The Best Sportsbook Welcome Bonuses in August 2025

A sportsbook welcome bonus is a promotional offer designed to attract new customers. It’s the most common bonus you'll encounter when signing up at legal online sportsbooks in the U.S., from New Jersey to Colorado. These offers are only available to first-time users creating a new account and are usually tied to your first deposit or wager.

Common Types of Welcome Bonuses

Welcome bonuses vary by sportsbook and state, but they usually fall into one of these categories:

How Do Welcome Bonuses Actually Work?

When you activate a welcome bonus, here’s typically what happens:

1. You register a new account.
2. You opt-in or enter a promo code during signup or deposit.
3. You meet the qualifying criteria, usually a minimum deposit or a first real-money wager.
4. You receive bonus funds or bonus bets (not withdrawable cash).
5. You fulfill the wagering requirements or odds restrictions before converting bonus winnings into cash.

Example:

• You join a sportsbook offering a 100% deposit match up to $250. You deposit $250 and receive $250 in bonus funds. The terms state:
• You must wager the bonus amount 1x on odds of -200 or longer (e.g., -150, +100).
• You have 7–30 days to meet the requirement before the bonus expires.

Things to Watch Out For (Fine Print Matters)

Before claiming any welcome bonus, always check:

• Wagering Requirements: How often must you bet the bonus amount before withdrawing winnings?
• Minimum Odds: Some sportsbooks only count wagers at specific odds (e.g., -200 or longer).
• Bonus Expiry: Bonuses often expire within 7–30 days if unused.
• Eligible Bets: Not all bet types may count; e.g., system bets, parlays, or cash-outs might be excluded.
• State Restrictions: Not all bonuses are available in every U.S. state due to local regulations.

Bottom Line

Welcome bonuses can provide great value for new bettors, but they aren’t “free money.” They're structured promotions with specific rules; understanding them upfront will help you make smarter bets and avoid forfeiting your bonus. Always read the terms and conditions, compare offers, and consider what works best for your betting style.