The best US sportsbook bonuses that you can claim now

Welcome to 2025, and another action-packed year of professional sport lies ahead. 

With fans and online bettors eager to have their say on the results, major sportsbooks have created their odds and published promotions. A new list of bonuses awaits, including free bets, enhanced odds, cashback, profit boosts, and more. There’s a betting bonus to suit every fixture, budget, and bettor.

Our resident sportsbook expert, Frank Monkhouse, highlights the best US sportsbook bonuses you can claim now. There’s invaluable information on why bookies offer bonuses, how to register an account and claim a free bet, the different types of deals, important points from the terms and conditions, and more. By the end of this page, you’ll know the best bookie bonuses and where to find them.

Make sure you also check out our list of the best sports betting apps.

Why do betting bonuses exist?

They say you get nothing for free in this world, and that’s usually true in the sports gambling arena. So, why are major bookmakers battling to give you the best free bets and promotions? What’s in it for them, and should you, indeed, look a gift horse in the mouth?

The online gambling sector in the United States is becoming increasingly competitive, and major online gambling apps find it challenging to stand out from the crowd. How do they get noticed in such a crowded marketplace and encourage new players to register and enjoy their services?

The marketing teams working at major US bookmakers compete to offer new players the best and most eye-catching deals. Known as welcome bonuses, the offers are reserved for new players and include free bets, enhanced odds, cashback, profit boosts, enhanced places each way, and other attractions. The promos help drive a steady stream of new registrations, keeping the business relevant and successful.

As a sports bettor, all you have to do is browse the options, find the new customer deals that suit you the best, and create an account to secure your share.

Claiming a sports betting bonus

When you have chosen the right welcome bonus for you, it’s time to register an account and claim it. You’ll be delighted to learn that this step is quick, secure, and simple, taking just a few moments on your desktop or smartphone. 

You are free to visit and browse any of the sportsbooks mentioned on this page, checking the odds, sports, markets, and other features. But to claim the welcome bonus and start gambling, you must register an account. The steps below will guide you through the registration process, ensuring you get the best deal available. The steps will work on the website and smartphone app of any online bookmaker. 

1. Visit the homepage of your chosen bookmaker and click the register or join button at the top to proceed to the registration form.
2. Add your details, including your name, date of birth, postal address, and email address.
3. Create a username and password that’s memorable but secure. You’ll need this information each time you wish to access your account.
4. Add the promo code if required, and then deposit $10 or more using a credit/debit card, e-wallet, crypto account, or voucher code.
5. Gamble $10 or more on a qualifying sportsbook market at the minimum odds stated or higher. 
6. When your qualifying bet results, the welcome bonus free bet will appear in your player account balance.
7. Click the odds of your next selection to add to your bet slip, and then check the box that informs the bookmaker you’d like the stake to come from your free bets.

Top betting bonuses for US bettors

Almost every major sportsbook offers new customers a welcome bonus for choosing them over the competition. You can join a sportsbook as a new customer only once, but nothing is stopping you from joining multiple betting apps and collecting the bonuses as you go. Being a member of several bookmakers also increases your chances of getting the market’s best price each time you wager on sports.

Welcome bonuses come in many different forms, and it’s worth taking the time to research what’s available to ensure you get the deal that suits you best. The most popular offer is the deposit-matched bonus, which gives you a free bet that’s equal to your first deposit and wager. That puts you in control of both the size of the risk and the reward. Gamble $10 or more to unlock the bet credits. If you wager $50, for example, you’ll receive a $50 free bet.

The deposit-matched bonus works well for the bookmaker, too, as it ensures they are rewarding customers who are serious about betting on the site and not just there for the bonus. Other popular new customer offers you’ll find today include risk-free bets that protect your stake and enhanced odds on favorites.

Here are our favorites.

1. FanDuel: NFL playoff special

The National Football League kicks it up a notch this month with the eagerly-anticipated playoffs. Results from the regular season are now in the history books, meaning we progress to knockout football, and online gambling giant FanDuel has a promotion to help you get in the mood for a fascinating January.

Create an account at FanDuel now, deposit $10+, and wager on a qualifying sportsbook market to receive a jaw-dropping $200 in bonus bets. Whop readers can claim their share now. Do you expect the favorites to prevail and keep their dreams of reaching the Super Bowl alive? The Los Angeles Chargers, Baltimore Ravens, and Buffalo Bills have all attracted early attention in the betting ring. 

In addition to the $200 in bonus bets available to players, FanDuel offers a long list of recurring deals. Claim a 30% boost on your winning parlays. You can also refer a friend to FanDuel and land a $50 free bet for your efforts.

Read our FanDuel review: Everything you need to know about the sportsbook

2. DraftKings: Bet $5 and get $200 in bonus bets

DraftKings go head-to-head with the competition by offering the same welcome bonus as one of their main rivals, FanDuel. Create an account at DraftKings, one of the biggest names in US sportsbook gambling, and you’ll instantly qualify for $200 in bet bonuses when you deposit and wager just $5. That’s simply stunning.

The main attraction of DraftKing’s offer is that you can wager $5 on any market and receive the $200 bonus instantly, meaning there’s no waiting around. Use the credits to wager on your favorite teams, players, and markets, including totals in the NFL and NBA spreads. 

• DraftKings review
• DraftKings vs PrizePicks review: Which betting app is best for sports gamblers?

3. BetMGM: First scorer bet insurance

BetMGM offers VIP treatment to both new and existing customers, and after creating an account, you’ll enjoy a long list of generous promotions. Simply click the promos page and collect the deal that catches your eye. There’s something for everyone, including NFL lovers and NBA enthusiasts.

One of the recurring deals that impressed me was the cashback offer on first-scorer bets in the NFL. If you back a player to register the first touchdown in a game and he fails but scores the second, you’ll get your stake back. The bet insurance allows you to take a chance, knowing your pick must score either first or second.

• BetMGM sportsbook review
• BetNow review: Is this sportsbook worth betting with?

4. Caesars: Double your winnings

A new betting promotion has landed at Caesars Sportsbook in time for the big events in football, soccer, boxing, and other popular sports. You are just a few clicks away from bagging your share and boosting your chances of landing a profit.

Join Caesars Sportsbook as a new customer today, and you’ll automatically qualify for the welcome bonus. Bet between $1 and $25 on sports, and you’ll bank double your winnings. What’s more, the boost applies to your first ten bets, giving you a golden opportunity to start the year with a bang. Choose your picks wisely, add the boosts, and target a profit.

On top of the double your winnings offer, Caesars Sportsbook provides a list of intriguing specials. Create an account in minutes using your laptop or smartphone, and you’ll have access to free bets and offers for both new and existing customers.

Read our Caesars sportsbook review

5. BetRivers: $100 second chance bonus bet

Fancy joining Bet Rivers and gambling on an impressive list of sports, competitions, players, and markets? The world-famous bookmaker has just sweetened the deal with their new customer offer. Join today and get up to $100 as a second-chance bonus bet.

What’s required? Simply create an account at Bet Rivers, make your first deposit, and wager on any sportsbook market at any odds. If your pick loses, the marketing team will refund your stake as a free bet up to the value of $100. You’ll have the tokens in your account quickly, meaning you can bet in plenty of time for the next match that catches your eye.

After using the welcome bonus, you are free to browse the Bet Rivers promotions catalog, where you’ll find some hard-hitting offers. There’s a fascinating loyalty program and a chance to win up to $10,000 in bonus credits thanks to PropPacks.

Check out this BetRivers sportsbook review

6. Hard Rock Bet: $100 first bet insurance

Ready to join Hard Rock Bet? The welcome bonus for new players helps to sweeten the deal with customers enjoying $100 first bet insurance. Simply open an account, deposit between $10 and $100, and then wager on a sportsbook market to qualify.

If your first bet wins, you keep the profits as usual. But if your first bet loses, Hard Rock Bet will refund your stakes as bet credits, meaning you can line up another shot at no extra cost. The bet insurance allows you to take a chance on a pick with high odds, knowing you can’t lose. It’s a great deal that’s popular with bettors.

• Hard Rock Bet review
• Hard Rock Bet’s best promotions and bonuses

7. BetUs: 125% bonus

There is plenty going on at BetUS this month, and you can join the party today. A bookmaker renowned for offering advantageous bonuses, price boosts, and promotions, they reserve their best offer for new customers, attracting a stream of new players to the website and app. Ready to join one of the biggest names in US sportsbook betting?

Open an account at BetUS, and you’ll get a 125% bonus on your first three deposits. That’s certainly a warm welcome this winter and ensures your stake works as hard as possible on your behalf. A higher stake means more cash in your balance when you spot a winner. You’ll find a complete list of the terms and conditions 

After using the new customer promo, BetUS offers a 200% crypto bonus, a casino bonus, and more. The best way to get an up-to-date check on what’s available today is to visit the BetUS platform and click on the promotions tab at the top of the screen.

• BetUS review: How to claim your free bonus bet
• How to claim the best BetUS bonuses, promotions, and free bets on your smartphone

8. BetNow: 200% welcome bonus

If you’ve been waiting for the perfect time to join BetNow, you’ve found it. The popular sportsbook’s latest welcome bonus promotion has caused quite a stir in the betting industry, leading to a flood of new customers for this legal and licensed bookmaker.

Join BetNow today, make your first deposit using a card, and you’ll automatically qualify for a 200% welcome bonus. It’s a deposit-matched free bet, meaning you can wager between $10 and $200, and the marketing team will match you with a bonus bet. Deposit $200 and bet on a qualifying sportsbook market to get the most from this deal.

We love the BetNow new customer promo as it puts you in control of how much you spend and the size of your free bet. There’s also an opportunity to collect more free bets when you refer a friend to BetNow, a re-up bonus of 25% on sports bets, a 10% rebate on your casino losses, and plenty more.

Check out our BetNow review: An in-depth look at features, promotions, & customer service.

9. TwinSpires: $200 sign-up bonus

If you adore betting on horse racing from across the United States and overseas, you’ll find plenty of fun at TwinSpires. The online bookmaker focuses on racing, offering in-depth coverage, unique betting markets, specials, and more. It’s a must-have for any follower of the biggest races, including the Kentucky Derby, Melbourne Cup, and the Grand National.

New players get a $200 sign-up bonus when creating an account, depositing funds, and wagering on racing. You must opt-in to this offer and can do so through the homepage. The TwinSpires deal is another deposit-matched bet, so you’ll get a free bet equal in value to your first wager. You can even use the free bet tokens to land a winner and get off to the best possible start.

TwinSpires doesn’t have as many offers as some of the competition. They prefer to offer great odds and unique markets on horse racing. As a registered customer, you will get 15% odds boosts at Fair Grounds and a 15% Trifecta boost.

TwinSpires review: Is this the best way to bet on horses?

Finding more sportsbook promotions

Most online sportsbooks, including those covered in this article, reserve their best deals for new customers. You’ll see from the bonuses featured above that firms push the boat out to impress new players and encourage new registrations. But they won’t simply forget about you and move on to the next newbie after you’ve used the welcome bonus.

Visit any of the betting apps in this article, and you’ll see a long list of recurring deals available to both new and existing players. The offers include free bets, cashback for losing bets, profit boosts on winning parlays, enhanced odds on popular favorites, extra places each way on horse racing and golf, and other interesting options. 

The marketing teams and traders work together to create recurring promos, updating their offers regularly to ensure they are relevant to the sports schedule, better than the competition, and appealing enough to drive repeat business. It’s worth checking the promos page before each bet to see if there’s an easier way to win.

Be sure to check the terms and conditions

Regardless of the welcome bonus you choose from this article, you must read the terms and conditions attached before accepting. All betting offers have T&Cs, which you can view on your bookmaker’s website or smartphone app. Many gamblers ignore the small print in their haste to collect the bonus and use the free bet to gamble on their favorite sports. Please don’t make that mistake, as it could prove costly.

The T&Cs exist to protect both the bookmaker and the bettor from fraudulent activity while ensuring the free bets go to genuine customers interested in sports betting rather than those out to harvest freebies and move on to the next app. Taking the time to read the small print will boost your understanding of how the deal works and what’s expected of you as a customer. The more you know about the offer, the greater your chance of using it to bank a profit from gambling on sports. Here are a few points typical from the T&Cs.

• Welcome bonuses are for new players only.
• Deals are one per customer.
• Age and location restrictions apply.
• Qualifying bets on a sportsbook market are required.
• Winnings are paid in cash or free bets.
• No cash-out or partial cash-out on qualifying bets.
• Debit cards are the best way to get a bonus.
• Min and max stakes apply.
• Customers must be verified before withdrawing funds.
• Void bets don’t count when qualifying for free bets.

Find the best picks and plays with Whop

Now that you know the best online sports betting bonuses available to gamblers in the US, how to claim your share, and all the important terms and conditions, you’re ready to start playing. You can join one bookmaker and grab one welcome bonus or register at several firms and claim several bonuses. Having multiple accounts also boosts your chances of getting the best odds available each time you bet.

If you’re looking for helpful advice on your next bet, including expert sports picks and tips on the NFL, horse racing, NBA, and more, Whop is ready to deliver. Whop is home to thousands of sports betting Discord servers, Telegram channels, and whops.

These communities are led by experienced cappers who share everything from their bankroll management strategies to which picks to tail. Browse the marketplace, select your favorites, and join today.