Welcome Bonus for Betting
Welcome bonuses tend to be the most generous in a bookmaker’s arsenal as they are desperate to attract new customers. As online sports betting is so competitive, the best sportsbooks compete to offer the best bonuses. This means there is value to be had if you shop wisely. In this article, we’ll take a look at the different types of welcome bonus on offer and some of the things to look out for when determining which ones are worth signing up for.
Updated on:
- October 31, 2025
Offer of the month
welcome bonus
Up to
150€
Deposit Bonus
The Most Interesting Betting Bonuses Right Now
Bonus sport
300€
- Welcome Bonus for 2 Deposits up to €300
- A Free Bet up to €100 on your First Deposit
- Welcome package up to 1500 EUR + 150 FS
Megapari offers a new Welcome Bonus of up to €300, giving 100% on the first deposit up to €200 and 100% on the second deposit up to €100
Bonus sport
150€
- Welcome Bonus 100% up to €150
- Welcome Bonus Crypto 100% up to 200 USDT
- Cashback 10% up to €500
Rabona's welcome offer is available to all newly registered customers who have made their first qualifying deposit.
Bonus sport
100€
- Welcome Bonus 100% up to €100
- Sports Welcome Freebet: €25 on Registration
- Weekend Sports Reload Bonus up to €100
21bets offers a new Sports Bonus: up to €100 Bonus for your bets and a €25 Freebet
Bonus sport
100€
- First Deposit Bonus 100% up to €100
- Weekly Reload Bonus 50% up to €500
- Accumulator Boost Up to 100%
Bassbet offers a new Sports Bonus: up to €100 on the First Deposit, Reload Bonus and Accumulator Boost
The Most Common Types of Welcome Bonus
There are a few welcome bonuses that you will typically see. They are:
While more common in casinos, many sportsbooks also offer deposit match bonuses. This is where your first deposit is matched by the sportsbook, typically between 100-150%, up to a certain amount. For example, ‘100% Up To €100 Welcome Bonus’.
These are also quite common and involve being awarded bonus bets after making a qualifying first deposit. A typical example is bet €10 and get three free bets of €10 each. It’s common for bonus bets to be tied to certain events, such as the Cheltenham Festival or Champions League. Examples include ‘Bet €5, get €200 in Bonus Bets, Win or Lose’ and ‘Get £30 in Free Bets When You Bet £5 on Horse Racing’.
These are quite rare, but you do see them. This is when you get a bonus just for registering, without the need to make a deposit. This is often done to encourage a certain action, for example depositing using a particular payment method. Read more here about the No Deposit Bonuses.
If a sportsbook has an attached casino, sometimes the welcome bonus includes free spins. This is usually in the form of a deposit match offer plus free spins on a particular game.
If you have been referred to a sportsbook by a friend, you will likely get a bonus upon placing your first deposit. Note that Refer-a-Friend bonuses tend to be less lucrative than the other types of welcome bonus on offer.
How To Claim A Sportsbook Welcome Bonus
Claiming a welcome bonus is a similar process across most sportsbooks. At most bookmakers, just follow these simple steps:
- Search our list of recommended bookmakers and find the one with the offer that most appeals.
- Click on our affiliate link to go to the sportsbook’s website.
- Set up an account at the sportsbook by clicking on the ‘Register’, ‘Join’, or ‘Sign Up’ button.
- Enter your personal information and make sure to enter the relevant bonus code if prompted.
- If required, adhere to any KYC checks. This will enable swifter withdrawals of any winnings in future.
- Choose your sports market of interest, click on the odds, and place your bet.
Welcome Bonuses – What You Need To Know
When signing up for a welcome bonus, there are things to consider beyond the headline offer. This is what you should be looking out for:
Conclusion
Welcome Bonuses provide a good introduction to a bookmaker as they allow you to assess what the sportsbook offers and experiment with your choice of sports or markets without risking any of your own funds (beyond your initial deposit). However, even though welcome bonuses involve the bookmaker crediting your account, it is still important to gamble responsibly.
It is worth remembering that not every welcome bonus offers good value. Always check the terms and conditions meticulously before signing up for a bonus. Pay particular attention to the wagering requirements and weigh up whether they work for you.
FAQS
What are the most common sportsbook welcome bonuses?
The most common welcome bonuses offered by sportsbooks are deposit match bonuses. This is where a sportsbook matches your initial deposit up to a particular value. Free bets are also a common way for bookmakers to entice new customers.
Why do sportsbooks offer promotions for new customers?
Welcome bonuses are one of the main methods sportsbooks employ to attract new customers. Once they have a new customer, it means they have their contact details and can market to them.
Which is the best sportsbook welcome bonus?
The best sportsbook welcome bonus is the one that’s right for you, but we have highlighted some bookmakers with good ones above. However, it’s important to check the terms and conditions thoroughly before signing up to a bonus otherwise you may get a nasty surprise.
What should I consider when claiming a welcome bonus?
Apart from the headline offer, there are a few things you must consider when choosing a welcome bonus. Firstly, look at the wagering requirements. Some of these can be quite onerous. Also check whether you can only bet on certain sports or on markets with particular odds. Finally, check minimum deposit amounts and maximum possible wins to see if a bonus offers good value to you.
Do sportsbooks require a bonus code?
This depends on the sportsbook – some do and some don’t. You should be able to find out in the T&Cs, while if a code is required, this should appear somewhere on the registration form. Note that if a bonus does require a code and you forget to apply it, you won’t receive the bonus.