Understanding Sports Betting Bonus Codes
Published on August 30, 2024
The vast majority of online betting sites offer a welcome bonus of some kind to their new customers. They can also offer bonus codes to existing players.
It could be bonus bet credits, a 100% match of your first deposit, or some other kind of perk, but the takeaway point is that these are readily available to all registered and verified bettors.
They are an excellent way to bank extra funds to wager with, but in some cases, you will need to use a sports betting bonus code in order to unlock the promotion.
But what are sports betting bonus codes? Where do you find them, and how do you use them? Those are just some of the questions that will be answered in this guide.
Pros and Cons of Sports Betting Bonus Codes
There are various pros to claiming and using sports betting bonus codes. You can boost your bankroll while wagering in the same way that you would anyway. Bonus codes are often quick and easy to use to access great promos, including bonus bets. They can also give you an opportunity to bet without risking your own money and explore the range of sports and markets on offer at the sportsbook site. You can also test out new strategies with the bonuses and extra funds.
However, there are a couple of cons you should be aware of when claiming sports betting bonuses. They can come with stringent wagering requirements and time limits for you to meet to claim the bonus and any winnings.
What Are Sports Betting Bonus Codes?
A sports betting bonus code is exactly as it sounds: it’s a code you enter, either when registering a new bookmaker account or when making your first deposit, that unlocks the welcome offer.
The code is typically something memorable, rather than a random string of numbers and letters, to make it easier for you to remember and use.
You can usually find the unique terms and conditions of a welcome bonus, and information on how to use the code, detailed on the bookmaker’s website and/or app.
How to Use Sports Betting Bonus Codes
There are typically two ways to use sports betting bonus codes: during your new account registration or when making a deposit.
If you are asked to use your code during account registration, you can follow these steps:
- Click on the sign-up/register/join button on the betting site/app.
- Enter your personal details as requested.
- In the box marked ‘Bonus Code’, type in (or copy and paste) your code.
- Complete the registration process.
Once your account has been verified and is live, the bonus should now automatically be applied – you should see it in your account dashboard.
If you’re not asked for a bonus code during registration, and the welcome offer is linked to your first deposit, you will need to make a payment in order to trigger the promo.
Head to the banking section of your account, find ‘Deposit’, and then action a payment. You should, at some point during this process, be asked to enter a bonus code where applicable.
Whichever route you take to claiming the bonus, you should have your promo applied to your account either immediately, or at least a few minutes after you have actioned the steps listed above.
Types of Sports Betting Bonuses
There are different types of sports betting bonuses that you can claim with a code, though three in particular are the most common:
- Deposit Bonus – This is attached to the first deposit you make into your account. It will often be a 100% match (other percentages could be used). For example, if you deposited £20 into your account, you’d also receive £20 in bonus bet credits.
- Bonus Bets – In some instances, the promo might be a stash of bonus bet credits to use. To get these promos, you typically need to complete certain tasks – e.g., making a deposit or staking a specific amount.
- ‘Money Back’ Bets – The bookmaker may give you your money back, in bonus bet credits, if your first wager loses.
These are the three main types of welcome bonus you will find at a sports betting site/app, but there are other kinds of promo you can claim.
Most online bookmakers offer a referral bonus. This states that for every person who you refer to the betting site, and who goes on to make a deposit and/or bet a specific amount, you will receive a payment in bonus bet credits.
Some firms also offer a cashback bonus. This relates to your net losses in a given timeframe, usually seven days. So, if you make a loss over those seven days, the bookmaker may give you a bonus percentage of the amount, such as 10%.
Key Terms and Conditions to Look Out For
When using sports betting bonus codes to claim a welcome promo, it’s vital that you satisfy the terms and conditions of the offer.
If you don’t, you may invalidate the promo somehow, leaving you unable to claim the bonus on offer.
To mark your card, always find out if any minimum deposit, stake and odds rules are in place before depositing or placing a qualifying bet. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
Also, be aware of any wagering requirements attached to the bonus. These state what you have to do to withdraw any winnings you have made from the promo. Often, this can mean having to stake certain multiples of the bonus amount before you can cash out.
Thirdly, make sure that you’re aware of any time limits on the bonus. These can relate to how long you have to activate the offer, or to the length of time you have to satisfy the wagering requirements – don’t get ‘timed out’!
How to Make the Most of Your Sports Betting Bonus
When you have a stash of bonus bets to use, or your first deposit has been matched with bonus funds, it’s always worth planning in advance how you are going to use it.
Are you going to bet small and steady amounts, looking to build your bankroll for when you switch back to wagering your own money, or will you risk your bonus on longer odds bets and accumulators?
There’s no right answer – of course, the small and steady approach is more sensible, but knowing how you intend to use your bonus is smart planning.
Be sure to find out if any sports or betting markets are exempt from the bonus, as well as any minimum odds requirements – that way, you’ll get a better idea of how to bet.
Remember, sports betting is supposed to be fun – however you choose to wager. Keep this in mind as you set about putting your bonus to good use.
How to Make the Most Out of Sports Betting Bonus Codes
To get the very most from your sports betting bonus, follow the tips and strategies outlined below:
- Use bonus bets as if they are your own money (i.e., bet sensibly on sports that you know about).
- Don’t blow all of your bonus on one bet – you will likely regret it.
- See if you can combine more than one sportsbook bonus together to create additional value.
- Plan ahead for any wagering requirements and time limits on your bonus.
Hopefully you now have a better understanding of what sports betting bonus codes are and how you can use them.
The sports betting bonus code offers that are available at the vast majority of online betting sites are a great way to start your journey with a new bookmaker, so it makes sense to take advantage of these promos when you can.
To do so, you’ll need access to the latest sports betting bonus codes: be sure to bookmark CasinoBonus.com for the most effective codes around.