Bookmakers, in order to stay competitive, are offering bonuses to their customers. Those offers can be used from matched bettors for free money or from arbitrage bettors to build their initial bank.
Bookmakers offer a variety of bonuses and below you can find what are the different types of bonuses you can benefit from.
Sign-Up bonus
This is the most common bookmaker offer. You are getting an x amount of money for opening an account and make a deposit. Some of the key things that you should be aware of sign-up bonuses:
- You cannot withdraw that money unless you meet some criteria. For example, you have to bet the bonus amount x times before you can place a withdrawal request (rollover requirements).
- To complete the rollover requirements you have to place your bets on specific odds or markers (odds above 2.00 for example) and in a specific timeframe. Also, many bookies require the deposit to be done from a bank account or card and not an e-wallet. The rollover requirements differ from bookmaker to bookmaker.
- They often targeting customers in specific countries.
The sign-up bonuses are exclusively for new customers. Old customers may be eligible for loyalty or reload bonuses. They generally come up with the same rollover requirements we have seen before.
** Always read carefully the bonus requirements before making a deposit to the bookmaker**
Free bets
Free bet offers are one of the most common bookmaker promotions. There are three types of free bets available.
Stake Not Returned (SNR)
This is the most common format of free bet. The main characteristic is that the stake that you put will not be returned and the bookmaker will only pay out the winnings. Some of the typical terms of SNR bonuses are:
- There is not a wagering requirement and you can withdraw the winnings immediately.
- You will have to deposit and place a bet to get an equal amount of free bet.
- You cannot split the stake to two or more bets.
- Normally, there is a minimum of odds that you have to place your first bet and the SNR bet.
Stake Returned
This is a very rare type of bonus. Generally, you get bonus money in your account for making a deposit. Unlike SNR bets, here you are getting back the amount staked. The difference is that in most cases you will have to complete some rollover requirements to be able to withdraw.
Bet Refunds
Here you will have your stake refunded if you lose your bet. Most commonly they are given as bonuses to existing customers.
Other types of bonuses
Except for the above bonus formats, bookmakers offer a variety of promotional offers to both new and existing customers. Some of the most common are listed below.
- Mobile offers – promotions for placing bets on mobile devices only.
- 0% vig – This offer is mainly available in some special events. The bookmakers are reducing their edge offering better odd to the customers.
- Price Boost – Usually this offer is available to new customers. Bookmakers are offering high odds to a hot favourite in order to lure the punters to open an account.
- Return stake if a specific situation occurs. For example, many bookmakers will return your stake if a specific event ends with a 0-0 score or if a game has a red card, etc. Also known as money back specials or MBS.