A bonus bet isn’t free money, but it can still be a good deal for someone who was already planning to bet on sports online. The best way to think of bonus bets is as rewards sportsbooks offer in exchange for bettors signing up for accounts, making deposits, and placing cash wagers. Even no-deposit registration bonuses typically require new customers to place X amount of wagers before allowing withdrawals. However, customers almost always have to place wagers or make deposits to claim bonus bets, so it’s inaccurate to call them “free” or “risk-free.”Įditor’s Note: A good rule of thumb is that all bonus bets, bet credits, and similar offers incur risk in one way or another at some point. In other words, bonus bets let bettors place wagers without using their own money. Tips for Maximizing Value with Bonus Betsīonus bets are a form of sportsbook site credit that customers can use to place wagers and win real money.