Betting Guides

Betting Sites With Welcome Bonus

A guide to betting sites with welcome bonuses, including free bets and new sportsbook and bookie offers

By James McMath

11 Oct 2022

Welcome bonuses are offered by bookies of all varieties, yet finding the right one can be a challenge.


The sheer amount of competition out there has resulted in bookmakers everywhere conjuring up ways to get new punters to flock to them, To help make things easier, here’s a guide with all the welcome bonus tips you need to know.


Midnite Welcome Offer

Midnite's Welcome offer is £20 in Free Bets when you bet £10.*


*18+ New UK Customers. Must bet £10 in total on 4+ legs, min odds 3/1 (4.0). £20 credited as 2x £10 Free Bets, valid for 7 days, stakes not returned. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org


Get £20 in Free Bets


What Is A Welcome Bonus?

A welcome bonus is a betting site’s way of introducing you to its services. To help attract new customers, bookies and casino sites will offer enticing welcome bonuses to get you underway with little or no deposit.


Welcome bonuses can take many different shapes and sizes, depending on the bookmaker. They can include enhanced odds, free bets and bonus winnings.


It can be difficult to pick a betting welcome bonus that suits you, so make sure you shop around until you find one that fits your needs and experience level.


Welcome Bonus Validity

New bettors should remember that welcome bonuses aren’t valid forever, and there is a time window that you should meet before it’s lost.


The validity period varies depending on the bookie, but 30 days is a common timeframe. It may sound simple, but it’s imperative you use your welcome bonus before it expires.


Why Do Betting Sites Offer Welcome Bonuses?

Online bookmaking is a competitive business, and it feels like a new one arrives on the block every day. With so many options facing the modern punter, bookies have to get creative.


Bookmakers also know the importance of word-of-mouth marketing. The more appealing the welcome bonus, the more likely a punter is going to tell their friends about it.


What Types Of Welcome Bonuses Are There?

The best signup bonus bookies will offer, really depends on the sportsbook and the customer - different offers will appeal to different players.


As we mentioned before, welcome bonuses can massively differ in terms of type and value. There is no one-size-fits-all answer to welcome bonuses, but there are some which are very similar.


'Risk-Free' Bets

One of the most popular forms of welcome bonuses comes in the form of 'risk-free' bets.


Risk-free bets are largely self-explanatory, as they allow the punter to make a bet without them having to worry about losing any of their own money should the bet not be a success. Punters will also be able to keep all of the winnings if the bet comes in.


Keep in mind that free-risk bets almost always have certain wagering requirements, as well as other terms and conditions, to help keep them viable for bookmakers.


Free Bets

We’ve covered free bets in the past, so you should know that they are often given out by bookies to help new customers do business with them.


Free bets allow the punter to make a bet where they will not be responsible for any losses that may incur. The stake money, however, is not returned for a winning bet.


Much like risk-free bets, free bets are always subject to certain requirements, so be sure to read these before you try and utliise it.


Enhanced Odds

Enhanced odds are slightly more rare than free bets, but they can still be found with some research.


Enhanced odds allow the punter to potentially make more money from a successful bet. To help keep them financially solvent, however, the odds will often be quite low, and only be on certain events.


What To Look For In A Welcome Bonus

A good welcome bonus will ease you into the online betting process and help you build confidence on any future bets.


They also have to appeal to even the most casual bettor, and make them feel like they’re getting the best deal possible. Some bookies also offer no-deposit free bets, meaning you can try the site or app without having to part with any money.


Some of the major online bookmakers will offer things like ‘bet £10, get £40 in free bets’ as their welcome bonus, whilst others will offer enhanced, or even double, odds on certain sporting events.


Value-For-Money Bookie Bonuses

A welcome bonus is only as good as the business it generates. A poor-value bonus won’t do much to sway new customers, so make sure that your chosen bookmaker actually offers bonuses that are worth your time.


Punters want value for money above anything else, regardless if they’re new or experienced. If you’re undecided about which welcome bonus to go for, pick the one with the best value.


Check The Fine Print

If you read our guide on free bets, you’ll know all about the importance of checking the fine print to make sure that your welcome bonus is worth it, or that you can even use it on the event you’re thinking of betting on.


If, for example, you want to bet on a more obscure sport, then you may find that your welcome bonus is not valid in that instance and you won’t be able to use it there.


You should also make sure that your chosen bookmaker is reliable and trustworthy. It’s vital that you’re certain a bookie is legitimate before you exchange any payment information with them.


How To Use Your Welcome Bonus

Using your welcome bonus shouldn’t be a complicated process. Before you do anything, though, you should make sure that you complete the steps below:


  • Create a profile with your bookmaker of choice
  • Use a verified payment device
  • Select your welcome bonus

From there, you can start using your welcome bonus after you’ve found the relevant event to use it on.


Like any other bet, your welcome bonus should be used after you’re certain you’re making a good bet and that you’ve conducted the necessary amount of research needed. To make the most out of your welcome bonus, use it on events you’re confident you can predict the outcome of.


Bookie Welcome Bonuses Summary

Welcome bonuses are used by bookmakers to help attract new customers. Often, a generous welcome bonus will spread via word-of-mouth, generating even more business for the bookmaker.


Welcome bonuses can encompass free bets, risk-free bets, and enhanced odds, depending on the bookmaker.


Before you utlise your welcome bonus, make sure that the event you wish to bet in is valid, as well as making sure you use the bet before it expires.


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