options- whether you want to make debit card deposits, or would prefer a top PayPal betting site, we’ve got a sportsbook for you. Once you’ve deposited the required amount, your bonus will be automatically credited to your account almost immediately. - Bet
Now you’re ready to use your bonus funds – all you need to do is find the best betting opportunity for you. The top bookies feature a huge range of sports, each with thousands of pre-match and in-play betting markets to choose from – you’ll be spoilt for choice! Simply add to your betslip, choose your stake and bet at one of our handpicked top gambling sites!