How to Compare Welcome Bonuses at New Betting Sites

In the competitive landscape of online betting, welcome bonuses are a key tool for new sites to attract customers.¹ However, not all bonuses are created equal. A seemingly generous offer might be less valuable than a smaller one once you delve into the details. To make an informed decision and get the most out of your bonus, it’s essential to look beyond the headline number and understand the key terms and conditions.

Here’s how to compare welcome new betting sites at new betting sites effectively.

1. Understand the Different Types of Bonuses

First, recognize the different forms a welcome bonus can take. This will help you identify what you’re actually getting.

• Matched Deposit Bonus: This is one of the most common offers. The site matches a percentage of your first deposit up to a certain amount.² For example, “100% match up to $200” means if you deposit $100, the site gives you an additional $100 in bonus funds.
• Free Bets: With this type of offer, you receive a free bet or a series of free bets after placing an initial qualifying wager.⁴ For example, “Bet $10, Get $30 in Free Bets” means once your first $10 bet is settled, you’ll receive $30 in bonus bets.
• Risk-Free Bets: This bonus gives you insurance on your first wager.⁵ If your first bet loses, the site refunds your stake as a free bet or site credit, up to a certain amount.⁶ If your bet wins, you get the winnings as usual and the promotion ends.
• No-Deposit Bonus: This is the rarest but most sought-after type. You receive a small bonus simply for signing up, without needing to make a deposit.⁷ These often have strict terms and a low maximum win limit.

2. Focus on the Wagering Requirements

The wagering requirement (or “rollover”) is the most critical factor to compare.⁸ It dictates how many times you must bet the bonus funds (and sometimes your deposit as well) before you can withdraw any winnings.⁹

• Low is Best: A bonus with a lower wagering requirement is almost always better.¹⁰ For example, a “1x” rollover on a free bet means you only need to bet the bonus amount once.¹¹ A “10x” rollover on a deposit bonus means you have to bet your deposit and bonus total ten times before the funds become withdrawable.¹² A bonus with no wagering requirement is the most valuable, as any winnings from it are instantly withdrawable.
• Deposit vs. Bonus: Pay close attention to whether the rollover applies to just the bonus amount or the bonus plus your initial deposit.¹³ The latter can dramatically increase the amount you need to wager.

3. Check the Minimum Odds and Eligible Markets

Most bonuses come with restrictions on the types of bets you can place to meet the wagering requirements.

• Minimum Odds: You’ll typically be required to place your qualifying bets at or above a certain minimum odds, such as 1.50 or 2.00.¹⁵ Bets on heavy favorites may not count.
• Eligible Sports/Markets: Some bonuses are restricted to specific sports or markets, so be sure that you can use the bonus on the types of bets you’d normally make.

4. Consider the Time Limit

Bonuses don’t last forever.¹⁷ Every welcome offer will have a time limit, which is the window you have to meet all the requirements.

• Be Realistic: A bonus with a 7-day time limit might be difficult to clear for casual bettors. Look for sites that offer 30 days or more, giving you plenty of time to use the bonus without feeling pressured. If you don’t meet the requirements in time, the bonus and any associated winnings are often forfeited.¹⁹

5. Look for Other Hidden Terms

Always read the full terms and conditions for any bonus you are considering. Key things to look out for include:

• Excluded Payment Methods: Some sites won’t award a welcome bonus if your first deposit is made using certain e-wallets like Skrill or Neteller.
• Maximum Winnings: A bonus might have a cap on the total amount you can win from it.
• Bet Size Restrictions: There may be a limit on the maximum stake you can place while using bonus funds.

By carefully evaluating these five factors, you can effectively compare welcome bonuses at new betting sites and choose an offer that provides real value and fits your betting style, rather than one that just looks good on the surface.