What is Bonus? Bonus Explained in 2 minutes
Jesse M. Cox Last Verified
19/04/2026
A bonus is something all sportsbooks offer in order to entice new customers to bet with them.
Bonuses work in favour of both the punter and the bookmaker as the punter gets the chance to essentially get ‘free money’ depending on what the bonus is, which is largely by way of a free bet.
There are a number of bonuses that bookmakers will offer such as cash bonuses and a free bet bonus, but it is important to note that bookies are not in the habit of just giving you cash. There will usually be wagering stipulations required before cashing out on a bonus is allowed, which then works in the sportsbook’s favour.
Often, bookmakers may add a bonus to a bet you have made, which is sometimes known as a price boost.
How is Bonus used in Sports Betting?
Getting a bonus prior to signing up to a sportsbook is the first thing you should do, as well as finding the right type of bonus that suits your needs.
For example, if you primarily want to bet on football, then selecting a bookmaker with a free bet bonus on a particular game would be a smart thing to do.
You would simply need to follow the bonus requirements when signing up in order to qualify for the bonus bet.
For example, if a sportsbook offered a free bet on the Manchester derby at odds of 2.0 or more, then as long as you placed a bet at evens or higher and it came in, then you would be able to cash out your bet as cold hard cash.
Did you know...
Ladbrokes is one of the oldest British bookmakers in the world and started taking bets at horse racing events in 1886, offering bonuses to tempt racegoers into placing a bet.
