The best sportsbook promos are designed to get your attention. A four-figure headline will do that. So will $250 in bonus bets, 10 profit boosts or the promise of a second chance if your first wager loses. But the biggest number is not automatically the best deal. In this guide, we'll examine what each offer is worth, what the fine print means and which bettors it fits.
But the banner is only the beginning. The value depends on how much of your own money you must risk, whether the qualifying wager needs to win, how the rewards are divided and how quickly they expire. A $1,000 maximum is not terribly useful if reaching it requires bets you never intended to make.
We compared the welcome offers from the leading legal U.S. sports betting apps with
those details in mind. BetMGM ranks first for its $1,000 offer, while Caesars is the most approachable choice for bettors who would rather unlock profit boosts with a $1 wager. Fanatics has the highest ceiling of guaranteed credit for users comfortable returning for 10 days.
Sportsbook bonuses change quickly and sometimes differ by state. Confirm the offer displayed during registration before depositing or betting. If the app shows different terms than this page, the terms in the app control.
6 best sportsbook promos for October 2026
Best sportsbook promos explained
These are the current sign-up offers from the best online sportsbooks for U.S. players today.
1. BetMGM bonus code
BetMGM's offer is built for bettors who plan to be active for more than one afternoon. New customers using bonus code SBWIREBG1K can get refunded for a losing wager up to $100 per day for 10 consecutive days, creating a maximum advertised value of $1,000.
If the selected wager wins, the customer keeps the cash profit. If it loses, BetMGM returns the eligible amount as bonus bets, subject to the promotion's daily cap and other terms. That daily structure is the appeal: You do not need to risk $1,000 on one opening swing to pursue the full value.
Reaching the headline maximum requires participating on all 10 days and risking enough to qualify for the full daily amount. Bonus bets also expire, and their stakes are not returned with winnings.
BetMGM customers in some jurisdictions may see a different welcome offer, including a smaller guaranteed reward tied to a qualifying wager. Confirm the promotion displayed for your location and account before depositing.
- Why it ranks first: The offer scales for different bankrolls and spreads the decision-making across 10 days. It is best for someone who already expected to bet frequently, not somebody inventing action to chase the maximum.
- Ongoing value: BetMGM regularly features odds boosts, parlay protection, Bet & Get promotions, early-payout offers, BetMGM Rewards and connections to MGM Rewards and Marriott Bonvoy. Availability varies.
2. Fanatics Sportsbook promo
Fanatics offers the largest maximum in this ranking, but collecting all of it takes some work. The promotion matches one wager that you select per day in FanCash, up to $100 daily for 10 days and $1,000 total.
Customers must opt in and satisfy the -200 minimum-odds requirements. A winning qualifying bet produces the normal cash return as well as the matching FanCash. The reward expires seven days after it is issued.
FanCash is more flexible than a standard bonus bet because it can apply it toward another wager or merchandise in the Fanatics ecosystem. Still, it is not cash sitting in a checking account, and redemption rules apply.
- Why it ranks second: No other offer here combines a $1,000 ceiling with 10 separate opportunities and a reward that can extend beyond the sportsbook. The tradeoff is the time and real-money exposure required to reach the maximum.
- Ongoing value: FanCash, Fair Play injury protection, Lightning Bets, odds boosts and the wider Fanatics merchandise ecosystem make this a distinctive long-term option for sports fans.
3. bet365 bonus offer
The current broadly available bet365 welcome offer gives eligible new customers $200 in bonus bets after a qualifying $10 wager, win or lose. The promotion is normally activated through the designated sign-up link, and the qualifying wager must meet the displayed minimum-odds requirement.
The win-or-lose structure is refreshingly easy to understand. Place the qualifying bet, let it settle and receive the reward. Bonus bets generally expire seven days after issuance, are nonwithdrawable and do not return their stake as part of a winning payout.
Some jurisdictions may display a different amount, including larger offers. Treat the registration page as the final word and take a screenshot of the accepted promotion before betting.
- Why it ranks third: A $10 qualifying wager unlocks a substantial guaranteed reward without requiring a victory. It is a strong fit for someone who wants a simple offer and a sportsbook known for live betting.
- Ongoing value: bet365 is especially strong in live markets and also offers early payouts, accumulator boosts, Sub On Play On, profit boosts and sport-specific Bet & Get promotions.
4. FanDuel promo code
FanDuel's current welcome offer rewards consistency. New customers can place a qualifying wager of at least $5 on each of five consecutive days and receive $50 in bonus bets per day, for a maximum of $250.
That means the full offer requires at least $25 in total qualifying wagers, not one $5 bet.
Customers must opt in and complete each day's requirement during the stated window. The daily bonus bets expire, so this is not the time to sign up and forget the app exists.
- Why it ranks fourth: The daily reward is predictable and the required stake is modest, but earning the full amount requires five days of participation. Someone who only wants one opening wager may prefer bet365 or DraftKings.
- Ongoing value: FanDuel remains one of the cleanest mobile products, with same-game parlays, My Spend controls, Bet Protect+, odds boosts, free-to-play contests and referral offers.
5. DraftKings promo
DraftKings' welcome offer recently changed. Eligible new customers can now deposit at least $10, make at least a $5 wager and receive $150 in bonus bets.
The reward is issued in six $25 tokens across a 14-day schedule, rather than deposited as one lump sum. Each token is single-use, nonwithdrawable and generally expires seven days after it is issued. No manual promo code is required when the offer is activated by tapping BET NOW below next to the offer.
- Why it ranks fifth: The $5 qualifying wager is accessible and DraftKings has one of the deepest betting menus. The staggered delivery, smaller total and expiration windows require more attention than the offers above it.
- Ongoing value: DraftKings offers same-game and cross-game parlays, Early Exit on eligible injury-affected props, Missions, odds boosts, pools and a connected rewards program.
6. Caesars Sportsbook promo code
Caesars takes a different approach. New customers who register with code SBWIREDYW and place a qualifying first wager of at least $1 receive 10 tokens that boost a wager's profit by 100%. Each boost may be used on an eligible wager (odds better than -10000) of up to $25 and must be used within 14 days.
A 100% profit boost doubles the profit, not the entire payout. If a $20 wager normally produces $10 in profit, the boost raises the profit to $20. It does not magically turn the ticket into a new car.
The offer is accessible and does not require the opening wager to win or lose in a particular way to unlock the tokens. Its value, however, depends on winning the boosted bets. Ten unused or losing boosts are worth exactly what you would expect: nothing.
- Why it ranks sixth: The $1 qualifying threshold is low, the reward is divided across 10 bets and the customer does not need to risk hundreds of dollars to participate. An appealing offer but not as valuable as bonus bets.
- Ongoing value: Caesars offers profit boosts, odds boosts, Bet Resets, referral promotions and Caesars Rewards. That loyalty connection is most useful for customers who also visit Caesars hotels, casinos or entertainment properties.
How we ranked the best sportsbook promos
We did not simply sort the promos by the largest advertised number. That would be easy. It also would not be especially useful.
Our ranking considers the amount of personal cash required, the maximum reward, the chance that a customer will actually receive it, minimum-odds rules, reward expiration, whether the stake is returned with winnings and the quality of the sportsbook after the welcome offer ends.
- Accessibility: How much must a new customer deposit and wager to qualify?
- Certainty: Is the reward guaranteed after a qualifying bet, dependent on a win or triggered only by a loss?
- Flexibility: Can rewards be divided, or must each token be used in one wager?
- Time: How long does the bettor have to qualify and use the reward?
- Long-term value: Is the app worth keeping once the confetti from the sign-up offer disappears?
No promotion risk. Bonus bets are nonwithdrawable, and the bonus stake is not included in a winning payout. You keep the profit, not the promotional stake.
How to claim the best sportsbook promos
- Confirm legality and eligibility: Make sure the operator is licensed where you are physically located and that you meet the jurisdiction's age requirement. Most legal U.S. markets require customers to be 21, although certain jurisdictions permit wagering at 18. An operator may impose a higher minimum age.
- Open the correct offer: Use the designated link or enter the exact promo code during registration. Similar-looking offers can carry different rewards and terms.
- Verify the account: Provide accurate identifying information. The sportsbook may request a government-issued ID, proof of address or other documentation if automatic verification fails.
- Read and save the terms: Check the qualifying wager, minimum odds, daily window, expiration and excluded markets. Save a screenshot of the accepted offer. Future you will appreciate the receipt.
- Deposit and opt in: Use an eligible payment method and activate the promotion before betting when required. Some deposit methods may not qualify.
- Place the qualifying wager: Review the odds, stake and token selection before submitting. A wager that is cashed out, voided or made with other promotional funds may not qualify.
- Track the reward: Confirm when it arrives and when it expires. Contact customer support promptly if the qualifying wager settled but the advertised reward did not appear.
Sportsbook promo terms explained
- Bonus bet: Promotional credit used to place an eligible wager. It cannot usually be withdrawn, and its value is excluded from a winning return. A $25 bonus bet at +200 generally produces $50 in withdrawable profit, not $75.
- Qualifying wager: A real-money bet that satisfies the promotion’s rules. Minimum stakes, eligible odds, approved markets and settlement requirements can apply.
- Minimum odds: The shortest eligible price. If a promotion requires -500 or longer, -500 and +100 qualify, while -600 does not.
- Expiration: The deadline to use a reward. Seven days is common, and unused credit can disappear automatically.
- Opt in: Many promotions require the customer to activate the offer or attach a token before placing the wager. Doing it afterward usually does not count.
- Promotional stake: The value of the bonus bet itself. It generally is not included in the return when a bonus bet wins.
Types of sportsbook bonuses
Sportsbook promotions come in several forms, and the largest advertised number does not always represent the most attainable value. Knowing the structure is the quickest way to compare two offers that look similar on a banner but behave very differently in an account.
- Bet-and-get offers: Place an eligible real-money wager and receive bonus bets after it settles. Some offers pay whether the wager wins or loses. Others require a win. Check the result condition before assuming the reward is guaranteed.
- Bet protection or Bet Reset offers: Apply protection to an eligible wager and receive bonus bets, tokens or site credit if it loses. The reimbursement is promotional credit, not a cash refund, and it normally has an expiration date.
- Profit boosts: Attach a token to increase the profit on a winning wager. A 100% boost doubles the profit portion, not the total payout, and stake or added-profit caps can limit the headline percentage.
- Deposit matches: Receive promotional funds based on a percentage of an eligible deposit. These can carry play-through requirements, release schedules or maximums that make the full advertised amount harder to collect than the headline suggests.
- No-deposit bonuses: Receive a small promotional reward without funding the account first. They are less common at regulated U.S. sportsbooks and still carry eligibility, wagering and expiration rules.
- Loyalty and referral rewards: Earn points, site credit or bonus bets through ongoing play or an eligible friend's sign-up. Referral rewards are separate from welcome offers and typically require the new customer to deposit and wager.
- Recurring promotions: Existing customers may see daily odds boosts, parlay insurance, early-win tokens, Bet & Get offers and event specials. These are often personalized by account or state, so your promotions tab may not match somebody else's.
Choosing the right sportsbook bonus
Start with the amount you already planned to wager. If the honest answer is $10, a $1,000 maximum should not talk you into risking $1,000. That is not maximizing value. That is letting the billboard set your bankroll.
Next, compare certainty. A guaranteed $150 or $200 reward after a small qualifying wager may be more valuable to a new bettor than loss protection that matters only after a much larger stake fails.
Finally, consider the product behind the promotion. FanDuel is especially approachable, DraftKings offers exceptional market depth, bet365 excels live, BetMGM and Caesars connect to major loyalty programs, and Fanatics turns betting rewards into merchandise value. The welcome offer lasts days. The account may last years.
Why do sportsbooks offer promo codes?
Sportsbooks use welcome offers to attract new customers in an industry where several legal operators may be competing for the same bettor.
The promotion provides a reason to download the app and try its betting markets, payments and account tools. The operator is betting – figuratively, for once – that some customers will remain after the introductory reward expires.
That is why the terms matter. A welcome offer is a marketing expense for the sportsbook, not an act of charity. Evaluate it based on the value you can realistically collect without changing how much you intended to wager.
Betting promos for different sports
NFL and college football promos
Football produces the industry's most aggressive fall promotions. Expect profit boosts, parlay insurance, touchdown specials, free-to-play pick contests and injury-protection offers. Confirm whether a token applies to straight bets, same-game parlays or only selected markets.
MLB promos
Baseball promotions commonly include home-run specials, early-win tokens, profit boosts and protection when a selected player exits early. Rules can distinguish between starting pitchers, listed players and official plate appearances, so read beyond the headline.
NBA and NHL promos
Basketball and hockey generate daily boosts, first-score or first-goal contests, same-game parlay insurance and recurring Bet & Get offers. These promotions often appear only in the app and can vary by customer.
Soccer promos
Major soccer tournaments bring early-payout offers, accumulator boosts, Sub On Play On protection and specials tied to goals and corners.
UFC and other major events
Large fight cards, golf majors and championship events often produce temporary odds boosts and sport-specific insurance. Event promos can be attractive, but a short promotional window is not a reason to force a wager.
Responsible betting with sportsbook promos
A promotion does not make a wager safe, and bonus bets are not free money. They are marketing tools attached to real-money activity.
Set deposit, wager and time limits before chasing an offer. Do not increase a stake merely to reach an advertised maximum, and do not chase a loss because a bonus is available. If the promotion changes the amount you intended to risk, the promotion is probably using you more effectively than you are using it.
Help is available 24/7 through 1-800-GAMBLER and state-specific responsible-gambling resources. Sportsbooks also provide cooling-off periods, deposit limits and self-exclusion tools.
Sportsbook promo FAQs
What is the best sportsbook promo right now?
BetMGM's offer ranks first for frequent bettors because it can protect up to $100 per day for 10 days. Caesars may be the better fit for someone who wants a low qualifying wager, while bet365 and DraftKings require less time to unlock their headline rewards.
Are sportsbook promos worth it?
They can be, provided the offer fits wagers you already intended to make and you understand the terms. A promotion is not valuable if earning it requires more risk than you planned to take.
Do I need a promo code to claim a sportsbook promo?
Sometimes. The BetMGM, Caesars and Fanatics offers highlighted here use codes or designated links. FanDuel, bet365 and DraftKings offers are generally activated through the correct sign-up link. Confirm the promotion is attached before depositing.
Can I claim more than one welcome offer?
You can generally claim one new-customer offer from each operator if you are eligible, but only one welcome offer per sportsbook. Creating duplicate accounts can lead to forfeited promotions or account restrictions.
Can bonus bets be withdrawn?
Usually not. The bonus stake is promotional credit. Eligible profit from a winning bonus bet is generally withdrawable after the wager settles, subject to the operator's rules.
Why does my state show a different offer?
Sportsbook promotions vary because of state regulations and operator strategy. Always rely on the offer displayed for your account and location at registration.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Best sportsbook promos and bonuses for October 2026
Advertiser disclosure: USA TODAY may earn a commission when you sign up through links on this page. Commissions never influence our editorial coverage or rankings. Offers and odds were accurate at publication and are subject to change; terms apply — see the operator’s site. This is general information, not betting, legal or financial advice. To the fullest extent permitted by law, USA TODAY is not liable for losses arising from your use of it.
Must be 21+ (18+ where permitted). Sports betting and casino gaming are not legal everywhere; complying with the laws where you are located is your responsibility. Gamble only with funds you can afford to lose. Gambling problem? Help is available 24/7 — call or text 1-800-GAMBLER, or call the National Problem Gambling Helpline at 1-800-MY-RESET. State helplines and responsible gaming resources.
