Bonus Bet Ceilings Spike to $1,500 as Majors Fight for High-Value Depositors
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BetMGM and DraftKings ramp up acquisition offers ahead of the NFL peak, signaling a desperate war for market share during the MLB postseason.
Opinion: The sports betting industry is witnessing a sharp escalation in acquisition incentives as the majors fight for high-value depositors. BetMGM has introduced a promotion offering new users up to $1,500 in bonus bets if their qualifying wager loses, according to reporting from CBS Sports. The offer, which varies by location, also includes $150 in bonus bets for users whose first bet wins.
This aggressive pricing strategy arrives as the 2026 MLB playoffs begin, providing a high-volume entry point for new users. While BetMGM is pushing the $1,500 ceiling, other majors are maintaining different acquisition tiers. CBS Sports reports that DraftKings is offering new users $150 in bonus bets after making a $5 wager, with payments issued within 14 days. Additionally, FanDuel is offering up to $250 in bonus bets for users betting on MLB and NHL games, per CBS Sports.
The timing of these offers is critical as sportsbooks look to lock in users before the NFL peak and high-stakes regular season. This is evident in the current promotional push, where operators are leveraging high-profile matchups—such as the New York Yankees vs. Boston Red Sox and the Chicago Cubs vs. San Diego Padres—to drive sign-ups.