On November 20, 2025, bet365 rolled out one of the most aggressive welcome offers in U.S. sports betting history: Bet $5, Get $150 in Bonus Bets Win or Lose. The promotion, confirmed by both TheLines.com and CBS Sports Betting News, is available to new customers in 48 states — with only Missouri, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey excluded from the base offer. What makes this stand out isn’t just the size of the reward, but the simplicity: you don’t need to win. Lose your $5 bet? You still get $150 in bonus bets. Win? You still get $150 in bonus bets. It’s a no-lose gamble for the customer — and a bold move in a crowded market.
How the Offer Works — And Where It Doesn’t
To qualify, new users must sign up for a bet365 account, deposit at least $10, and place a single $5 bet on any sport. The bonus bets are credited automatically, no promo code required — except in some cases. CBS Sports Betting News reported that entering the code CBSBET365 during registration unlocks the offer in certain regions, while TheLines.com insisted no code is needed. This contradiction suggests regional variations in how the promotion is deployed, likely due to state-level compliance rules. Either way, the core mechanism is consistent: risk $5, get $150 back in play money.State-Specific Perks: More Than Just Bonus Bets
While most states get the base $150 bonus, bet365 layered in extra incentives for key markets. In New Jersey, new players receive $150 in bonus bets plus 10 Golden Chips — redeemable for entry into exclusive tournaments. In Pennsylvania, the deal includes 50 free spins on selected slot games, a nod to the state’s hybrid sports and casino market. Meanwhile, residents of North Carolina and Ohio get the standard offer, no frills. Missouri and New Jersey are excluded from the base deal entirely — but New Jersey’s alternative package suggests bet365 isn’t abandoning the market. It’s adapting.What You Can Bet On — And How to Maximize It
The bonus bets can be used on virtually any sport: MLB, NBA, NFL, tennis (including Wimbledon), and even international soccer like the FIFA Club World Cup. CBS Sports noted that bet365 even allows bonus bets to be applied to same-game parlays — as long as they have three or more legs and combined odds of +100 or higher. That’s a big deal. Most books restrict bonus bets to single-game wagers, but bet365 lets you stack them, dramatically increasing potential returns.And if you’re betting on tennis? bet365 has a built-in safety net. If your opponent retires due to injury — your bet wins automatically. No debate. No push. Just a win. It’s the kind of player-friendly rule that builds trust in a space where transparency is rare.
Beyond the Welcome Bonus: Hidden Perks That Matter
bet365 isn’t just selling a signup bonus — it’s selling an experience. The platform offers up to 50% profit boosts on same-game parlays, a feature that can turn a $10 bet into $15 in profit if the odds align. It also has “safety net bets,” its term for no-sweat promotions: place a qualifying bet, and if it loses, you get bonus bets back up to the amount you wagered. Think of it as insurance for your first few wagers.There’s even a “bet-and-get” model tied to live events. For example, during Thursday Night Football, users who placed a qualifying parlay earned bonus bets for every touchdown scored — a brilliant way to keep users engaged beyond the initial deposit. These aren’t gimmicks. They’re retention tools designed to hook users into the platform’s ecosystem.
Why This Matters in the Betting Wars
The online sports betting industry is a bloodsport. In 2024, more than 30 operators launched or expanded in the U.S. bet365, already a global giant, is playing a long game. By offering $150 for $5 — with no strings attached — it’s not just stealing customers. It’s making rivals look cheap. Competitors like DraftKings and FanDuel still require users to win their first bet to unlock bonuses. bet365 says: “We don’t care if you win. We just want you to try us.”And it’s working. According to TheLines.com, user signups spiked 37% in the first week after the offer went live in states like Ohio and North Carolina. “Players are always looking for a legit bet365 bonus code,” the outlet noted. “As one of the biggest sportsbooks in the world, it makes sense bettors want to maximize their experience.”
What’s Next?
The promotion runs through December 31, 2025 — but bet365 has a history of extending popular offers. Watch for state-specific updates in early 2026, especially in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, where the company may roll out hybrid casino-sports bundles. Regulators in Missouri are also watching closely. The state’s gambling commission has yet to approve any online sportsbook — but bet365’s presence in nearby states could pressure lawmakers to act.Frequently Asked Questions
How does the $150 bonus work if my $5 bet wins?
Even if your $5 bet wins, you still receive the full $150 in bonus bets. The bonus is not contingent on the outcome — it’s a guaranteed reward for placing the qualifying wager. Winnings from your $5 bet are paid out in cash, and the $150 bonus bets are added separately as non-cash credits you can use on future wagers.
Why are Missouri, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey excluded from the base offer?
Missouri hasn’t legalized online sports betting yet, so bet365 can’t operate there. Pennsylvania and New Jersey have strict bonus regulations that limit how much operators can offer in free bets. Instead of offering the base deal, bet365 provides enhanced packages — like free spins and Golden Chips — to comply with state laws while still delivering value.
Can I use the bonus bets on any sport or market?
Yes. Bonus bets can be used on any market across any sport bet365 offers, including live betting, futures, and props. However, they can’t be used on casino games, poker, or virtual sports. The only restriction is that they must be placed on events with minimum odds of -100 (even money) to qualify for payout.
Do I need to enter a promo code to get the bonus?
It depends on your state. CBS Sports says the code CBSBET365 is required during registration, but TheLines.com reports no code is needed — the bonus is automatic. This inconsistency likely reflects regional rollout differences. If you’re unsure, enter the code during signup. It won’t hurt, and it might unlock the offer.
Are bonus bets withdrawable as cash?
No. Bonus bets are non-cash credits. You can use them to place wagers, but any winnings from those bets — not the bonus amount itself — become withdrawable cash. For example, if you use a $10 bonus bet and win $30, you can withdraw the $30. The original $10 bonus stays with the book.
What happens if I deposit $10 but don’t place a $5 bet?
You won’t receive the bonus. The $5 qualifying bet is mandatory. Depositing alone isn’t enough. The system tracks your first wager — if it’s under $5 or placed before your deposit clears, the bonus won’t trigger. Make sure your bet is placed after your deposit is confirmed and meets the minimum amount.
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