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How Do First Bet Offers Work?
Sportsbooks in the United States of America offer bonuses and promotions to new and existing customers.
Dimers uses only the most trusted sportsbooks across the US to ensure you enjoy safe, secure online betting.
You'll find the likes of Bet365, FanDuel Sportsbook, DraftKings Sportsbook, BetMGM and other books available in your state on our site, all of whom have special offers and promotions available as you join. When you reach this point be sure to use the exclusive promo codes available to you through Dimers.
Many of the promotions you'll see do involve first bet insurances, so let's get into what they mean right now.
What is a first bet offer?
First bet offers are often given to a bettor once they've registered with a particular book. The dollar amount can vary, though there are some sportsbooks offering $5,000 first bet insurance upon sign up.
If your first bet loses, you'll be refunded the same amount in the form of bonuses.
If your first up bet wins, the payout is all yours. That's it, no need to think any further. Although if it doesn't, well that's where things get a little more complex. Care to learn why? Please read on, we're getting to it, promise!
Positive Example
You place a $1,000 first time bet on the LA Lakers moneyline (+100) vs. the Nuggets. If the Lakers win, you receive a payout as normal – and have $2,000 sitting in your account.
But, if the Lakers lose, you receive $1,000 in bonus bets. Just remember that no stress bets aren’t always completely risk free. So make sure that you check out our responsible gambling page to see how you can bet safely on sport while using deals like these.
Do I get my stake back on bonus bets?
Not usually.
Almost every sportsbook bonuses and promotions you come across won't give back your stake on a bonus bet – they keep that, and probably rightly so, it was their money after all.
Of course if you win your first up bet you'll take home your winnings (profit), just not the stake they gave you to win it in the first place.
With a bonus bet, the goalposts shift and you usually only receive the winnings – no stake returned.
Example: You decide to place a $200 bonus bet on the Cowboys (+200) to cover the spread (+3) at Kansas City.
If the Cowboys lost 28-26, you would win the bet and receive a payout of $400. This of course, doesn't include the initial stake, that $200 bonus bet.
To clarify, if this were a standard bet – rather than bonus – you would have received a total payout of $600 in this case ($400 profit + your $200 stake).
Do I have to use my bonus bet all at once?
This depends on the sportsbook. The sports betting in my state is quite different from others I've come across. This is why we recommend you read the terms and conditions regarding each sportsbook.
If your first-time bet fails, some sportsbooks will give you bonus bets or site credit, which often enables you to wager the bonus however you like. How do no stress bets work in this context? With no stress bets, you’re typically refunded your stake if the bet loses, mostly in the form of site credit or a bonus bet, which you can then use on future wagers.
Ideally, you can break this up into smaller chunks to decrease risk and increase flexibility. Others will offer you a bonus bet strictly usable for just one wager. Not the most ideal situation, so keep this in mind when conducting your betting research.
Can my bonus bet be withdrawn in cash?
Sadly, bonus bets cannot be converted into cash. It is simply for use with the sportsbook app or website.
You can withdraw winnings from a bonus bet, although some books make you turn over those winnings a number of times first.
MORE: Welcome to Dimers
Conclusion
If you can strike it hot with your initial first-time bet you'll be smiling.
Sometimes you can end up with small change in your pocket from a bonus bet – if your initial play falls short. Though, there are scenarios.
No matter your thoughts on bonus bet betting, we're simply here to lend a hand and ensure you know all the ins and outs before you join a sportsbook.
And if you're looking to test your bonus bet out with the best odds in the United States, we've got you!
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DraftKings Promo
T&Cs apply
GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL 1-800-GAMBLER, (800) 327-5050 or visit gamblinghelplinema.org (MA). Call 877-8-HOPENY/text HOPENY (467369) (NY). Please Gamble Responsibly. 888-789-7777/visit ccpg.org (CT), or visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). 21+ and present in most states. (18+ DC/KY/NH/WY). Void in ONT/OR/NH. Eligibility restrictions apply. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino & Resort (KS). Pass-thru of per wager tax may apply in IL. 1 per new customer. Must register new account to receive reward Token. Must select Token BEFORE placing min. $5 bet to receive $200 in Bonus Bets if your bet wins. Min. -500 odds req. Token and Bonus Bets are single-use and non-withdrawable. Token expires 1/11/26. Bonus Bets expire in 7 days (168 hours). Stake removed from payout. Terms: sportsbook.draftkings.com/promos. Ends 1/4/26 at 11:59 PM ET. Sponsored by DK.
Bet365 Promo
T&Cs apply
Whatever the moment. It's Never Ordinary at bet365. That's why if you sign up now you will receive $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose when you bet $5! Minimum $10 deposit required. Minimum odds -500 of greater. Bonus Bets wager excluded from returns. New customers only. T&CS, time limits and exclusions apply. GAMBLING PROBLEM? CALL OR TEXT 1-800-GAMBLER (AZ/CO/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA) or 1-800-BETS OFF (IA). 21+ (18+ KY). Must be present in AZ/CO/IA/IL/IN/KS/KY/LA (select parishes)/MD/NC/NJ/OH/PA/TN/VA.
The promotion is available for all new players on Hard Rock Bet. An initial deposit is required, and the players first cash bet must be at least $5 to qualify. Additionally, the qualifying wager must win to receive the $150 in Bonus Bets. To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, IL, IN, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. | T&C apply | Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER
Caesars Promo
T&Cs apply
21+ New users only. Must register using eligible promo code. First bet after registration must qualify. Max. Bonus Bet: $1,000. Bonus Bet expires 14 days after receipt. Void where prohibited. See Caesars.com/promos for full terms. Gambling Problem? 1-800-GAMBLER (1-800-426-2537)
FanDuel Sportsbook Promo
T&Cs apply
Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit RG Help . Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit Helpline and Chat - CONNECTICUT COUNCIL (CT). Hope is here. Home or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit Home (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in select states (for KS, in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino). First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. See terms at FanDuel Sportsbook
