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What is Cash Bonus? Cash Bonus Explained in 2 minutes

David Genge

Editor

Publish Date: March 31, 2021

Fact checked by: Jesse M Cox

A cash bonus is an amount offered by online bookmakers as an incentive to try and get people to sign up to their services. The term cash bonus is something of a misnomer, because this isn’t an amount of cash which the bettor can walk away with. Instead, it is an amount, usually paid on top of the original deposit, which can then be used to place bets with the bookmaker. It might also be referred to as a Free Bet or a Bonus Bet.

Plenty of online bookmakers offer cash bonuses to incentivize bettors to use their sites. For a full list of the best promotions head over to our Betting Offers Page.

How is a Cash Bonus used in Sports Betting?

In almost all cases a cash bonus will come with several conditions attached. These will relate to the period during which it can be used, the types of wager which can be placed and sometimes the sports which can be bet on. In most cases the bettor will have to bet any profits made a set number of times before being allowed to make a withdrawal. The amount involved and the stringent rules applied mean that a cash bonus shouldn’t really be the decisive factor of which bookmaker a person chooses to bet with. Other factors such as the odds offered, the speed of pay out and the range of sports and bets covered are all far more important.

That said, a cash bonus is still a free gift, and some bettors, known as bonus hunters, like to try and use their bonus to generate a profit. The system in question involves placing a bet using the bonus, and then placing the opposite bet with another bookmaker. No matter what the result, one side of the wager is going to win, and given that the original bet came free of charge, there’s a chance that a profit could be made. The time and trouble involved in finding just the right bet, when weighed against the relatively modest amount of most cash bonuses, means that bonus hunting like this is a minority activity and most bettors treat the cash bonus as simply the chance to have a little free fun and perhaps experiment with bets they wouldn’t normally risk.

Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 or greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply.GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.

BetMGM Promo

Up To $1500 in Bonus Bets Paid Back if your First Bet Does Not Win

T&Cs apply

4.5/5

Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER (Available in the US) Call 877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY) Call 1-800-327-5050 (MA) 21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. Call 1-800-NEXT-STEP (AZ), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR). Rewards are non-withdrawable bonus bets that expire in 7 days. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. See BetMGM.com for Terms. US promotional offers not available in DC, Mississippi, New York, Nevada, Ontario, or Puerto Rico.

FanDuel Promo

Bet & Get up to $1,000 in Bonus Bets!

T&Cs apply

4.4/5

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG-help.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT). Hope is here. Visit www.helpmygamblingproblem.org (MA). Play it Safe. Call 1-800-547-6133 or visit mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-855-860-2942 or visit gamblinghelplineonline.org (WV). 21+ (18+ DC, KY, MD and restricted states for KS). An affiliation with Kansas Star Casino. First online real money wager only. $5 free deposit credited. Bonus credited upon wager of $5 or more within 72 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com.

Caesars Promo

Up to $250 Bonus Bet

T&Cs apply

4.3/5

21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)

DraftKings Promo

New Customers: Bet $5+ and get $300 in Bonus Bets if it wins!

T&Cs apply

4.2/5

GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-522-4700, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $300 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Bet must settle by and Token expires 2/22/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 2/15/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.

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What is Cash Bonus? Cash Bonus Explained in 2 minutes

How is a Cash Bonus used in Sports Betting?

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