How welcome bonuses work in Maryland
Every licensed sportsbook in Maryland competes for new users. The primary tool is the welcome bonus.
These offers usually take one of three forms:
Bet & Get – place a small wager, receive bonus bets
Deposit Match – the sportsbook matches your first deposit
Risk-Free Bet – get a refund if your first bet loses
All are legal and regulated. None are “free money.” Each comes with terms.
Understanding those terms matters more than the headline amount.
What actually matters in a bonus
Two offers may both advertise “$1,000,” but deliver very different value.
Look for:
Minimum qualifying bet
Wagering requirements
Time limits
Eligible markets
Withdrawal rules
Example:
“Bet $5, Get $150” is simple and fast
“100% match up to $1,000” may require you to wager the full amount before withdrawing
Smaller, simpler offers are often better for new bettors.
Common bonus traps
Avoid these mistakes:
Ignoring wagering requirements
Placing ineligible bets
Missing the time window
Withdrawing before requirements are met
Assuming all markets qualify
Every sportsbook publishes full bonus terms. Read them once. It saves frustration later.
Are bonuses the same across all apps?
No. Each sportsbook in Maryland:
Sets its own bonus structure
Updates offers seasonally
Targets different user types
Some focus on casual players. Others aim at high-volume bettors. The “best” bonus depends on how you bet.
How to use bonuses effectively
Start with low-risk markets
Avoid complex parlays on bonus bets
Track your wagering progress
Use one app at a time
Don’t chase losses to clear a bonus
A bonus should reduce risk, not increase it.
Should bonuses determine your choice?
Bonuses are a starting point, not a strategy.
After the first few bets, what matters is:
App usability
Market depth
Odds quality
Live betting performance
Choose a sportsbook you’ll still like after the bonus is gone.
Want to see the best current offers in Maryland?
We track all licensed sportsbooks and update bonuses in real time.
