How to Use DraftKings Bonus Bets: A Complete Guide
- Bonus bets are non-withdrawable credits used to place wagers.
- If you win, you receive the profit, but the original stake is not returned.
- Credits usually come with an expiration date found in your account.
- Not all betting markets allow the use of bonus bets.
How to Apply DraftKings Bonus Bets to Your Bet Slip
A DraftKings bonus bet is a promotional credit used to place wagers without using your own cash. If your bet wins, you get the profit back as withdrawable cash, but the original stake stays with the sportsbook. Think of it like a store coupon that only pays out the winnings. If you place a $10 bonus bet on an outcome with +200 odds, a win nets you $20 in cash. You do not get the $10 credit back. This differs from cash bets where you keep both the stake and the profit. Always check the specific expiration date in your account, as these credits vanish if they go unused.
When Do DraftKings Bonus Bets Expire?
Using these credits is straightforward. Once you add a selection to your bet slip, look for a checkbox or a toggle button labeled 'Bonus Bet.' Clicking this will apply the credit to your wager instead of pulling from your deposited cash balance. If you have multiple bonus bets available, you can usually select which one to apply. Be careful, as some offers require you to use the full amount at once. You cannot split a $50 bonus bet into five $10 bets unless the terms explicitly state otherwise.
DraftKings Bonus Bets vs. Cash: Key Differences
Winning with a bonus bet feels different than winning with cash. Because the sportsbook retains the initial stake, your account balance only reflects the profit earned from the wager. For instance, if you bet $20 in bonus credits on a team at -110 odds, your payout is roughly $18.18. You keep that profit, but the $20 stake disappears. This is standard across the industry. It is a trade-off for the ability to wager without risking your own money.
What Are the Limitations of DraftKings Bonus Bets?
The main downside is that bonus bets expire. Depending on the promotion, you might have anywhere from seven to thirty days to use them before they are removed from your account. You should check the 'Promotions' tab to see the exact deadline for your specific credits. Another limitation is that you cannot withdraw the bonus bet itself. You must wager it at least once. Additionally, some specific markets or boosted odds may be restricted and ineligible for bonus bet use.
How to Check Your Available DraftKings Bonus Credits
You can view your available balance by clicking on your account icon in the app or on the website. Look for a section often labeled 'Rewards' or 'Bonus Funds.' This area lists all active credits, their dollar values, and their expiration dates. If you do not see anything listed, you likely have no active bonus bets. It is worth checking this page before you place a regular bet to ensure you aren't missing out on a credit you intended to use.
Can You Withdraw DraftKings Bonus Bets as Cash?
No, they are fundamentally different. Cash in your account can be withdrawn at any time, while bonus bets are strictly for wagering. You cannot convert them to cash without placing a bet. Think of them as a 'second chance' fund rather than a savings account. If you lose the wager, the bonus bet is gone, but your actual bankroll remains untouched. This makes them a useful tool for testing a strategy or betting on a long shot without real-world financial risk.
Frequently asked questions
No, bonus bets cannot be withdrawn as cash. They are promotional credits that must be used to place wagers on the DraftKings platform.
When you win a wager using a bonus bet, you receive the winnings in cash, but the original stake (the bonus bet amount) is not returned to your account.
You can view your available bonus bets by logging into your account, navigating to your profile menu, and selecting the 'Rewards' or 'Bonus' section.
