Reading Promo Terms
5 min read · Free
Why Terms Matter More Than the Headline
A "$200 bonus bet" sounds simple. But terms can quietly reduce its real value: a 48-hour expiry limits your market selection, a min odds of −200 rules out certain qualifying bets, a single-game requirement forces you into markets with fewer hedge options.
Reading terms takes 90 seconds. Misreading them can cost you the entire bonus — which is typically a week's worth of promo profit.
The Seven Things to Check
1. Offer type
Is this a bonus bet (stake not returned), site credit (stake returned if bet wins), or a deposit match? Each converts differently. Bonus bets convert at 60–70%. Site credit converts at 80–95%.
2. Minimum qualifying odds
The odds floor for your qualifying bet (and sometimes the bonus bet itself). A requirement of "−200 or greater" means −200 is the worst allowed; −110 spreads always satisfy this. Heavy moneyline favorites (−300, −400) do not.
3. Eligible markets
Some promos restrict to a specific sport, league, or bet type. "NFL game lines only" means no MLB, no props. Violating this disqualifies the qualifying bet or the bonus.
4. Expiry window
How long you have after the qualifying bet settles to use the bonus bet. 7 days is standard. 24–48 hours is aggressive — plan your hedge in advance, not the day the bonus expires.
5. Maximum bet or bonus amount
The cap on the bonus. "Up to $200" means if your qualifying bet is $500, you still only get $200. Factor in this cap when calculating expected profit.
6. Straight bets only
Bonus bets (and often qualifying bets) must be placed on single-game straight bets — no parlays, no same-game parlays. Most matched bets use straight bets anyway, so this rarely limits you.
7. One per household / new customers only
Standard restriction. If a family member has used the same offer at the same book with the same address, you may be blocked. Use legitimate separate accounts only.
Red Flags: Terms That Change the Math
Watch for These
Wagering / playthrough requirements— "wager the bonus amount 3× before withdrawal." Casino-style. Rare on sports promos, but when they appear they typically make the offer negative EV. Walk away.
Same-game parlay only — bonus restricted to same-game parlays, which are harder to hedge cleanly and have wider house edges. Evaluate carefully; may still be worth it but requires more work.
Settlement required before expiry— if your qualifying bet doesn't settle before the bonus offer expires, the bonus may not release. Avoid placing a qualifying bet on a game that finishes after the promotion window closes.
A Worked Terms Check
Suppose you see: "Bet $10 on any NFL game line at odds of −200 or greater. Receive $100 in bonus bets. Bonus bets expire 7 days after issue. Bonus bets must be used on straight bets at odds of −200 or greater."
This offer is clean. A $10 qualifying bet with a hedge costs ~$1. The $100 bonus bet at qualifying odds converts at roughly 60–70% → $60–$70 net profit. A straightforward play.
Where to Find the Full Terms
The headline banner usually shows the best-case summary. Full terms are typically linked below the offer in small text ("T&Cs apply" or "See full terms"). Read the full version — that's the binding version.
If a term is ambiguous, check the sportsbook's general house rules or contact their support before placing money. It's better to spend five minutes asking than lose a $100 bonus over an interpretable clause.