Betting bonuses are becoming increasingly popular in Germany. But as the market grows, many betting enthusiasts ask an important question: are these offers truly advantageous, or are they a hidden trap? Although the German betting license has restricted market access, players still have a wide choice of bookmakers offering various bonuses to attract new customers and maximize their winnings from the start.
In this article, we take a detailed look at the bonuses offered by betting operators in Germany. You’ll learn about the different types of bonuses, their advantages, and the often complex wagering requirements. We present the most attractive offers and help you identify those that are really worthwhile. By the end of this analysis, you’ll know whether these betting bonuses provide a real benefit or hide pitfalls.
Everything to know about sports betting bonuses
A sports betting bonus is a promotional offer from bookmakers to attract new users or reward existing players. It can take different forms, such as a welcome bonus for new registrations, a deposit bonus where the bookmaker adds a percentage to your deposit, or a free bet that lets you place a wager without financial risk.
Some sites even offer no-deposit bonuses, where you receive free money to bet without using your own capital. The main goal of these bonuses is to encourage sign-ups, but they are often tied to wagering requirements, meaning you must stake a certain amount before you can withdraw any winnings. It’s therefore essential to understand these terms to determine whether the offer is truly beneficial.
How to get a sports betting bonus: step-by-step guide
You now know what a sports betting bonus is and how it works. But how do you claim one? Before checking our comparison of the best betting bonuses, follow these simple steps: choose a bookmaker with an attractive offer, sign up on their website, and click “Claim bonus”. Let’s use the Bwin bonus as an example to illustrate the process.
Choose the operator and the sports betting bonus
Choose a sports betting site with an appealing bonus. Click “Redeem bonus” via an exclusive link to current offers. Register on the bookmaker’s website, make a deposit if needed, and the bonus will be activated. For example, with Bwin, simply click “Register” to start your betting experience with a bonus. 
Complete your registration on a sports betting site
After choosing an operator and a bonus, you must complete your registration. Fill in the form with your personal details, choose a secure password, and accept the terms and conditions. Once confirmed, your account is active and ready to use. 
Claim your deposit bonus
After registering, confirm your email address to activate your account. Log in, make a deposit that meets the minimum amount, and your bonus will be credited automatically. For example, Bwin offers a 100% bonus up to €100.
Place your first bet
After a successful registration and receipt of your bonus, you can start meeting the wagering requirements. Access the betting markets, place your first bets, and make use of the platform’s features. Be sure to respect the welcome bonus deadlines and withdraw your winnings on time. Good luck.
Comparison of sports betting bonuses
To find the best bonus offers, we analyze several key aspects. We assess bonus size, wagering requirements, validity period, and accepted payment methods. Our goal is to provide a transparent assessment so you can choose the most advantageous bonus for you.
Our criteria for comparing bonus offers
💰 Bonus amount: what to know
What is the maximum bonus for sports betting? The law generally caps this at €100 maximum. The type of bonus is just as important, since not all work the same way. Both the amount and the type define its true value to the bettor.
📈 Bonus multiplier: how it works
What multiplier is applied to the deposit to obtain an online betting bonus? Typically, bookmakers offer a 100% bonus. That means a €100 deposit yields an additional €100 in bonus balance.
💵 Minimum deposit: a key requirement
What is the minimum amount you must deposit to receive the bonus? This requirement varies by operator. A low minimum is especially useful if you want to limit risk or test a bonus for the first time.
↩️ Wagering requirements: a decisive criterion
How many times must you wager the bonus amount or the deposit before you can withdraw the bonus as cash? Requirements vary by operator, so comparison is essential. Some require the deposit to be wagered once before crediting the bonus. We analyze these details carefully and factor them into our evaluation.
🔢 Minimum odds: a crucial criterion
What minimum odds must be met to clear the sports betting bonus? An attractive bonus should have fair conditions. Some operators require minimum odds of 2.00, making completion harder, while others allow bets from 1.50. This flexibility can be decisive for how easy the bonus is to use.
⌛️ Bonus duration: a key factor
How much time do you have to meet the bonus conditions? Not every day offers an event you want to bet on, so the time allowed is crucial. A period that’s too short can reduce your chances, while a more flexible duration offers greater freedom. That’s why we include this criterion in our comparison of sports betting bonuses.
🏆 Best sports betting bonuses
You now know our ranking of the best betting bonuses and our selection criteria. But why do these offers top the list? What made the difference? Discover the eight best offers, with their conditions and advantages at a glance.
Betway sports betting bonus
The Betway bonus is undoubtedly one of the fairest available on the German market. You can choose between several options. In addition to the classic deposit bonus, you can opt for the exclusive “Kombi-Joker-Wette” bonus. With this option, you take no risk because you get your stake back as a free bet if your first bet loses. The cashback thus provides a risk-free experience. The conditions are simple: the bonus must be wagered once, the minimum odds are 1.00, and the minimum deposit is €5. The maximum bonus is €100. No bonus code is required, and the validity is 7 days.
HAPPYBET sports betting bonus
HAPPYBET offers a 150% bonus for new customers, often exceeding the classic 100% bonuses. For example, a €50 deposit yields a €75 bonus, whereas other operators would give only €50 with a 100% bonus. Conditions are advantageous: 6x wagering of the bonus amount, minimum odds of 2.00, no bonus code required, and a minimum deposit of €10. In addition, the bonus is valid for 90 days, giving you a long window to meet the terms.
Winamax sports betting bonus
The Winamax bonus is among the best thanks to very attractive wagering terms. New customers receive a €100 bonus with a 100% match. You only need to deposit at least €10 to benefit. The conditions are simple: wager the deposit amount once and the free bet amount once. Minimum odds are 1.05. No bonus code is required, making access easy. You have 30 days to meet the conditions and receive the bonus.
Bwin sports betting bonus
The Bwin bonus offers an attractive deal: a 100% deposit bonus and a €10 free bet after your account is verified. Wagering requirements are balanced: you must wager both the deposit and the bonus three times each, with minimum odds of 1.70. No bonus code is required and the minimum deposit is €10. This bonus is valid for 30 days. You receive the free bet once your account verification is successfully completed.
Interwetten sports betting bonus
The Interwetten bonus, once one of the most exciting due to its unique mobile offer, is now a classic deposit bonus. It gives new customers an extra 100% on their first deposit. Unlike the former mobile bonuses, the current offer remains attractive but standard. Wagering requirements are 5x the deposit and 1x the bonus, with minimum odds of 1.70. No bonus code is needed, and the minimum deposit is €10. The bonus must be used within 14 days of activation. Ideal for those seeking a reliable bonus with fair terms.
Bet365 sports betting bonus
The Bet365 bonus offers new customers a bet credit bonus, available after you’ve fully used your first deposit. This 100% bonus can be used on bets with minimum odds of 1.20. No bonus code is required, and the deposit only needs to be wagered once. The maximum bonus is €100, and the minimum deposit is €5. Bet credits expire after 7 days. This bonus offers fair wagering terms and a low minimum deposit, with no taxes on bets.
Betano sports betting bonus
Betano offers new customers a unique deal: a free betting bonus of €20 granted with no deposit, immediately after registration and verification. In addition, after your first deposit you receive an €80 deposit bonus, which is a great opportunity to boost your chances. Wagering requirements include a one-time use of the free bet and five wagers on both the deposit and the bonus. The minimum odds for bets are 1.65, and the minimum deposit is €10. The offer is valid for 90 days, providing plenty of flexibility. No bonus code is required.
Types of sports betting bonuses: a complete overview
Bookmakers offer different types of bonuses to attract bettors, each with its pros and cons. Depending on your needs, you can choose from several options. These bonuses can include deposit offers, free bets, or cashback. Each bonus type comes with specific conditions—wagering requirements or minimum odds—that can affect your playing experience. It’s important to understand these conditions before choosing a bonus to maximize your chances of winning.
Deposit bonus
A deposit bonus is a bonus granted when you make a deposit, often the first deposit, but sometimes on later deposits. The amount you deposit is multiplied by a factor, increasing your betting balance. You can then convert this bonus balance into real money and benefit from it.
Free bets
Free bets, also called risk-free bets, are a very popular type of bonus in sports betting. It’s an amount the bookmaker makes available for you to bet on the platform. If your bet wins, you keep only the net profit—that is, the winnings minus the stake provided by the free bet.
Risk-free bets
With a risk-free bet, you can wager with peace of mind, even using your own money. If you win, you receive your winnings as expected. If you lose, the bookmaker refunds your stake in full! Since it’s a risk-free bet, the lost amount is re-credited to your account.
However, note that winnings from risk-free bets are often credited as bonus balance and remain subject to further wagering requirements. Before these winnings permanently appear in your account and can be withdrawn, you must first meet those requirements.
No-deposit bonus
Imagine receiving a betting bonus that credits an additional betting balance without needing a prior deposit. With a no-deposit bonus, you get a bonus as soon as you sign up, with no personal deposit required.
This type of betting bonus is very popular because you don’t risk your own money. The no-deposit bonus amount varies by operator, but generally falls between €5 and €10. It works similarly to free bets: you keep only the winnings and must meet certain wagering requirements before you can withdraw your winnings.
Online bonus: general terms and conditions of bonus offers
In the betting market, many operators offer enticing welcome bonuses. However, these offers are frequently tied to various wagering requirements. Each bookmaker sets its own rules, which can vary considerably by promotion. If you don’t read the terms carefully, you risk losing out and won’t be able to compare the different bonus offers effectively.
Wagering requirements
Deposit bonuses often come with wagering requirements, meaning you must bet a certain amount before you can withdraw your winnings. These requirements vary by bonus type: for example, 5 to 15 times the bonus amount for a deposit bonus, and often 3 times the bonus amount for a free bet. Sometimes the terms also include the deposit amount, which can double or triple the requirement. We provide a standardized list using the bonus amount as the baseline to simplify comparison of offers.
Minimum odds for sports betting
The minimum odds are an important factor when choosing a suitable betting bonus. Bookmakers set them to determine which bets count toward fulfilling the wagering requirements of the bonus. Generally, the required odds range from 1.40 to 2.00. If your bets fall below this threshold, they won’t count toward meeting the requirements. So it’s important to check these odds before betting.
Bonus validity period
Bonuses and free bets often have a limited validity period. This means you must meet the wagering requirements before the expiration date. Many users overlook this and end up losing their bonuses. To avoid this, make sure to fulfill the conditions before the deadline.
Bonus codes for sports betting
Some bonuses can only be obtained by entering a specific bonus or promo code. This mainly applies to first deposits or subsequent deposits. Established operators still use this method, while newer platforms rely on it less and less.
In conclusion, sports betting bonuses can offer attractive benefits, but it’s essential to understand their terms precisely. Some are truly advantageous, while others hide complex wagering requirements or high minimum odds. By considering the comparison criteria we’ve presented, you’ll be better equipped to select the most beneficial offers.
If you want to maximize your winnings, you may find it helpful to read our article on effective methods for successful sports betting. Discover proven strategies to make informed decisions and get the most out of your sports betting bonuses.
