Site Credit

Site credit is a form of promotional currency that a sportsbook adds to a bettor’s account. Unlike a cash deposit, site credit cannot be withdrawn directly. Instead, it must be used to place bets. The crucial distinction from a standard bonus bet is that when a wager placed with site credit wins, the full payout — including the stake portion — is typically returned as withdrawable cash. This makes site credit generally more valuable than a bonus bet of the same face amount, since the bettor effectively keeps the stake on a winning wager.

Sportsbooks issue site credit in several contexts: as part of sign-up promotions, as compensation for a losing bet, as a loyalty reward, or during special promotional events. The exact terms vary by operator, so it is essential to read the fine print. Some sportsbooks treat site credit identically to bonus bets (stake not returned), while others offer the more favorable full-payout structure. Understanding which version applies directly affects how you should evaluate and use the promotion.

Example

A sportsbook credits $100 in site credit to a bettor’s account after a qualifying deposit. The bettor places a wager using the $100 site credit on an NFL spread at -110 odds. If the bet wins, the bettor receives the full payout of approximately $190.91 — the $100 stake plus $90.91 in profit — all as withdrawable cash. If the bet loses, the bettor loses the $100 site credit but has not spent any of their own deposited funds. Compare this to a $100 bonus bet at the same odds: a winning bonus bet would return only $90.91 in profit (no stake returned), making the site credit worth roughly $100 more on a winning wager.

Key Points

• Stake included on wins: The primary advantage of site credit over a standard bonus bet is that winning wagers return the full payout, including the stake, as withdrawable cash. This makes site credit closer in value to real money.
• Cannot be withdrawn directly: Site credit must be wagered at least once before any funds become available for withdrawal. It is not the same as a cash deposit and cannot simply be cashed out.
• Terms vary by sportsbook: Not all operators define site credit the same way. Some treat it like a bonus bet where the stake is not returned. Always verify the specific payout rules before placing a wager with site credit.
• Often paired with other conditions: Site credit may come with minimum odds requirements, expiration dates, or restrictions on which markets are eligible. Some promotions also attach wagering requirements that must be met before winnings from site credit bets can be withdrawn.
• Higher real value: Because of the full-payout structure, site credit is generally worth more in expected value than a bonus bet of the same face amount, assuming the stake-included terms apply.