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Sports Betting Bonuses: Frequently Asked Questions

Aaron Gray

by Aaron Gray

Updated Oct 4, 2019 · 1:41 PM PDT

sports betting bonus FAQs

Activating a sports betting bonus in the process of signing up for an online sportsbook can occasionally be confusing. While the sportsbooks will heavily advertise what kind of bonus you’re signing up for, the details of how to withdraw, claim, and bet with that same bonus are often murky.

We’re here to help! We’ve compiled these frequently asked questions regarding all things related to sports betting bonuses so that you’ll have all the information you need to start betting with confidence.

How Can I Claim My Sports Betting Bonus?

Usually, your bonus (deposit, free bet, or other) will automatically be credited to your account, subject to its requirements.

However, some sportsbooks require that you enter a specific bonus code when you first create your account or during the deposit process. This is common for sign-up bonuses, but it also applies to a wide range of bonuses.

The information regarding whether or not you need to enter a promotional code can be found in your sportsbooks terms and conditions. As such, make sure you find out what your sports betting site requires, so you take the right steps and don’t miss out on your bonus!

Can I Use My Bonuses If I’m Betting on My Mobile Phone?

Yes, sportsbooks don’t have a preference on how bets are placed, whether on a mobile phone or computer. Any money deposited will be accessible on any platform you choose to use. In fact, many sportsbooks are beginning to offer exclusive mobile bonuses just for placing bets on their mobile platforms!

Online sportsbooks everywhere are offering clean, functional interfaces for their mobile platforms. many are offering dedicated applications for both Android and iPhone as well.

Mobile UI and UX are becoming increasingly relevant and vital for sportsbooks, and they are optimizing their mobile betting platforms as a consequence of an explosion in mobile popularity.

Functionally, these mobile platforms are the same as using your sportsbook on your desktop, and this extends to bonuses.

What Do I Have to Do to Withdraw My Bonus?

Bonuses are eligible for removal after you meet all the conditions they are subject to, most often rollover and odds limitations (known as turnover requirements).

Usually, bonus withdrawals are subject to the same conditions and terms as regular withdrawals, with different stipulations depending on which method you select to receive your funds. It’s important to note that you’ll have to verify your identity before you withdraw your bonus winnings.

Wait, What If I Accidently Withdraw My Bonus Before I’ve Fulfilled Its Conditions?

If you try to withdraw your bonus before you have completed your rollover requirements, you might be greeted with some form of an error message. In most cases, the site will inform you of the dollar amount you still have to bet to withdraw your bonus. Others will simply tell you that you haven’t complied with the rollover conditions as of yet.

Should you want to withdraw your funds before you meet your bonus requirements, this is obviously entirely okay! In most cases, you will merely have to contact the customer service department and inform them that you would like to withdraw your funds, minus your bonus and any related bonus winnings, and they’ll happily comply with your request.

Also, you are usually eligible to withdraw any amount in your balance that happens to be greater in value than what remains in the balance of your rollover requirements.

Do I Need to Use a Bonus Code in Order to Get a Sign-Up Bonus?

Yes, you most likely will need to use a bonus code to collect a sign-up bonus. If your promotional code is not entered when you make your first deposit, you will not obtain your sign-up bonus.

There are some rare exceptions to this rule. Some sports betting sites will automatically enter your bonus code during your first deposit, but for the most part, you will need to input this code manually. Others will input your bonus code automatically during the account sign up process; however, this is very much the exception.

Rest assured, entering the code is an extremely straightforward process! Sportsbooks promote their bonus codes extensively on their websites, and entering the bonus code during deposit is usually identical to applying a promotional code during any online checkout process; it is a highly intuitive process that should go without a hitch.

Are There Any Restrictions on Deposit Bonuses When Joining a Sportsbook?

Yes, of course! There are no restrictions on receiving a current deposit bonus when joining a sportsbook, as long as you meet the minimum deposit requirements. Sportsbooks do not discriminate when handing out deposit bonuses, as their goal is to encourage as many new bettors as possible.

Can I Use an Advertised Sports Betting Sign-Up Bonus If I Already Have an Account at the Same Online Sportsbook?

No, you will unfortunately not be able to use a welcome bonus code in this case. If you already have an account and have previously deposited funds into a sportsbook, you are no longer eligible for a welcome bonus.

It is always possible to create a new account at a separate sportsbook and capitalize on their welcome bonus! In fact, we’d encourage this, as its an essential part of being able to line shop successfully.

Do All Online Sportsbooks Offer Bonuses?

No, not all sportsbooks offer bonuses. Sportsbook bonuses are usually financed by the sportsbook’s marketing and advertising budget, so some sportsbooks may choose to distribute this money to different areas of their operation.

Also, some sportsbooks do not offer bonuses, but instead provide lines with a highly reduced ‘vig’ or ‘juice.’ The money that sportsbooks would have budgeted to entice bettors with bonuses instead attracts them by offering tighter lines and better odds than their competitors.

However, it is important to remember that the vast majority of sports betting sites offer a bonus of some type; it is rare that a sportsbook will provide no bonus at all.

What Sections of a Sportsbook Can I Use My Bonus on?

Even if your online sportsbook is equipped as an online casino, your bonus will likely only be applicable when you’re actually betting on sports.

If your sports betting site has a casino or other online games, they’ll usually have bonuses specific to these sections that are subject to an entirely different set of terms and conditions.

Make sure you check these requirements carefully, because your bonus may be subject to revocation if you place bets within restricted areas of your sportsbook.

Additionally, some sites will restrict your bets to certain leagues; these limits are likely to isolate your bets to major professional leagues (i.e., NBA, NFL, MLB, NHL, EPL).

While rare, some sportsbooks also restrict you to make bets on single events, such as a bet on the moneyline, or against the spread. This means that you can not use your bonus funds in teasers or parlay bets. Again, this is to mitigate the risk and exposure of the sportsbook.

I Have Not Received My Sign-Up Offer Even Though I Have Made a Deposit. What Gives?

Mistakes happen, so do not hesitate to contact the customer service department of your sports betting site! They will be more than happy to guide you through the process of redeeming your bonus or correcting any mistakes.

You might even be offered a more significantly sized bonus than that which was presented initially by your sportsbook, as they’ll likely try to extend a friendly gesture to make amends for their error!

Customer service is better than ever at sportsbooks, and there are many channels you can go through to voice your concerns, ask questions, or clarify specific stipulations of the terms and conditions.

Email and telephone representatives are usually available and responsive with minimal wait times, and many sportsbooks now additionally offer live chats on their site or through social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter.

Are There Odds Restrictions on Sports Betting Bonuses?

Yes, bonuses are typically subject to odds restrictions that will vary from sportsbook to sportsbook. Usually, you can only place bets with odds equal or higher to 1/2 (-200, 1.5, depending on how your sports betting site lists odds.)

These odds restrictions can also apply in the case of betting on multiple events, such as teaser and parlays. Usually, Sportsbooks are more lenient when it comes to multiples, but they often require at least one bet in a series must have odds of ½ (-200, 1.5).

Some sportsbooks will restrict the odds you can bet on stringently and offer relatively low rollover requirements (3x, 4x) to compensate for the limitations placed on available odds. Other sports betting sites will let you bet without any odds restrictions at all, and consequently, will set very high rollover requirements (10x, 15x, 20x) on their bonuses.

Are There Time Restrictions on Your Bonus?

Some sportsbook bonuses are subject to time restrictions. This means that you must settle your bets and transfer funds into your sportsbook wallet before the bonus expiration date, or you will lose your bonus funds.

A typical example of this is that you have to fulfill and complete all necessary requirements and conditions placed your bonus and then withdraw it within a 90 day period.

For example, if you received a $100 bonus on a $100 deposit and it was subject to 5x rollover, you would have to place $1,000 worth of bets within a 90 period, and then also complete your withdrawal in the same 90 day period.

The time limit on your bonus usually starts when to receive your bonus, not when you place your first bet with your bonus funds.

Again, this will vary from sportsbook to sportsbook, so make sure you clarify this by reading the terms and conditions or contacting your sportsbook’s customer service department.

In some cases, sports betting sites will not let you withdraw your bonus funds 30 days after you receive them, regardless if you have met all the necessary terms and conditions. However, you will be free to withdraw your bonus funds after this period is over.

Why Was My Bonus Revoked?

If a sportsbook harbors suspicions you are abusing your bonus or engaging in fraudulent behavior of any kind, they reserve the right to cancel your bonus. If a sportsbook suspects you of engaging in arbitrage betting, for example, they’ll shut down your account.

As always, misunderstandings happen and if you believe your bonus has been improperly infringed on, do not hesitate to contact your sportsbook’s customer service department. Understandably, sportsbooks air on the side of caution when it comes to bonus related misconduct and fund misappropriation.

As mentioned previously, bonuses can be eligible for revocation if used for bets on restricted odds, if you do not meet the time requirements placed upon your bonus wager, or if you do not fulfill all the essential terms and conditions of your bonus.

The reason why sportsbooks employ bonuses is as marketing tools. Bonuses are a sports betting site’s primary means of advertising, for all intents and purposes. They are in no way intended to be used to assist professional bettors, although it is of course entirely possible to use them to your advantage with some strategies.

Bonuses are revoked very, very rarely. If you are a legitimate bettor not engaging in fraudulent behavior, then it is doubtful you will run into any issues at all with your bonus.

Now, Pick the Bonus That’s Right for You!

Every sportsbook is a little different, and each of them often has its own set of terms, conditions, and rules for their bonuses. We explain sportsbook bonuses and promotions that can be used as a general guide to how they are constructed.

Remember, it’s always a good idea to scrutinize the terms and conditions of your sportsbook bonus. If you just want to get started with a bonus, we simplify things even further with a list of our top sports betting bonuses.

Anything else you want to know about sports betting bonuses that we haven’t covered? Email us and we’ll make sure to cover it in an upcoming article.

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