The sports betting market in the United States and United Kingdom has evolved rapidly, with mobile betting now dominating how players place wagers. One of the biggest competitive advantages offered by top sportsbooks is the sign-up bonus, designed to attract new users.
As a legal online gambling expert, this review analyzes the best sports betting apps based on:
- Bonus value and fairness
- Legal compliance (US & UK regulations)
- User experience
- Withdrawal transparency
- Real-world bettor value
What Is a Sports Betting Sign-Up Bonus?
A sign-up bonus is a promotional reward given to new users when they open an account and place their first bet. These usually include:
- Bet credits (free bets)
- Deposit match bonuses
- Risk-free first bets
- Enhanced odds offers
In both the US and UK, these bonuses are tightly regulated to protect players.
Best Sports Betting Apps With Sign-Up Bonuses (US & UK)
1. DraftKings Sportsbook (US)
Best for: Large bonus value and overall app performance
Typical Sign-Up Bonus (US):
- Bet $5, Get $150 in bonus bets
- Or first bet insurance up to $1,000 (depending on state)
Key Advantages:
- Fully licensed by state regulators in the US
- Excellent mobile app speed and interface
- Strong coverage of NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, and college sports
- Transparent wagering requirements
Expert Verdict:
DraftKings offers one of the highest-value and most beginner-friendly bonuses in the US market.
2. FanDuel Sportsbook (US & UK)
Best for: Risk-free betting and user protection
Typical Sign-Up Bonus:
- US: Bet $5, Get $200 in bonus bets
- UK: Bet £5, Get £30 in free bets (varies by promotion)
Key Advantages:
- Strong legal compliance and player safety
- Wide variety of betting markets and live betting
- Highly rated mobile app
- Quick identity verification process
Expert Verdict:
FanDuel is one of the most trusted sportsbooks globally, offering reliable bonuses with fair terms.
3. Bet365 (UK & Select US States)
Best for: UK players and in-play betting
Typical Sign-Up Bonus (UK):
- Bet £10, Get £30 in free bets
Key Advantages:
- UK Gambling Commission licensed
- Extremely fast live betting engine
- Cash-out features widely available
- Excellent coverage of football, tennis, cricket, and esports
Expert Verdict:
Bet365 remains the gold standard sportsbook app in the UK, especially for live and international sports.
4. Caesars Sportsbook (US & UK)
Best for: High-value risk-free first bets
Typical Sign-Up Bonus:
- US: First bet safety net up to $1,250 in bonus credits
- UK: Bet £10, Get £20–£30 in free bets
Key Advantages:
- Trusted global brand
- Strong regulatory reputation
- Solid customer support
- Competitive odds on major leagues
Expert Verdict:
Caesars is ideal for bettors who want a high-value safety net on their first wager.
5. BetMGM (US & UK)
Best for: Easy-to-use interface and steady promotions
Typical Sign-Up Bonus:
- US: Bet $10, Get $200 in bonus bets
- UK: Bet £10, Get £40 (varies by promo)
Key Advantages:
- Strong compliance with local regulations
- Reliable deposits and withdrawals
- Frequent reload bonuses
- Great app stability
Expert Verdict:
BetMGM offers one of the most consistent user experiences in both the US and UK markets.
Also read: In-Play Betting Technology: How Real-Time Data and Trading Teams Operate
Legal Considerations (US vs UK)
United States
Sports betting legality depends on state law. Legal betting states include:
- New York
- New Jersey
- Pennsylvania
- Michigan
- Arizona
- Colorado
(And many more)
All recommended apps are fully licensed and legal in approved states.
United Kingdom
Sports betting is legal and regulated under the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). All listed apps meet UKGC compliance standards.
Key Things to Watch in Sign-Up Bonuses
Expert bettors always check:
✅ Wagering (playthrough) requirements
✅ Bonus expiry dates
✅ Minimum odds requirements
✅ Withdrawal restrictions
✅ Bet type exclusions (like cash-out limitations)
Ignoring these terms can make a “free” bonus much less valuable.
US vs UK Bonus Value Comparison
| Feature | United States | United Kingdom |
|---|---|---|
| Sign-Up Bonus Size | Very high ($150–$1,250+) | Moderate (£20–£50) |
| Risk-Free Bets | Common | Less common |
| Regulation | State-based | Centralized (UKGC) |
| Verification | Strict KYC | Strict but faster |
Also read: How Sportsbooks Set Odds: Modeling, Margin, and Market Movement
Final Expert Verdict
For US players, the top sports betting apps with the best sign-up bonuses are:
- DraftKings
- FanDuel
- Caesars
For UK players, the strongest options are:
- Bet365
- FanDuel
- BetMGM
These apps offer the best balance of legal safety, fair bonus terms, and long-term value.
Responsible Gambling Note
Always gamble responsibly. Sports betting should be treated as entertainment, not income. Both the US and UK provide free support services for problem gambling.
FAQ
A sports betting sign-up bonus is a promotional reward offered to new users when they create an account and place their first qualifying bet. These bonuses typically come in the form of free bets, bonus bets, or matched deposit credits.
Yes, sports betting apps are legal in the United States, but laws vary by state. You can only use licensed sportsbooks if you are located in a state where online sports betting is approved.
Popular legal states include:
– New York
– New Jersey
– Pennsylvania
– Michigan
– Colorado
Always use regulated, state-licensed apps.
Yes. In the United Kingdom, sports betting is fully legal and regulated by the UK Gambling Commission (UKGC). Licensed apps must follow strict rules on bonus transparency, player protection, and fair play.
In the US, the apps that typically offer the largest bonuses are:
– Caesars Sportsbook (risk-free first bet up to $1,000+ in bonus bets)
– FanDuel (Bet $5, Get $150–$200)
– DraftKings (Bet $5, Get $150+)
Bonus sizes can change based on state and time of year.
In the UK, the most competitive welcome offers usually come from:
– Bet365
– BetMGM
— FanDuel UK
– Sky Bet
Most UK offers are Bet £5/£10, Get £20–£30 in free bets.
In most cases, yes.
Almost all US and UK sportsbooks require a qualifying deposit and bet to unlock the welcome bonus.
No-deposit bonuses are extremely rare in regulated markets.
Usually, no.
Most bonuses come as non-withdrawable betting credits. You must wager the bonus, and you can only withdraw the winnings, not the bonus itself.
Wagering requirements are the number of times you must bet your bonus amount before you can withdraw any winnings.
Example:
A “1x wagering” on a $100 bonus means you must place $100 in bets before withdrawal.
You can only claim one welcome bonus per sportsbook. Creating multiple accounts is against the rules and can result in account suspension or loss of funds.
Yes. All legal sportsbooks in the US and UK must verify:
Your identity (KYC checks)
Your age (must be 18+ in the UK, 21+ in most US states)
Your location (geolocation checks in the US)
This is mandatory under gambling law.
Not completely.
Most “risk-free” bets actually mean:
If you lose, you get a bonus bet back
If you win, you keep the winnings but not your stake
This is why reading bonus terms is critical.
The safest apps are those that are:
Fully licensed
Well-established brands
Transparent with terms and conditions
Top trusted apps include:
FanDuel
DraftKings
Bet365
Caesars
BetMGM
United States:
You must be physically located in a legal betting state when placing bets.
United Kingdom:
You can use UK-licensed apps anywhere within the UK, but not always abroad.
Yes. Most bonuses have:
A time limit (usually 7–30 days)
Minimum odds requirements
Bet type restrictions
Unused bonuses usually expire automatically.
Most top betting apps support:
Debit cards
Bank transfers
PayPal
Skrill & Neteller (more common in the UK)
Online banking services
Credit card use may be restricted in the UK.
Yes. Even with bonuses, sports betting involves financial risk. Bonuses reduce risk, but do not guarantee profit.
Smart bankroll management is essential.
If you violate bonus rules:
Your bonus can be voided
Winnings can be confiscated
Your account may be restricted or closed
Always read the terms before betting.
US: Yes. Gambling winnings are generally taxable income.
UK: No. Sports betting winnings are tax-free for players.
To stay safe:
Use only one account
Avoid VPNs
Follow wagering rules
Don’t create accounts for friends or family
US: FanDuel, DraftKings, and Caesars are considered the top overall.
UK: Bet365, BetMGM, and FanDuel are industry leaders.