Qualifying Bet

A qualifying bet is a wager that a bettor must place in order to activate, unlock, or become eligible for a sportsbook’s promotional offer. Nearly every sign-up bonus, bonus bet promotion, or risk-free bet offer requires the customer to first place a qualifying bet that meets specific conditions outlined in the promotion’s terms and conditions. These conditions typically include a minimum stake amount, minimum odds, and sometimes restrictions on which markets or bet types are eligible. If the qualifying bet does not meet all of the stated requirements, the promotion will not trigger and the bettor will not receive the advertised bonus.

The terms surrounding qualifying bets vary significantly from one sportsbook to another and from one promotion to the next. Common requirements include a minimum stake of $5 or $10, minimum odds of -200 or higher (meaning bets on heavy favorites may not qualify), and restrictions that exclude certain bet types such as live wagers, cash-out bets, or voided bets. Some promotions also require the qualifying bet to be placed on a specific sport or event. Reading the fine print before placing the bet is essential, as failing to meet even one condition can disqualify the bettor from receiving the promotional benefit.

Example

A sportsbook advertises a promotion: “Place a $10+ bet at odds of -200 or longer and receive a $50 bonus bet if your wager loses.” A bettor places a $10 wager on an NFL game at -150 odds. This bet qualifies because it meets both the minimum stake ($10) and the minimum odds requirement (-150 is longer than -200). If the bet loses, the bettor receives a $50 bonus bet. However, if the same bettor had placed the $10 wager at -250 odds, the bet would not qualify because the odds are shorter than the -200 minimum, and no bonus bet would be awarded.

Key Points

• Always read the terms first: Each promotion has specific requirements for the qualifying bet, including minimum stake, minimum odds, eligible markets, and sometimes a required time window. Missing any single condition means the bonus will not activate.
• Minimum odds restrictions are common: Most promotions exclude heavy favorites by requiring odds of -200 or longer (some require -150 or even plus-money odds). This prevents bettors from placing near-certain wagers to unlock bonuses with minimal risk.
• The qualifying bet itself is a real wager: Unlike a bonus bet, the qualifying bet uses your own deposited funds. It can win or lose like any normal bet, and the outcome may determine whether the promotional reward is issued (for example, some offers only grant the bonus if the qualifying bet loses).
• Timing matters: Many promotions require the qualifying bet to be placed within a specific period — such as within 30 days of account registration or during a particular week. Bets placed outside this window will not count.
• Certain bet types may be excluded: Cash-out bets, voided bets, and wagers placed using bonus funds typically do not count as qualifying bets, even if they otherwise meet the stake and odds requirements.