Reload Bonus

A reload bonus is a promotional offer from a sportsbook that rewards existing customers with bonus funds or bonus bets when they make an additional deposit into their account. Unlike a welcome bonus or sign-up offer — which is available only to new customers on their first deposit — a reload bonus targets players who already have an account and encourages them to continue depositing and betting. Reload bonuses are a key retention tool for sportsbooks, designed to keep their existing customer base active and engaged rather than migrating to a competitor.

Reload bonuses typically come in the form of a percentage match on the deposit amount. For example, a 50% reload bonus on a $200 deposit would provide $100 in bonus funds. These bonuses almost always come with wagering requirements, meaning the bettor must wager the bonus amount (or the bonus plus the deposit) a certain number of times before the funds can be withdrawn as cash. The wagering requirements, rollover multipliers, eligible bet types, and expiration dates vary by sportsbook and by promotion, so reviewing the full terms is important before opting in.

Example

A sportsbook sends an email to an existing customer offering a 25% reload bonus up to $125 on their next deposit. The customer deposits $500 and receives $125 in bonus funds, bringing the total account balance to $625. The terms state a 5x wagering requirement on the bonus amount, meaning the customer must place $625 worth of bets (5 times the $125 bonus) before any winnings derived from the bonus can be withdrawn. The wagering requirement must be completed within 14 days, and only bets at odds of -300 or longer count toward the rollover.

Key Points

• Lower match rates than welcome bonuses: Reload bonuses typically offer smaller percentage matches than first-deposit bonuses. A 20-50% match is common for reloads, compared to 100% or more for new customer offers.
• Wagering requirements always apply: The bonus funds are not free cash. They come with rollover requirements that must be completed before any withdrawal is possible. Failing to meet the requirements before the expiration date usually results in forfeiture of the bonus and any associated winnings.
• Opt-in may be required: Some reload bonuses require the customer to enter a promo code during the deposit process or click an activation button in their account. Depositing without opting in can mean missing the bonus entirely.
• Frequency varies by sportsbook: Some books offer reload bonuses on a regular schedule (weekly or monthly), while others send them out selectively to customers who have been inactive or who the book identifies as at risk of leaving. Checking the promotions page regularly helps ensure you do not miss available offers.
• Compare value across books: When multiple sportsbooks offer reload bonuses simultaneously, compare the effective value by factoring in the match percentage, the wagering requirements, the odds restrictions, and the time limit. A smaller match with easier terms can be worth more in practice than a larger match with strict conditions.