What is the best sportsbook sign-up bonus right now?
Leading offers as of mid-2026 include BetMGM's up-to-$1,500 first-bet refund, bet365's Bet $5 Get $300 (win or lose), and FanDuel's first-bet refund up to $200. Offers change — sometimes week to week. See the current rankings on the best sportsbook welcome bonuses ranked for new US bettors page for the latest numbers.
How do wagering requirements work?
The rollover multiplier is applied to your bonus amount — sometimes to the deposit plus bonus combined. You must wager that total before any winnings become withdrawable. Confirm which calculation method applies before you deposit. A good breakdown of the mechanics is also at Sportsbook Bonuses Explained on BetOnIt.
Which sportsbooks have no rollover on their welcome bonuses?
Most regulated US sportsbooks' first-bet refund offers carry no wagering requirements on the returned bonus bets. That's a big deal. Check out which sportsbook bonuses have no rollover requirement for a ranked list.
How long do bonus bets last before they expire?
At major licensed books, bonus bets typically expire 7 days after being issued. Some offers give you 14 days. Don't sit on them. A short clock pressures you into bad wagers just to avoid losing the credit.
Can I withdraw my bonus immediately after signing up?
No. Bonus funds are non-withdrawable. Even when a bonus bet wins, only the net winnings are paid out in cash — the stake itself is gone. That's true across every licensed US operator.
What's the difference between a free bet and a deposit match?
A free bet (or bonus bet) is a fixed credit; if it wins, you pocket the profit but not the stake. A deposit match gives you bonus funds proportional to your deposit — also subject to rollover. The highest-value bonus bet offers ranked page walks through which type pays out more in practice.
Do I have to pay taxes on sportsbook bonus bets?
Yes. Cash bonuses count as income. Per the IRS, net earnings over $600 trigger a Form 1099-MISC from the operator. Winnings are taxed at ordinary federal income tax rates. Bettors who take the standard deduction cannot deduct gambling losses at all, meaning you pay on gross winnings with no offset. Starting tax year 2026, only 90% of gambling losses can be deducted up to the amount of winnings even for those who itemize.
What promo code do I use for BetMGM?
Codes COVERS and CBSSPORTS have been referenced for BetMGM welcome offers. Always verify the active code on the operator's site before signing up — codes can expire or change. Full details in the BetMGM $1,500 first-bet offer explained review.
Do offshore sportsbooks offer better sportsbook bonuses than US-regulated ones?
Headline numbers look bigger — BetUS advertises 125% up to $2,625 — but the 14x–18x rollover makes clearing those bonuses brutal. Regulated US books offer first-bet refunds with zero rollover. The offshore number is mostly marketing. Stick to licensed operators; offshore books hold no US state gaming licenses and offer no legal consumer protections.
Which states have legal online sports betting in 2026?
38 states have legalized sports betting in some form. Online and mobile wagering is live in more than 30 states, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Missouri legalized via ballot measure in May 2025 with an operator launch planned for December 1, 2025. California remains illegal. Check best sportsbook bonuses available in your state right now for state-specific offer availability.
What happens if I don't meet the rollover in time?
Uncleared bonus funds and associated winnings are forfeited. The clock commonly runs 30 days. Set a reminder the day you claim an offer.
How do I verify a sportsbook is licensed in my state?
Go to your state's gaming control board website and look for the official licensed-operator list. If the book isn't on it, they're not authorized to take your bets. Compare offers from verified licensed operators in the FanDuel vs DraftKings sign-up bonus comparison or the BetMGM vs Caesars head-to-head.
Must be 21+ (18+ in select states including New Hampshire, Montana, and Wyoming). Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.