Sports betting has surged in popularity, and with it, sportsbooks are rolling out enticing promotions to attract new users and keep existing ones engaged. One of the most common perks offered is the bonus bet—essentially free credits that allow you to wager without dipping into your own cash. But here’s the million-dollar question: do these bonus bets come with an expiration date? The short answer is yes, they usually do, but the details can vary wildly depending on the sportsbook and the promotion. Let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of bonus bets, explore how expiration works, and touch on some practical tips to make the most of them—all while keeping responsible gambling front and center.
What Are Bonus Bets, Anyway?
Before we get into expiration dates, it’s worth clarifying what bonus bets are. Often called free bets or site credits, bonus bets are promotional offers from sportsbooks that give you a chance to place a wager without risking your own money. They might come as part of a welcome package—like “Bet $5, Get $200 in Bonus Bets”—or as rewards for loyal customers, such as a perk for placing a certain number of wagers in a week. The catch? You typically don’t get the stake back with your winnings, only the profit. So, if you use a $10 bonus bet and win $25, you’d pocket $15, not the full amount.
These offers sound great, but they’re not free money in the traditional sense. Sportsbooks design them with terms and conditions to ensure they’re not just handing out cash. One of those conditions is often an expiration date, which brings us back to the main topic.
Feb 9, 2025; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts (1) holds the Vince Lombardi Trophy as Philadelphia Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni looks on after defeating the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesThe Expiration Factor: Do They Really Expire?
Yes, bonus bets from sportsbook promotions almost always expire. Unlike a gift card you might forget about for years, bonus bets come with a ticking clock. The exact timeframe depends on the sportsbook and the specific promotion. Some give you a generous 30 days to use them, while others might limit you to just 7 days—or even less in rare cases, like 24 hours for flash promotions tied to a big game.
For example, a major player like DraftKings often sets a 7-day expiration on its bonus bets, meaning once they’re credited to your account, you’ve got a week to use them or lose them. FanDuel tends to follow a similar pattern, though some of their special event promotions might extend that window. On the flip side, smaller or newer sportsbooks might offer longer periods, like 14 or 30 days, to stand out from the crowd. The key takeaway? Always check the fine print. Expiration dates are usually buried in the terms and conditions of the offer, and they’re non-negotiable once the clock runs out.
Why Do Bonus Bets Expire?
Sportsbooks aren’t just being stingy—there’s a method to the madness. Expiration dates encourage action. They want you to use the bonus bets quickly, get hooked on the betting experience, and hopefully stick around to wager with real money later. If bonus bets never expired, users might hoard them indefinitely, which doesn’t align with the fast-paced, turnover-driven nature of the betting industry. Plus, tying bonuses to specific timeframes lets sportsbooks align promotions with major sporting events—like the Super Bowl or March Madness—maximizing hype and engagement.
From a business standpoint, it also limits liability. Unused bonus bets that expire are essentially free money the sportsbook doesn’t have to pay out. It’s a win-win for them: you either use the bet and stay active, or you don’t, and they keep the credit.
Jul 16, 2024; Arlington, Texas, USA; National League designated hitter Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Dodgers (17) celebrates after hitting a three run home run in the third inning against the American League during the 2024 MLB All-Star game at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY SportsWhat Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you let a bonus bet expire, it’s gone. Poof. No refunds, no extensions, no exceptions. Sportsbooks aren’t in the habit of giving second chances on these offers. Once the expiration date passes, the bonus bet vanishes from your account, and you’re left with whatever cash balance you had before. It’s a harsh reality, but it’s standard practice across the industry. That’s why staying on top of deadlines is crucial if you want to squeeze value out of these promotions.
Tips to Avoid Losing Your Bonus Bets
So, how do you make sure your bonus bets don’t slip through the cracks? First, set a reminder as soon as you claim the offer. Most sportsbooks will tell you the expiration date when the bonus is credited—mark it on your phone or calendar. Second, plan your bets ahead of time. If you’ve got a $50 bonus bet expiring in a week, scout the upcoming games or events and pick a solid option rather than scrambling at the last minute. Third, don’t sit on small bonuses thinking they’re not worth it. A $5 bonus bet might not seem like much, but it’s still a free shot at a win.
Some sportsbooks even send email or app notifications as the expiration nears, so keep an eye on those. And if you’re juggling multiple betting accounts (a common move for savvy bettors), consider tracking your bonuses in a spreadsheet with their amounts and deadlines.
FAQs About Bonus Bet Expiration
Let’s tackle some questions you might not find in every article on this topic:
Can expiration dates vary within the same sportsbook? Yes, they can. A welcome bonus might have a 30-day window, while a one-off promo for a playoff game could be just 48 hours. Always double-check each offer. Do bonus bets roll over if I win with them? No, the bonus bet itself is a one-and-done deal. Winnings might be yours to keep (as cash or more bonus bets), but the original credit doesn’t regenerate. What if I’m on vacation when they expire? Tough luck—sportsbooks don’t care about your travel plans. Use them remotely if you can, or they’re history. The 9th green seating at the Cognizant Classic in the Palm Beaches at PGA National on February 21, 2024 in Palm Beach Gardens, Florida.Responsible Gambling and Bankroll Management
No discussion of sports betting is complete without a nod to responsibility. Bonus bets might feel like “free” money, but they’re still part of the gambling ecosystem, and it’s easy to get carried away. Treat them as a fun perk, not a lifeline. Set a budget for your overall betting activity—say, $50 a month—and stick to it, whether you’re using bonus bets or your own cash. Don’t chase losses just because you’ve got a bonus burning a hole in your account; that’s a fast track to trouble.
Bankroll management is your safety net. Only wager what you can afford to lose, and never let the thrill of a bonus push you beyond your limits. If betting stops being fun and starts feeling stressful, take a break. Resources like the National Council on Problem Gambling (1-800-GAMBLER) are there if you need support. Bonus bets are a tool to enhance enjoyment, not a shortcut to reckless spending.
Final Thoughts: Use ‘Em or Lose ‘Em
Bonus bets are a fantastic way to dip your toes into sports betting or spice up your usual routine, but they’re not yours forever. They do expire, and the clock starts ticking the moment they hit your account. Whether it’s 7 days, 30 days, or something in between, the expiration date is a hard limit you can’t ignore. By staying proactive—reading the terms, setting reminders, and betting smart—you can maximize their value without falling into the trap of overspending.
So, next time you snag a bonus bet, don’t let it gather digital dust. Check the deadline, pick your spot, and enjoy the ride. Just keep it responsible, and you’ll come out ahead, win or lose.
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