BetMGM leads September sportsbook promos with $1,500 first-bet refund

BetMGM offers the largest first-bet safety net among major U.S. sportsbooks in September 2026, providing up to $1,500 in bonus bets if a user's initial wager loses. This offer stands out against competitors by providing the highest potential refund cap for new bettors, although the returned amount is issued as promotional credits rather than cash.

theScore Bet presents a comparable safety-net structure with a cap of $1,000, but distinguishes its offer by splitting the refund into five equal bonus bet tokens. This structure allows users to spread secondary wagers across different events before the credits expire, offering more flexibility than platforms that issue a single large bonus credit. The offer is currently available in Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, Tennessee, and Virginia.

For bettors preferring lower initial stakes, FanDuel offers a multi-day incentive that yields $250 in Bonus Bets after placing $5 wagers on five consecutive days. This approach targets high-frequency users by rewarding consistent daily activity rather than a single high-risk wager. Similarly, bet365 features a primary offer of $200 in bonus bets for a $10 qualifying wager, regardless of the outcome. Unlike FanDuel's multi-day requirement, bet365 credits the bonus immediately upon the initial bet.

Fanatics adopts a broader strategy by providing multiple welcome options ranging from $1 to $100 in qualifying bets. The platform rewards users with FanCash and betting options, which can be applied to additional wagers or used for merchandise. Hard Rock Bet serves as the exclusive online sportsbook in Florida, offering $100 in Bonus Bets for a $5 initial deposit.

No-deposit bonuses remain rare at regulated U.S. sportsbooks, which typically require a qualifying deposit and wager. When such offers do appear, they are often tied to new state launches or limited sign-up promotions and may include strict minimum odds, playthrough, and withdrawal requirements. Most bettors find that low-risk bet-and-get offers provide more practical value than no-deposit credits.

Sportsbook promotions vary by state and change regularly. While welcome offers are one-time incentives, books also provide daily, weekly, and monthly promotions such as profit boosts and parlay insurance. Users should verify that a sportsbook is legal in their jurisdiction and review specific terms regarding expiration dates and token restrictions before claiming any offer.