Best Sportsbook Promos for 2026: How to Claim Bonuses From DraftKings, FanDuel and More in the New Year

Best Sportsbook Promos for 2026: How to Claim Bonuses From DraftKings, FanDuel and More in the New Year

The start of 2026 brings a fresh calendar of sports - NFL playoffs, NBA mid‑season action, college bowl games, UFC cards, and the return of global soccer leagues.

It also brings a new wave of high‑value sportsbook welcome bonuses, giving new bettors a chance to turn small wagers into meaningful bonus‑bet bankrolls.

Whether you're looking for a low‑risk $5 offer or a high‑ceiling first bet offer, the top U.S. sportsbooks are rolling out some of their strongest promotions of the year.

Below, we break down the best sportsbook promos for 2026, how each one works, and how to claim them step‑by‑step.

DraftKings Promo: Bet $5, Get $200 (If Your Bet Wins)

DraftKings continues to offer one of the most popular low‑entry welcome bonuses in the industry. A simple $5 wager can unlock $200 in Bonus Bets, making it ideal for new bettors who want to start small.

Step One: CLICK HERE or head to DraftKings and register a new account.

Step Two: Deposit $5 or more into your DraftKings account.

Step Three: Place a $5 bet on any market at minimum odds of -500 or longer. No promo code required.

Step Four: If your wager wins you will receive $200 in Bonus Bets instantly.

Why This Offer Works

This promo is perfect for bettors who want a low‑risk entry point. A winning $5 bet instantly multiplies into $200 in bonus funds, which can then be used across spreads, totals, props, or parlays throughout January and beyond.

FanDuel Promo: Bet $5, Get $250

FanDuel’s welcome bonus is one of the strongest offers available heading into 2026.

Step One: CLICK HERE or visit FanDuel Sportsbook and register a new account.

Step Two: Deposit at least $5.

Step Three: Wager $5 on any market.

Step Four: If your wager wins, FanDuel will issue $250 in Bonus Bets.

Why This Offer Works

FanDuel’s payout is larger than DraftKings’ for the same $5 entry, making it a great option for bettors who want maximum bonus value with minimal upfront cost. The bonus bets can be split across multiple wagers, giving you flexibility for the entire month.

Bet365 Bonus Code CHECK: Bet $5, Get $150 (Win or Lose)

Bet365’s offer is one of the most forgiving in the industry - you get the bonus whether your qualifying bet wins or loses.

Step One: CLICK HERE or go to Bet365’s website and ensure you qualify (new-customer only).

Step Two: Register a new Bet365 account using code 'CHECK'.

Step Three: Deposit $10, then wager $5 on any market.

Step Four: Whether your wager wins or loses, Bet365 credits $150 in bonus bets.

Why This Offer Works

This is the only major promo where the outcome of your first bet doesn’t matter. Even if your $5 wager loses, you still receive the full $150 bonus - making it one of the best low‑risk offers entering 2026.

BetMGM: Bet $10, Get $150 (MI, NJ, PA, WV Only)

This is a simple, high‑value offer for new users in select states.

Step One: CLICK HERE or visit BetMGM’s website and register a new account.

Step Two: Deposit $10.

Step Three: Place your first $10 bet on any qualifying market.

Step Four: If that bet wins, you’ll receive $150 in bonus bets in addition to your cash winnings.

Why This Offer Works

This is a classic “bet and get” promo - no complicated requirements, no odds restrictions, and a strong return for a small wager. It’s especially valuable for bettors in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and West Virginia, where this version is available.

BetMGM First Bet Offer Up to $1,500 (All Other States)

For bettors outside the four states above, BetMGM offers a high‑ceiling first bet offer.

Step One: Visit BetMGM or click the offer widget; enter bonus code OCMAX1500 if prompted.

Step Two: Deposit between $10 and $1,500.

Step Three: Place your first qualifying wager (straight, parlay, SGP etc.).

Step Four: If it wins: you keep your profits + original stake. If it loses: BetMGM refunds your original wager as bonus bets (up to $1,500).

Why This Offer Works

This is one of the best “safety‑net” promos in the country. It allows new users to take a bigger swing -perhaps on a long‑shot parlay or a playoff underdog - knowing that a loss will be refunded in bonus bets.

Which 2026 Sportsbook Promo Is Best?

Each offer has a different strength:

• Best low‑risk value: FanDuel Bet $5, Get $250
• Best guaranteed bonus: Bet365 Bet $5, Get $150 (win or lose)
• Best safety‑net for big bettors: BetMGM First Bet Offer up to $1,500
• Best all‑around starter bonus: DraftKings Bet $5, Get $200

No matter which you choose, the New Year is one of the best times to take advantage of sportsbook welcome offers - especially with NFL playoffs, NBA action, and college football bowl season all happening at once.