Best Welcome Bonus 2024

Online sportsbooks often give incentives to fascinate new players and retain existing players. One of those perks is the sports betting welcome bonus. This way, a new customer can get more funds on top of their bankroll and other benefits cited in the terms and conditions. A welcome bonus can be 100% of the initial deposit or more.

Betting sites with a welcome bonus usually change the terms, so what was available a month ago may no longer be valid. Therefore, interested punters should keep abreast with changes to take advantage of the best offers. Many bookies provide this sports betting bonus to remain competitive in the market.

Best Welcome Bonus 2024
Lukas Müller
Topic ExpertLukas MüllerExpert
Fact checked byIliana PetkovaFact Checker
Localised bySamuel KipropLocaliser

New bettors are encouraged to grab the sign-up offer, especially while placing wagers on new games. It is the best way to play risk-free on a real-money sports betting site. Sometimes, this offer is exclusive to certain games, so confirming the details before placing a bet is essential. Almost all online sportsbooks require the bonus to be wagered several times before it can be cashed out. If a new player quits a game before fulfilling the wagering requirements, there’s a good chance they’ll lose the benefits of the welcome package.

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How to use the sports betting welcome bonus

How to use the sports betting welcome bonus

The best welcome bonus betting sites come with immersive experiences and opportunities to win prizes. Finding a welcome bonus is easy. Almost all sports betting sites have this option on the sign-up page. These sites want players to claim the promotions, making the process as easy as possible. However, winning and turning the bonus into real money is not simple. The bonus has no wagering requirements in rare cases, but players must follow some protocols.

Before registering an account or claiming the bonus, it is imperative to understand how the sports betting welcome bonus works. In the case of a non-sticky bonus, the extra cash cannot be withdrawn directly. Even the winnings from sticky bonuses are non-cashable. In other words, all winnings from wagering on bonuses stay in the system. Players and sportsbook owners alike benefit from welcome bonuses. With some due diligence, gamblers can find betting sites with a welcome bonus that helps increase their winnings.

How to use the sports betting welcome bonus
Things to look out for in a welcome bonus

Things to look out for in a welcome bonus

There are numerous welcome bonuses in online sportsbooks. But not every offer is worth it. Sports betting enthusiasts should be vigilant to choose an offer that matches their gambling needs. A few tips will come in handy when choosing betting sites with a welcome bonus.

Reliability

There is no guarantee that an online bookie is reliable because it offers its players appealing bonuses. A credible license is a fundamental aspect of a trustworthy sports betting site. Ideally, reputable providers display the licensing information on the homepage. The most trusted regulatory bodies are the UK Gambling Commission, Malta Gaming Authority, and Gibraltar Gambling Commission. Because these entities have stringent standards, they ensure that bettors are protected when they register and claim sports betting bonuses.

Terms and Conditions

In almost every bookmaker’s terms and conditions, there are hidden clauses. Before signing up for it, there might not be enough time to read all the nitty-gritty T&Cs in a sports betting welcome bonus. At the very least, experts suggest reading parts pertinent to the player’s decision. These include promotion restrictions, withdrawal limits, and wagering conditions.

These terms are hardly advertised on the landing pages of most sportsbooks. Yet, they can have a tremendous impact on the quality of an online bonus experience. Several sites limit the number of bets one can place. Going through the T&Cs section before signing up for a welcome bonus helps to avoid unnecessary surprises.

Expiration Date

Every bookmaker sets a specific period during which a player should use their bonus and fulfill all the wagering requirements. A short timeframe forces many players to bet more, thereby overspending and increasing their risk of losing. A good welcome bonus allows punters to play multiple times in a reasonable validity period.

Eligible Games

Some inexperienced sports bettors grab bonuses without checking the eligible games. It is important to pick games that one enjoys playing or betting on. This can improve their chances of winning.

Things to look out for in a welcome bonus
Understanding welcome bonus terms and conditions

Understanding welcome bonus terms and conditions

Wagering requirements are also referred to as play-through requirements. They stipulate the number of times a player has to wager the welcome bonus before it can be withdrawn. If the bookie sets the play-through requirement as x15 for a bonus of 200 USD, the player must bet with 3,000 USD in sports games. Upon meeting the wagering requirements, they can withdraw their remaining funds if they win any money and not spend it on bets.

Some sports betting sites apply play-through requirements to both the deposit and bonus at once, which is less desirable for players. Suppose a wagering condition of x20 is required on a deposit of $50 and a bonus of $50. The player must wager a total of $1,000 before withdrawing the bonus.

($50 + $50) * 10 = $1,000

While $1,000 may seem hard to a new punter, many online bookmakers provide higher RTPs, making wagers much easier than betting in land-based gambling houses. Game bonus conversions and caps are the other common conditions for sports betting bonuses. Game bonus conversions pertain to the contribution of particular games to the play-through. Conversion caps limit the amount of bonus that may be converted into real cash.

What sports offer welcome bonus?

Betting sites offer different welcome bonuses when players sign up. The most popular sports usually have the best bonus offers. Here is more about welcome bonuses for individual sports.

Understanding welcome bonus terms and conditions
Football welcome bonus

Football welcome bonus

Football is probably the most wagered sport in the world. Billions of money go to the NFL and other popular leagues throughout the seasons. Over 95% of the bets on football bets happen at online bookies. The reason sports betting websites stand out is that they have attractive welcome bonuses. This is something brick-and-mortar sportsbooks cannot match. That said, it is crucial to know the best welcome bonus betting sites for national football leagues, championships, and college football match-ups.

Many sportsbooks today allow bettors to deposit with cryptocurrencies. Those who deposit with Bitcoin get a higher bonus amount. What’s more, BTC facilitates faster payouts, where withdrawal requests are processed within minutes.

Football seasons

Staying up to date on futures betting and certain football bets is fundamental to sports betting. For instance, Super Bowl 56 begins in Los Angeles on 13th February 2022. Some events have already passed, such as the NFL regular season, which runs from 9th September 2021 to 9th January 2022. On the other hand, the NFL playoffs started on 15th January 2022. Other events to keep up include:

  • NCAA Division regular season
  • Conference Championships
  • CFP Semifinals
  • The CFP National Championship

A Football welcome bonus may be a limited-time offer. Others may last throughout the season, so reading the terms and conditions is crucial before grabbing a coupon code. Players must place a minimum deposit to receive the welcome bonus. Every online bookmaker indicates what countries’ residents are eligible for the bonus offer. It should be noted that a football welcome bonus is not a requirement for signing up with a football betting site. If a player opts to skip it, they can still bet on football matches and other sports.

Football welcome bonus
Horse racing welcome bonus

Horse racing welcome bonus

Thousands of horse races happen on a global level. In the US, a great deal of focus is on two main series, the Triple Crown, which starts in May, and the Breeders’ Cup in November. The Belmont Stakes, Preakness Stakes, and the legendary Kentucky Derby are other highlights.

A welcome deal is one of the ways online racebooks compete for new customers. Bonus funds can be matched on the first deposit or provided as free bets. A betting site may decide to give $120 to all new players. This may be spread over three consecutive bets with increments of $40 in bonus each time.

Such a welcome bonus has no validity period. As long as the player makes the first deposit and keeps betting on horse racing, they will eventually get the full bonus. Some high rollers wager huge sums on horse racing and claim the full bonus immediately. But most punters place smaller bets of say $20 over the weeks. When signing up for horse betting, players should ensure they exhaustively go through the fine print. Some online racebooks accept players from a few states, while others place time limits on welcome offers.

Horse racing welcome bonus
Horse betting promo codes

Horse betting promo codes

Many horse wagering promotions require the input of promo codes. Promo codes for welcome bonuses are usually advertised on horse racing news pages. Players must ensure the validity of coupon codes before collecting them. Site reviews are also essential when it comes to choosing promo codes.

Still, it appears new players are on the verge of losing promo offers. Many sportsbooks don’t want new customers to go through the hassle of scouring the internet for promo codes. So, they display the coupons on their websites to make things easier.

Horse betting promo codes
Basketball welcome bonus

Basketball welcome bonus

The NCAA basketball season brings plenty of betting opportunities and March Madness. Basketball fans also place NBA bets at top sportsbooks every week during the NBA season. No-deposit welcome bonuses for basketball betting are rare, but they do exist. They are ideal for punters testing a site before staking down real cash.

Claiming a welcome offer is straightforward. Gamblers will register with a sportsbook offering basketball odds and pick a bonus. Once their accounts are verified, the bonus money is added to their bankroll. Players cannot just withdraw this money. They must wager it severally as required by the sportsbook.

An important thing to note is that a basketball welcome bonus, for instance, can only be claimed once in the chosen bookie. While changing the account name and taking several bonuses can be tempting, most online betting sites deploy various systems to help track down such malpractices and possibly deactivate their account. Most online bookmakers recognize users with their IP addresses and devices.

Basketball welcome bonus with minimum deposit

Online bookies with a proven track record don’t just give away free money to new customers. They reward players who place the minimum required deposit after opening their accounts. There’s a limit on the period one can claim the welcome offer. This can stretch to one of two months. After meeting the minimum threshold and winning a prize, the player can cash out the bonus.

Basketball welcome bonus
Responsible gambling

Responsible gambling

Responsible gambling is all about being conscious of the bankroll after signing up for betting sites. A smart bettor develops strategies to win rather than constantly wagering following a losing streak. When it comes to betting on sports, punters should keep these rules in mind:

  • There is no sure bet in football, horse race, or basketball: Losing and winning have the same probability. During a sporting season, a certain league can beat another, and it’s up to the bettor to weigh the strengths and weaknesses of both teams.

  • Betting what one can lose comfortably is the best strategy: Professional gamblers know their limits and set realistic goals when evaluating their finances.

  • Roadmap: Responsible gamblers evaluate their finances throughout a sporting season. A wise move is to adjust the betting percentages when the bets are doing well and lower them if they do poorly. The average professional bettor hopes to win 60% and lose 40% of their stakes. In the end, they get a 10% net profit. With experience, the bets get better, and profits may increase.

  • Taking baby steps is safer than starting large: Most online bookies require players to bet with at least $1. A good rule of thumb is to use 1% to 2% of the bankroll in each consecutive bet. The most seasoned gamblers can bet 4% to 5% of their bankroll. Risking the entire bankroll on one bet is not advisable.

  • Spreading out bets: It is advisable to bet on different sports. While it is important to resist the temptation of going overboard, it certainly helps you get a sport or market you are comfortable with.

Responsible gambling
About the author
Lukas Müller
Lukas Müller

Lukas Müller, the "Betting Baron" of BettingRanker, hails from Germany and is renowned for his unparalleled insights into the online betting realm. With an analytical mind and a pulse on the industry's trends, he's a touchstone for bettors across Europe.

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