Bookmaker bonuses are awards offered by online gaming websites to their players. The most common are sign-up or first deposit welcome gifts. Repeat patrons are usually invited to participate in positive promotions. A sports betting bonus may be available to all or limited to specific users. Offers are extended to lure new players and engage existing ones in increasing activity and potential earnings.
Types of Bookmaker Promotions
Temporary are all bookmaker promotions, though welcome bonuses could be considered to be permanent promotions. They are always available, though sometimes the terms change. The most common types of incentives are:
- Free bet (freibet) – an online bet with no charge;
- Cash bonus – deposits into a virtual account;
- Refund on lost bets – full or partial refund of the stake amount;
- Loyalty rewards – cashback, favorable bonus wagering conditions;
- Increased odds – the bookmaker offers enhanced odds for individual or accumulator bets on specific sporting events.
Players are free to decline bonus offers if they do not find them attractive.
Registration and First Deposit Bonuses
First deposit bonuses are the standard everywhere now. Normally, the player receives a percentage (100% or more) of the amount deposited, with a limit as a rule. The bonus is credited to a reserve account and cannot be withdrawn immediately – it must be wagered at least once.
Bookmakers typically have stricter wagering terms, occasionally with other restrictions:
- Betting type;
- Time limits;
- Minimum odds;
- Maximum withdrawable winnings.
There are bookmakers that offer small amounts with less condition, and bookmakers that give larger bonuses with more stringent conditions to fulfill before gaining real profit. The same bonus is normally offered on the subsequent deposits too.
Free Bets (Freibets)
Free bets are also provided by bookmakers as part of promotion. They can be used in any qualifying bet or sometimes with no limitations. If the betting is successful, the player receives the winnings excluding the freibet. Such bonuses are also usually linked to the first deposit.
No Deposit Bonuses
The majority of bookmaker websites run promotions involving no deposit to participate in. These include risk-free wagers, free bets during important tournaments, or higher odds for some events.
The majority of licensed bookmakers place these promotions as part of an overall loyalty program. Players' superior status is rewarded with better cashback rates and more generous wagering terms. Moving into the higher loyalty tier normally entails further gambling to accumulate points. These are exchangeable for money or rewards in the reward store – often at a privileged rate for VIP players.
Promo Codes
Bookmaker promotions typically contain promo codes – a letter or series of letters and digits. They need to be typed into a promotional code input field. Promo codes may be required:
- At registration in a site/app;
- At money depositing;
- At placing a bet;
- To take part in a specific promotion.
Some occasions require the input of the code into a promotion section of a user account. A promo code can be a standalone bonus or a supplement to any other bonus.
Bookmaker Promotions Terms and Conditions
Each bonus bookmaker is individual. Some employ this promotional means actively for the attraction of new players and retention of old ones. They offer unambiguous conditions and are ready to accept extra charges when the players win. Others render it nearly impossible to benefit from their promotional offers. Always, in any case, it is necessary to read all terms of any offer unambiguously. Keep in mind that activation of a bonus generally means restrictions on withdrawal.
How to Get Bonuses
As a first step, the player must register with a bookmaker. A passport is, at least, needed to verify oneself. The bonus offers usually appear in the personal account of the user. There are offers for the general public marked on a special site section. Welcome bonus promo codes are distributed via affiliate websites, social media groups, and messaging apps, where clients might also find current promotions.
On registration, users sometimes ask for permission to receive emails or SMS – an easy way to be informed about important changes.
FAQ
Can you win money on a no-deposit welcome bonus?
Even if the bonus is released just for registration, winnings can usually be withdrawn only after wagering real money.
Do I have to accept a bookmaker's bonus offer?
Whether to receive a bonus or not depends on the individual player.
How can I obtain a bookmaker with the optimal bonus program?
Browse bookmaker reviews. They typically contain up-to-date statistics and exclusive partner bonuses.