A bonus bet is a promotional wager given by a sportsbook.

It lets you place a bet without risking your own money, but there are rules. Understanding this one concept correctly prevents most frustration with sportsbook promos.

What Exactly Is a Bonus Bet?

A bonus bet:

• Can be used to place a wager
• Cannot be withdrawn as cash
• Lets you keep the winnings only if the bet wins

Example:

You place a $50 bonus bet.
If it wins → you keep the profit
If it loses → nothing is returned

The $50 itself is not withdrawable.

How Do You Get Bonus Bets?

Bonus bets usually come from:

• Bet & Get offers
• No Sweat Bets / First Bet Insurance
• Occasionally from loyalty promos

They are not automatic — you must meet the promo’s requirements first.

What Is a Qualifying Bet?

To receive bonus bets, your initial wager must be a qualifying bet.

• Uses real money (not bonus funds)
• Meets minimum odds
• Settles normally (no cash-out, no void)

If your bet doesn’t qualify, the bonus won’t trigger.

Minimum Odds (And Why They Matter)

Minimum odds are the lowest odds allowed for your bet to count.

Example:
Minimum odds: -200
You bet -500 → does not qualify

This is the #1 reason people miss out on bonuses.

No Sweat Bets / Bet Insurance (How They Really Work)

A No Sweat Bet (also called bet insurance):

• You place a real-money bet
• If it loses, you get bonus bets back
• If it wins, you keep the winnings like normal

Important detail:

The refund is almost always given as bonus bets — not cash.

That means you still need to place another bet to turn it into withdrawable winnings.

Are No Sweat Bets “Risk-Free”?

Not exactly.

• The refund isn’t cash
• Bonus bet rules still apply
• You don’t get your stake back if the bonus bet loses

Useful — not magic.

Boosted Bets & Profit Boosts (Different From Bonus Bets)

Once you have an account, sportsbooks may offer boosted bets or profit boosts. These are ongoing promos, not signup bonuses.

What Is a Boosted Bet?

• Increases the odds on a specific wager
• Is chosen by the sportsbook
• Has a max bet limit

Example:
Odds boosted from +120 → +150

What Is a Profit Boost?

• Increases potential winnings
• Applies to bets you choose
• Does not protect your stake

If the bet loses, you lose your money.

Are Boosts Worth Using?

• You already planned to place the bet
• You understand the limits
• You don’t overbet because of the boost

They should never be the reason you sign up.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Using bonus bets on voided markets
• Betting below minimum odds
• Cashing out qualifying bets early
• Missing expiration dates (usually 7–10 days)
• Assuming “risk-free” means “no rules”

If something feels unclear, slow down. Promos reward patience.

The Simple Takeaway

• Bonus bets = bet with promo funds, keep winnings only
• No Sweat bets = refund comes as bonus bets
• Boosts = odds perks, not protection