These days, almost every online betting site has a promotion or a discount of some kind. These can include free bets, risk-free bets, match deposit bonuses and so on. The problem is, not all bonuses are the same. And, they all come with terms and conditions, which can also impact the efficacy and lucrative nature of the bonus, too. Because of this, many players don’t consider sportsbook promos to be that great or even worth their time. But is this the correct attitude to have?

Getting to grips with terms and conditions

Without a doubt, the most complex part of any sportsbook promotion is the terms and conditions. Just like online casinos, there are various aspects to consider. While these in and of themselves, are not really an issue, the problem arises when the player doesn’t check them, or understand what they mean. A full understanding of the conditions is essential for any player looking to use a bonus effectively.

Here are some of the key conditions:

1. Wagering requirements: this is the main condition associated with a betting bonus. It refers to the number of times players have to play through the bonus and their winnings before a withdrawal can take place. Unlike online casinos though, these requirements tend to be a lot less and subsequently, more achievable. Some bonuses won’t have wagering requirements at all, while others may be as much as 2x. 

2. Expiration date: across the board, bonuses have expiration dates. This can be as little as 24 hours or as much as 30 days. This simply means that players need to use the bet or bonus within the given time frame and, depending on the conditions, meet all the terms and conditions of the bonus as well. Failing to do so will mean losing the bonus and any winnings that have been accrued. 

3. Minimum and maximum bet sizes: very important for sports betting bonuses, there are always bet limits in place. This refers to the size of the bet that can be placed with the promotion. Failing to meet this means not activating the bonus properly, often voiding it so that players cannot claim any winnings at all. 

4. Withdrawal conditions: most of these types of bonuses, after the bet has taken place, will not actually allow you to keep the bonus money. All winnings will be what the player gets on top of the original credit, which then gets returned to the sportsbooks. Players need to understand this when calculating how much they are going to win.

Checking all these conditions helps players get off on the right foot when it comes to selecting the promotion they want to take on.

Types of sports bonuses

There are many types of bonuses, and the right one can be really lucrative. For instance, a match deposit bonus simply boosts the player’s bankroll. It means that more bets can be placed, giving a player a better chance of a win. Multiple bets can be placed and spread out over different sports and events.

Free bets are a great option for those looking to start out. These are completely free and without risk. Players won’t use any of their own money. Instead, the sportsbook simply gifts a specific bet amount. Only the winnings can be kept by the player though — the initial free bet credit is returned to the sports betting site.

In contrast, a risk-free bet does mean using the player’s own money. If the bet wins, the player keeps all the winnings. Should the bet lose, then players are essentially given a matching bet to have another go.

In short, for players who know what they are doing with the bonus, these are a great way to test out different bets, while potentially reaping the rewards.