Getting the most from online sports betting promotions

Looking to get more value out of your online sports betting experience? Why not try claiming a bonus? Promotions are a huge incentive in the sports betting world, rewarding new and loyal players alike, boosting their bankrolls and elevating their entertainment experience. Not only can they help make your sports betting more exciting and more profitable at the same time, they can take your game to the next level too – if you know how to use them effectively, that is. Let’s take a look at some of the most common sports betting promotions and bonuses out there, and find out how to get the most value for your money.

1. Types of sports betting promotions

Most online sportsbooks will offer a variety of bonuses, tailored to both new and existing players. Take a look at your sportsbook’s website, browse the bonus offers available, and find the one that suits you best: 

• Welcome bonuses: Most often offered as a deposit match bonus or a ‘bet and get’ offer, welcome bonuses are designed to incentivise new online sports bettors to sign up and play. As such, they’re typically attractive bonuses, with the potential for a significant boost to your bankroll. Make sure you read the terms and conditions carefully to find out more about any first deposit or bet that you might need to make, as well as any further requirements you may need to meet in order to claim your bonus successfully.
• Free bets: These are exactly what they sound like – bets that are completely free, and give you the chance to place a bet without risking any of your own money. Any winnings you accrue will most often be returned to you as withdrawable cash, but the free bet stake itself won’t usually be included in the winnings – so bear this in mind when it comes time to cash out.
• Risk-free bets: Again, the clue’s in the name. Claim a risk-free bet, and if you lose, your sportsbook will refund your stake, usually in the form of credit. If you win however, you’ll keep the full payout. What’s not to love? These types of bets are ideal if you’re starting to place riskier bets for the first time, as they’ll help you become comfortable with higher stakes play, without any big hits to your bankroll.
• Reload bonuses: If you’ve ever played at an online casino, you’ll already know what these are. Designed as ongoing incentives for regular sports bettors, reload bonuses are offered to those who regularly make deposits and place bets – a token of the sportsbook’s appreciation for its users’ loyalty.
• Odds boosts: This is a common type of promotion where the sportsbook will boost the odds for a specific event, allowing you to win more on popular bets. Look out for these and use them to your advantage when you can. Your bankroll will thank you! 

2. Key online bonus terms

Just as online casino bonuses come with their own terms and conditions, online sportsbook promotions have certain requirements that bettors need to follow in order to claim their bonuses successfully. These include: 

• Wagering requirements: All online sports betting promotions come with terms and conditions attached, and some, like deposit bonuses, may come with wagering requirements as well. These can range widely, so make sure you read through them before claiming your bonus, and choose carefully based on your betting style.
• Minimum odds: Some free bets or deposit bonuses require you to place bets at specific minimum odds (e.g., 1.5 or higher). This means your bonus can’t be used on very low-risk bets, so keep this in mind and make sure you’re familiar with all your bonus terms and conditions before claiming it.
• Expiry dates: A point worth remembering! Many online sports betting promotions are time-sensitive, meaning that you’ll only have a certain amount of time to use your bonus before it expires. Make sure you’re aware of any time limits set on your bonus, so that you can get the most value from it before time runs out. 

3. How to make the most of online sports betting promotions

So, now that you know a little more about the bonuses and promotions available in the world of sports betting, how can you use them to your advantage and make the experience as rewarding as possible? Here are our top tips:

• Read the fine print: We know it’s not as exciting as claiming bonuses or making bets, but reading the terms and conditions is a crucial first step when taking part in any promotion. Before you stake any kind of claim to a bonus offer, make sure you read the terms and conditions thoroughly for all the information you need on wagering requirements, odds, time limits and other guidelines. The more details you’re aware of beforehand, the more you’ll be able to avoid any potential problems down the line.
• Use free bets and risk-free bets on higher odds: Want to experiment with higher odds? If you’re more used to betting on lower odds, but want to expand your betting pool, free bets and risk-free bets are an ideal springboard for this. Since you’re playing with the sportsbook’s money and not your own, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain, both in terms of experience and potentially bigger payouts as well.
• Make a plan for expiry dates: If you know that a particular promotion has a certain timeframe attached to it, don’t make things difficult for yourself by trying out new bets or sports. Rather stick to what you know and take the pressure off – you’ll be able to make the most of your free bets, and you’ll meet the bonus terms in time with as little stress as possible. 

The rewards of online sports betting

As you can see, sports betting promotions are an ideal way to try out new betting strategies while boosting your bankroll at the same time. They’re fun, they’re exciting, and they’re hugely rewarding too. Just remember to always keep the terms and conditions in mind, and to think strategically – you’ll get more value out of your bonus, and out of your sports betting experience as a whole.