Almost any bookmaker will offer you a variety of welcome bonuses when you create a new account. The idea behinds this, is to reward new players for choosing the specific betting company, but also to motivate them to immediately make a deposit and start betting. The most common welcome offer you will find is the Sign Up Bonus, a percentage of your first deposit (varying usually from 50% to 100%) depending on the bookie. You might also receive a Welcome Bonus, a certain amount of money to bet with (this is most common on online casinos) or a Free Bet, that can be spent on one bet. A Matched Bet is another type of offer, at which the bookie returns all the money from your first bet if you happen to lose.

Check the following table to get all the useful information about the bookies’ best bonuses. By choosing each bookmaker’s logo you can get access to the full review. By moving the cursor over the “i” icon you can receive instant information about the bonus rollover requirements and minimum betting odds. Finally, by clicking the “i” icon you can view the bonus offer full description.

Bookmakers Welcome Bonuses

Every sportsbook sign up bonus is immediately activated as soon as you make your first deposit to your chosen bookie. This type of sportsbook bonus is available in (almost) all bookies, and is considered a fundamental factor by all players in order to register on a specific bookmaker. Keep in mind however, that although there is a variety of percentages being offered, there is always a limit on the bonus amount you can receive. For example, many betting websites clarify that they offer a 50% bonus on your first deposit, that can’t surpass 200€.

Welcome bonuses

Instead of offering you a percentage on your first deposit, some bookmakers might give you a certain amount of money to boost your account as a one-off Welcome Bonus. Although this promotion policy was popular in the last decade, some betting companies still retain it and in most cases it requires far less restrictions than the deposit bonus. For example, you don’t have to rollover the bonus that many times before you can withdraw your money.

Free Bets

This is another type of sign up bonus and possibly the most user friendly. You get a certain amount of money (varying from 5€ to 30€ depending on your deposit) that can be used in order to place a bet. Usually this free bet bonus can only be placed on certain types of bets (for example, some bookies exclude 2-way markets like Asian handicaps or over/under), but in most cases, if you win you can withdraw the winning amount immediately.

Matched Bets

Matched bets are the most recent types of bonuses on bookmakers’ promotion policies. Their rules are pretty straightforward, as you place a wager from your own money up to a specific limit (usually not exceeding 30€) and if you happen to lose, the bookmaker will offer a refund that matches your initial bet. As a result, you can only claim your bonus in case you lose, but the important thing is that it offers you and safety net, that allows you to punt on riskier choices.

Key points on selecting a Sign Up Bonus 

1. Rollover: Perhaps the most crucial factor on a Sign up bonus. The rollover impacts on how many times you have to wager the bonus and your initial deposit before you can withdraw the full amount. The rollover multiplier varies from one bookmaker to the other and depends on the bonus amount. Generally a 3x rollover restriction is applied, but some bookies might require a 5x rollover before you can make a withdrawal. In any case, you should remember that sometimes it is better to get a smaller bonus with a lower rollover, as it will allow you to withdraw your money sooner.

2. Minimum odds: When you receive a free bet, make sure you fulfill all the criteria before placing your wager, as some bookmakers might have a minimum odds restriction. Fox example, most bookmakers do not consider bets on 1.10 odds as valid for the offer. These odds might vary, as some betting companies might require even odds (1/1 or 2.00), while others will only accept much higher odds.

3. Deposit options: It is extremely important to thoroughly read the bonus terms and conditions before making a deposit. Some bookmakers will only offer the bonus on specific deposit options, usually by credit card or bank transfer. This might exclude e-wallets (Neteller, Skrill etc.) or vouchers (e.g. Paysafecard), so be careful before you chose your payment method as you might not qualify for the bonus.

4. Markets & Betting types: As mentioned before, the bonus can only be used in specific types of betting markets, depending on each bookmaker’s policy. Usually, you are allowed to place a bet on any available market before the start of a match, but not on live events or specific markets such as Asian handicap. These restrictions are clearly stated on the terms and conditions of the bonus.

5. Promo codes: Some bookmakers might not activate the sign up bonus when you make your first deposit. In order to claim it, you have to fill in a promo code, that will be sent to you by e-mail, on the “offers” field on the bookmaker’s website. Bookies require you to follow these steps, so as to prevent scammers from claiming any bonuses.

6. E-mail activation: Make sure to fill in a correct and active email on your bookie account. Most bookmakers will usually send you an email with an activation link that you must follow before you can claim the bonus. These email activation offers are common for other types of bonuses, such us Loyalty Bonus or Reload Bonus.