Sportsbook bonuses in 2026 are less about flashy promises and more about value you can actually use. After years of aggressive marketing, most major U.S. sportsbooks have settled into a familiar rhythm: modest entry bets, clear terms, and bonuses designed to get you betting quickly without locking up your money.
If you’re new to sports betting – or simply shopping for the best offer – here’s how the top sportsbook bonuses work as per Drone.bet, and which bonus bets are worth claiming today as a new customer.
Sportsbook Bonuses for 2026 (Best Bet Deals)
| Sportsbook | Welcome Bonus |
|---|---|
| DraftKings | Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets (win or lose) |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets (win or lose) |
| bet365 | Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets. Promo Code: USB365 |
| Hard Rock Bet | Wager $5, Get $150 in bonus bets if you win |
| BetRivers Sports | Bet $10, Get bonus bets if you lose, The affiliate code: USBTRV |
| Caesars Sportsbook | Bet $1, Get $150 in bonus bets |
| theScore Bet | Bet $10, Get $100 in bonus bets (win required) |
Some sportsbook bonuses in 2026 are state-specific, meaning the value changes depending on where you place your bets. For example, new markets like Missouri often launch with larger offers, such as higher Bet & Get bonuses or boosted first-bet deals, while established states typically stick to standard promotions like bet $5, get $150.
North Carolina has also seen enhanced welcome bonuses tied to major sports seasons. Always check your state’s version of the offer before signing up, as bonus size, wagering requirements, and eligibility can vary by local regulations.
The Most Common Bonus Type: Bet & Get
The most popular sportsbook bonus in 2026 is the Bet & Get offer. You place a small wager, usually $5 or $10, and receive a larger amount in bonus bets once it settles.
For example, a typical offer might be:
- Bet $5 on any game
- Get $150 in bonus bets, win or lose
This structure is popular at major apps like FanDuel, DraftKings, and bet365. It’s easy to understand and low risk. Even if your first bet loses, you still receive the bonus bets to use on future games.
You bet $5 on an NBA game on a Tuesday night. The bet loses—but you still receive $150 in bonus bets. You then use those bonus bets on player props, weekend NFL games, or futures like Super Bowl odds. Any winnings from those bonus bets are yours to withdraw.
This is one of the safest ways for new bettors to get started.
Win-Based Bonuses: Higher Risk, Same Reward
Some sportsbooks still offer win-based bonuses, where your first bet must win to unlock the bonus. theScore Bet is a good example.
A common version looks like this:
- Bet $10
- Get $100 in bonus bets if your first wager wins
This format rewards confidence but carries more risk. If your first bet loses, the bonus is not triggered. For bettors who already follow sports closely and feel good about a particular matchup, this can still be a solid deal.
Bonus Bets vs. Bonus Cash
In 2026, nearly all sportsbook promotions use bonus bets, not bonus cash. The difference matters.
If you place a $25 bonus bet at +200 odds and it wins, you receive $50 in profit—but not the $25 stake. That’s standard across the industry and something every bettor should understand before using a promotion.
Which Sportsbooks Offer the Best Value in 2026?
Here’s how the top sportsbook bonuses generally compare:
- DraftKings & FanDuel: Best all-around welcome offers, generous Bet & Get bonuses, deep markets, and excellent live betting.
- bet365: Strong odds, simple Bet & Get bonuses, and a polished app that appeals to serious bettors.
- Caesars: Big headline bonuses, especially for major events, with clear bonus bet mechanics.
- BetMGM: Often includes bet insurance or second-chance bets, which reduce early risk.
- theScore Bet: Clean app, straightforward offers, but bonuses usually require a winning first bet.
No single sportsbook is “best” for everyone. Casual bettors often prefer Bet & Get bonuses, while confident bettors may be comfortable with win-based promotions.
What to Watch in the Terms
Before claiming any sportsbook bonus, pay attention to:
- Expiration dates (often 7–14 days)
- Minimum odds requirements
- Whether college betting is restricted in your state
- Whether bonus bets can be split or must be used at once
Most frustrations with sportsbook bonuses come from skipped fine print, not unfair rules.
You usually cannot place bets on drone racing through major U.S. sportsbooks like DraftKings, FanDuel, BetMGM, Caesars, bet365, or theScore Bet because drone racing isn’t widely offered as a regulated betting sport in most states. These apps focus on mainstream professional and collegiate sports, motorsports, combat sports, and major global leagues.
Horse racing, on the other hand, is widely available — but not always through the sportsbook portion of the app. Most of the operators above link you out to dedicated horse-racing betting partners (or integrate a racing vertical) where you can wager on thoroughbred, harness, and sometimes greyhound races. If horse racing markets are available in your state on a given app, they typically include money lines, win/place/show, exactas, trifectas, and other common track bets.
Always check the betting menu for each app in your state to confirm whether horse racing or niche sports like drone racing are offered. Availability can vary by region and regulatory approval.
