Best referral bonuses in the USA

Best Sportsbook Referral Bonuses in April 2024

Written by Michael Hoad |
Checked by Joshua Howe Fact checked

The best sportsbooks know that, along with quality sportsbook promos, using their existing clientele to recommend their platforms is a winning acquisition strategy. That's why each provides a notable sportsbook referral bonus. I've scoured the available options to bring you a list of the top five refer-a-friend offers.

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Best sportsbook referral bonuses

Sportsbook Referral bonus 💰Payout time Bonus expiry Maximum referrals 👍
FanDuelGive $50, get $501-2 days14 days5 every 30 days
CaesarsGet $100Every Wednesday30 days10 total
DraftKingsGet up to $1003 days7 days5 total
BetMGMGet $100Once friend bets $10030 days20 per month
BetRiversGet $1001-2 days30 days3 total

Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

Sportsbook Bonus Percentage Turnover Min. deposit Min. odds Go to sportsbook T&C
Get your bonus up to $1000 100% 1x Bonus $10 1
Claim bonus
If your wager is unsuccessful, Caesars Sportsbook will refund the full amount of your initial wager, up to a maximum of $1,000, back as one bonus bet. If your first wager wins, the offer is void. Must be 21+ years of age and physically present in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.
Get your bonus up to $150 3000% 1x Bonus $10 1
No code required Claim bonus
New customers only. Deposit min $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets (within 72 hours). 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Get your bonus up to $1500 100% 1x Bonus $10 1
Claim bonus
Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets if the bet loses. If the bet does lose, your Bonus Bets will be available once your initial wager is settled. Must be 21+ and located in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER OH. Please Gamble Responsibly!
Get your bonus up to $200 400% 1x Deposit $10 1
No code required Claim bonus
Customers will receive 4x$50 in Bonus Bets weekly. Opt-in required. Alternatively get up to 5x$100 in 2nd Chance bets! Must be 21+ years of age and OH resident. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.
Get your bonus up to $500 100% 1x Bonus $10 1.5
Claim bonus
Payout on Bonus Bet wagers includes profits only(stake not returned). Must be 21+ and present in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.

What is a sportsbook referral bonus?

The name is self-explanatory. A sportsbook referral bonus is a promotion rewarded for inviting friends to a betting site. With each program I've used at an online betting site, I've received a unique referral code or link to send to my friends. My referrals then had to register for an account using the link or code and meet some conditions. 

The stipulations may include making an initial deposit and using the money to place a bet. Once all the conditions are satisfied, the operator releases a special offer to your account, typically ranging from $20 to $100.

Every sportsbook's refer-a-friend bonus includes usage rules, such as the type of bets you have to place to qualify for the bonus. Some even have a wagering requirement you have to meet before withdrawing any winnings. 

I've spent plenty of time wagering with these sports betting apps and using the various promos to give you a conclusive answer on who boasts the best sportsbook referral bonuses. If you know people looking to get into sports betting, you can quickly boost your bankroll.

How to redeem sportsbook referral bonuses

I've found the process of inviting friends to online sportsbooks to be straightforward. Here's how you can start referring interested parties and claiming the best sportsbook referral bonuses:

  1. Open your chosen sportsbook's promotions tab or bonus page and opt-in to the referral program
  2. Copy the unique referral link (some sites offer referral codes as well as referral links)
  3. Send the referral link or code to your friend(s) via email or text
  4. Have your friend sign up for an account using the link
  5. Ensure your friend meets the requirements attached to the bonus

You will receive a notification once the invitee signs up using your link or referral code. Each referral bonus I've claimed from the top sportsbooks has arrived without any issue. Let's dive into the best ones.

FanDuel refer a friend

The best sportsbook referral bonus arguably comes from FanDuel — a $50 reward per referral, plus an additional $25 casino credit if you reside in an eligible state.

What is the FanDuel referral bonus value?

You and your friend will get $50 in bonus bets when you take advantage of the FanDuel Sportsbook referral bonus. Additionally, if you're in Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, or West Virginia, you can both obtain an extra $25 in casino credits.

Giving the sportsbook an edge in the FanDuel vs DraftKings debate, you can refer up to five friends every 30 days — as opposed to DraftKings' limit of five total. Depending on how many friends you have that are interested in betting, this could be an extra $250 in bonus bets every month.

How to claim the FanDuel referral bonus

To claim the FanDuel referral bonus, follow the steps below:

  1. Open the promotions page
  2. Head to the refer-a-friend section
  3. Click the 'Invite friends' tab to generate the referral link
  4. Share the link with a friend and ask them to sign up for an account
  5. Wait for your referee to fund their account and place a $10 qualifying bet
  6. Once the bet settles, you and your friend will get $50 in bonus bets and possibly $25 in casino credits

More FanDuel Sportsbook promos

FanDuel's refer-a-friend bonus is just one of many quality promos the sportsbook offers. For example, new users can garner a bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets reward without a FanDuel promo code.

For more information on the sports betting platform, check out our detailed FanDuel review.

  • Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets
    No code required Claim bonus

    New customers only. Deposit min $10. Place first bet of min $5 and get $150 in bonus bets (within 72 hours). 21+ and present in OH. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.

Caesars refer a friend

If FanDuel's refer-a-friend promo isn't the best sportsbook referral bonus, then Caesars' certainly is. You can get a $100 bonus bet for each successful referral you make.

What is the Caesars referral bonus value?

At Caesars Sportsbook, you can invite up to 10 friends, so the maximum value of its refer-a-friend bonus is $1,000. That's difficult to top, though some other sportsbooks allow you to exceed that number of referrals.

Unlike most other sportsbooks with referral bonuses, Caesars gives its customers significant time to use the $100 bonus bet. While you'll get a week or two elsewhere, you'll get a full 30 days with Caesars.

How to claim the Caesars referral bonus

To get the Caesars Sportsbook referral bonus, stick to the following steps:

  1. Open the bonus page
  2. Pick out the refer-a-friend promo
  3. Click the refer-a-friend link and share it with a buddy
  4. Wait for them to sign up and deposit and wager $50
  5. The following Wednesday, you'll receive a $100 bonus bet

More Caesars Sportsbook promos

As if an excellent sportsbook referral bonus wasn't enough, Caesars also dishes out numerous promos for both new and existing users, from odds boosts to event-specific rewards. The standout is its $1,000 first bet welcome offer — just remember to enter Caesars Sportsbook promo code OPBONUS1000 during registration.

For more expert insight, dive into our Caesars Sportsbook review

  • $1,000 First Bet on Caesars
    Claim bonus

    If your wager is unsuccessful, Caesars Sportsbook will refund the full amount of your initial wager, up to a maximum of $1,000, back as one bonus bet. If your first wager wins, the offer is void. Must be 21+ years of age and physically present in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.

DraftKings refer a friend

While most sportsbooks provide a fixed sum per referral, the DraftKings refer-a-friend bonus goes another direction. Your reward will depend on the value of your friend's initial deposit, with the maximum obtainable amount being $100.

What is the DraftKings referral bonus value?

Your referee's deposit amount will determine how much you earn with the DraftKings referral bonus. Ensure they put down at least $25 to receive a reward.

  • Should your friend deposit between $25 and $49, you will both get a $25 bonus bet
  • Should your friend deposit between $50 and $99, you will both get a $50 bonus bet
  • Should your friend deposit $100, you will both get a $100 bonus bet

After your referee makes their first deposit, the bonus bet will arrive in your account within three days, and you'll have seven days to use it. Remember: You can only have five referrals per offer period. 

How to claim the DraftKings referral bonus

To acquire the DraftKings referral bonus, action the following:

  1. Sign in to your account and visit the sportsbook promo section
  2. Select the refer-a-friend bonus
  3. Click the 'Refer Now' tab
  4. Share the referral link with your friend
  5. Have your friend register and fund their account with at least $25

More DraftKings Sportsbook promos

All of the best sportsbooks with referral bonuses provide plenty more to earn their place amongst the top betting sites, and DraftKings is no different. Its headlining promo is its new-user offer — bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets — that doesn't require a DraftKings promo code to claim.

Uncover more about the sportsbook and its bonuses via our comprehensive DraftKings review.

  • Bet $5, Get $200 + No Sweat NBA SGP Tokens
    No code required Claim bonus

    Regardless of the outcome of the wager the bonus will be awarded as six(8) $25 Bonus Bets. Must be 21+ years of age or older and physically located in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.

BetMGM refer a friend

You can garner a $100 referral bonus from BetMGM when you get a friend to join the historic sportsbook. Do this 20 times in one month — the maximum number of referrals you're allowed to make — and you'll have an impressive $2,000 in bonus funds bolstering your bankroll.

What is the BetMGM referral bonus value?

The BetMGM referral bonus doles out $100 to you and each of your invited friends, but there are some stipulations attached. Namely, your friend must use your referral link within 30 days and wager through the bonus amount once at odds of -200 or longer. 

When you receive the $100 bonus, you must also meet a 1x playthrough requirement at odds of -200 or greater to unlock it. 

Worth noting: If your referee opts to claim the $100 bonus, it will count as their sportsbook welcome offer. That means they won't be eligible for the standard bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets promo.

Keep in mind that both you and your referral must also be from the same eligible state. For example, if you send them a link from the BetMGM Ohio app, they'll need to join through that same app to qualify for the promotion.

How to claim the BetMGM referral bonus

Hit on each of the steps below to snag the BetMGM referral bonus:

  1. Click the promotions page
  2. Select the bonus and hit the 'refer-a-friend' button
  3. Copy the personal link
  4. Share the link with a friend
  5. Ensure your friend meets the bonus wagering requirements and knows that it will count as their sign-up offer
  6. After meeting the conditions, you'll get a $100 bonus bet

More BetMGM Sportsbook promos

BetMGM Sportsbook is known for much more than its referral bonus — it runs a prodigious loyalty program, provides free-to-play prize pools for a multitude of events, and offers some of the best same-game parlays in the industry. Plus, first-timers who enter BetMGM bonus code ODDSBONUS can nab an up to $1,500 back in bonus bets welcome offer.

Dig into our thorough BetMGM review for more actionable intel.

  • Up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets
    Claim bonus

    Place your first wager and receive up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets if the bet loses. If the bet does lose, your Bonus Bets will be available once your initial wager is settled. Must be 21+ and located in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER OH. Please Gamble Responsibly!

BetRivers refer a friend

One of the best referral bonus sportsbooks, BetRivers will provide you with a $100 reward for each friend you successfully get to sign up with the betting site. 

What is the BetRivers referral bonus value?

When you refer a friend to BetRivers Sportsbook, both you and your invitee can earn a $100 bonus. Since you're capped at three referrals, that means you can receive a maximum of $300. 

The bonus funds can be used however you wish — whether you want to wager on NFL odds, NBA odds, or any other sport or league. Just remember: Any winning wagers with bonus bets as the stake will only return the profit to your account.

How to claim the BetRivers referral bonus

Here are the steps to redeem the BetRivers referral bonus:

  1. Create and log into your BetRivers Sportsbook account
  2. Open the promotions section
  3. Choose the refer-a-friend offer
  4. Copy the link and send it to a friend
  5. Make sure your friend deposits and wagers $50 within 30 days
  6. Once your friend has met the requirements, you'll both receive the $100 bonus

More BetRivers Sportsbook promos

While BetRivers doesn't always have the same number of active promotions as some other top-tier online sportsbooks, the ones it does offer are worthy of your attention. New players in most states, for example, can capitalize on a $500 second-chance bet sign-up bonus by utilizing BetRivers bonus code ODDSPEDIA.

Read our complete BetRivers review to discover all there is to know about the product.

  • Up to a $500 Second-chance Bet
    Claim bonus

    Payout on Bonus Bet wagers includes profits only(stake not returned). Must be 21+ and present in OH. T&Cs apply. Gambling problem? Call or text 1-800-522-4700.

Additional sportsbook referral bonus considerations

Refer-a-friend programs are commonplace across many industries, and it's important to take into account numerous factors when considering these types of promotions.

For myself, I first confirm the size of the bonus. While some sites offer $100 per referral, others only manage $20. It's also worth acknowledging that while most refer-a-friend offers provide site credit to both you and your friend, some will only offer it to the referrer.

Verifying the type or form of referral promotion is important, too, whether it be bonus bets or another variation of funds being added to your account. Bonus bets are great because they often have few restrictions, apart from the fact that using them as your stake means you don't get that amount back as part of your winnings.

Other terms and conditions referral bonuses may have include:

  • Minimum deposit amounts
  • Wagering restrictions (minimum odds of stake)
  • Expiry periods
  • Maximum referral limits

Limitations of sportsbook referral bonuses

Even though sportsbook referral bonus offers are beneficial and popular, they have limitations. For example, as a referrer, receiving a bonus depends entirely on the referee.

Referees can also determine whether or not you'll get the greatest possible value, as highlighted in the DraftKings referral bonus section above. Sometimes, you can simply get more value by taking the sign-up offer, which you may not be eligible for if you collect a referral promo. 

It's worth pointing out that you shouldn't see the rewards from these refer-a-friend bonuses as free bets. A free bet suggests you or your referred friend won't have to spend money. That's not the case with any referral bonuses I've encountered. 

With legal sports betting available in most U.S. states, the number of sportsbooks with referral bonuses is rising. Here's where you can find legal sportsbooks with refer-a-friend offers:

State 🌎Legal betting age 📜
Arizona sportsbooks21
Arkansas sportsbooks21
Colorado sportsbooks21
Connecticut sportsbooks21
Delaware sportsbooks21
Florida sportsbooks21
Illinois sportsbooks21
Indiana sportsbooks21
Iowa sportsbooks21
Kansas sportsbooks21
Kentucky sportsbooks18
Louisiana sportsbooks21
Maryland sportsbooks21
Massachusetts sportsbooks21
Michigan sportsbooks21
Mississippi sportsbooks21
Montana sportsbooks21
Nebraska sportsbooks21
Nevada sportsbooks21
New Hampshire sportsbooks18
New Jersey sportsbooks21
New Mexico sportsbooks21
New York sportsbooks21
Ohio sportsbooks21
Oregon sportsbooks21
Pennsylvania sportsbooks21
Rhode Island sportsbooks18
Tennessee sportsbooks21
Texas sportsbooks21
Vermont sportsbooks21
West Virginia sportsbooks21
Washington, DC sportsbooks21
Wisconsin sportsbooks21
Wyoming sportsbooks18

Responsible gambling with sportsbook referral bonuses

Responsible gaming is instrumental in creating a tailored sports betting experience that is safe and fun. Ensuring you're aware of the possible pitfalls associated with gambling and taking the appropriate steps to avoid them is vital. 

If you or a loved one are concerned about problem gambling or require assistance, here are a few resources you can access immediately:

Sportsbook referral bonuses FAQs

What is a referral bonus?

A referral bonus is a promotion received after referring a friend to a sportsbook. The referee must register using a unique link or code and make a deposit and/or qualifying bet (as specified) to trigger the bonus. Once these requirements have been met, both parties will be awarded a bonus.

How do I claim refer-a-friend bonuses?

Whether you're comparing BetMGM vs DraftKings, BetMGM vs FanDuel, or other betting apps, you can claim all of their refer-a-friend bonuses in their promotions sections. You can then copy the link or unique referral code, and share it with your friends. Upon sign-up, they will have to make a minimum deposit and even place bets before the bonus will be credited to your account.

How do I activate a refer-a-friend bonus?

For most referral programs, you can activate them yourself through your account. For some referral programs, you will have to contact customer support to activate them. Once you have generated your referral link or code, the bonus funds should automatically be added to your account once the requirements are met.

Can I refer another person in my household?

No, you can not refer another person in your household. According to the terms and conditions for practically every sports betting site, a household can have only one account. Any attempt to have more may lead to the closure of the accounts.

How many times can I refer a friend?

The number of times you can refer a friend to a sportsbook will depend on the bonus terms for the referral promos you are using. Some allow as little as three in total, some up to 20. Some are almost limitless as they refresh each month.

Which is the best sportsbook referral bonus?

The best sportsbook referral bonuses belong to the sites mentioned in this guide: BetRivers, BetMGM, Caesars Sportsbook, FanDuel and DraftKings. Apart from offering customers a decent promotion of between $50-$100 per referee, these betting sites make it easy to claim the bonus and allow you to refer multiple friends.

Does FanDuel have a referral bonus?

FanDuel has one of the best sports betting referral bonuses of up to $50 per person, plus an additional $25 in casino credit. You can also refer up to five people per month, resulting in an additional $250 sports betting credit and $175 for the casino each month.

Does DraftKings have a referral bonus?

The referral bonus for DraftKings Sportsbook can be worth up to $100. However, the referee's deposit determines how much you get. This means the referral bonus will match your friends' first deposit amount. The referee must deposit $100 or more to receive the highest amount.

Does Caesars Sportsbook have a referral bonus?

Caesars Sportsbook has a referral bonus of $100 per person. To activate the bonus, the referee must deposit at least $50. You can refer a total of 10 friends using the Caesars Sportsbook referral bonus, which means you can earn up to $1,000 in bonus bets.

Michael Hoad
Content Editor
Michael Hoad is a commercial content editor at Oddspedia. Prior to joining the team, Michael spent a combined 10 years as a writer and editor with Rogers Sportsnet and Yahoo Sports Canada. When he’s not looking for the latest must-bet odds boosts, you can find him sweating out Toronto Blue Jays games.
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