Types of bonuses: first deposit, freebets, money-back, free bets
The first deposit bonus is the most common: the bookmaker doubles (or increases) your first deposit up to a cap, for example 100% up to €100. You deposit €100 and receive €200 to wager. Freebets are free bets offered after registration or deposit: you bet without risking your own money, and winnings (excluding the stake) are credited to your account. The "money-back if" offer means you get your stake refunded if a specific criterion is met (for example, your team leads at half-time but loses the match). Free bets are similar to freebets but may be subject to different conditions. Each type has its advantages: our Money-Back If calculator helps you assess the value of these offers and compare different formulas.
How to choose a bonus
Don't rely solely on the displayed amount. A €200 bonus with strict conditions can be worth less than a €50 bonus that's easy to release. Check the matching percentage (100%, 50%…), the cap, the minimum deposit amount and above all the wagering requirements (rollover). A 5x rollover on the bonus and deposit is reasonable; a 15x rollover or higher is often difficult to achieve. Also check the eligible sports and markets: if you mainly bet on football, make sure your bets count. Check our bookmaker comparison to compare current offers and their detailed conditions.
Wagering requirements (rollover)
The rollover, or wagering requirements, indicates how many times you must wager the bonus (and sometimes the deposit) before you can withdraw your winnings. For example, a €100 bonus with a 5x rollover means you must wager €500 on eligible bets. Only bets at a minimum odds (usually 1.75 or 2.00) count, and accumulator bets may be excluded or only partially counted. A high rollover increases the risk of losing the bonus before releasing it. Some bookmakers apply the rollover to the bonus only, others to the bonus plus the deposit. Always read the terms and conditions before signing up.
Best bonuses 2026
Offers change regularly. In 2026, bookmakers continue to compete on welcome bonuses: 100% up to €100, €150 or €200 are common. Some offer no-deposit freebets to try out the platform. Others focus on "money-back if" offers on headline weekend matches. Free bets on esports or niche sports are growing. To find the best current offers, check our updated comparison and verify the conditions directly on the operators' websites. Bonuses may be modified or withdrawn at any time by regulators or bookmakers.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't sign up for a bonus without reading the conditions. Many bettors discover too late that their preferred bets (accumulators, low odds, certain sports) don't count towards the rollover. Avoid opening multiple accounts at different bookmakers solely for bonuses: this can lead to restrictions and complicate your management. Don't bet more than usual to release a bonus faster: stick to your bankroll. Finally, to optimise the use of freebets, read our article on freebets and bet on higher odds to maximise the value of these free bets.