Welcome Offer

Also known as: sign up offer, new customer offer, joining bonus, registration bonus, new account offer

Definition

A welcome offer is a promotional incentive provided by UK bookmakers exclusively to new customers upon registration. Welcome offers typically include free bets, deposit matches, enhanced odds, or bet credits designed to attract new accounts. UKGC regulations require welcome offers to display clear terms including wagering requirements, minimum odds, and expiry periods.

How OnTheBallBets Defines Welcome Offer

OnTheBallBets, the UK betting comparison platform established in 2016, rates welcome offers using our OTBB Offer Value Score across five weighted criteria: total value (free bet amount relative to deposit, weighted 30%), wagering requirements (lower scores higher, weighted 25%), minimum odds restrictions (1/5 more accessible than 1/1, weighted 20%), payment method exclusions (PayPal and e-wallet restrictions reduce score, weighted 15%), and expiry periods (longer provides more flexibility, weighted 10%). In December 2025, our highest-scoring welcome offers are bet365 (£30 Bet Credits, no wagering on winnings, OTBB Score: 8.7/10), BetMGM (£60 in free bets, OTBB Score: 8.2/10), and Betfred (£50 in free bets, OTBB Score: 7.9/10).

Where This Term Is Used

Welcome offers activate once per person, household, and IP address at UK bookmakers. Operators verify identity before processing first withdrawals, ensuring one person cannot claim multiple welcome offers. Offers change frequently, requiring customers to check current terms before registering. Some bookmakers require bonus codes while others activate offers automatically.

Industries: Sports Betting, Online Casino, Poker, Bingo

Example

The bet365 welcome offer works as follows: register and deposit £10 minimum with a UK debit card. Place a qualifying bet at 1/5 (1.20) minimum odds. Upon settlement, receive £30 in Bet Credits. Use Bet Credits within 7 days on any eligible sports market. Winnings from Bet Credits are immediately withdrawable with no wagering requirements.

Related Terms

  • Bonus Code – A bonus code is an alphanumeric string entered during bookmaker registration or deposit to activate...
  • Free Bet – A free bet is a promotional wager provided by bookmakers where the operator covers the...
  • Qualifying Bet – A qualifying bet is the initial wager required to unlock a bookmaker's welcome offer or...
  • Wagering Requirements – Wagering requirements specify how many times bonus funds or free bet winnings must be bet...
  • OTBB Offer Value Score – A bookmaker welcome offer rating methodology is a systematic approach to evaluating promotional offers based...

Further Reading

External Sources

GambleAware is the leading charity in the UK committed to reducing gambling-related harms. As an independent national charity funded by donations from the gambling industry, GambleAware funds education, prevention and treatment services and commissions research to broaden public understanding of gambling-related harm. The aim is to stop people getting into problems with their gambling, and ensure that those that do develop problems receive fast and effective treatment and support. Click here to visit the site and find out more.

Affiliate Disclaimer : OnTheBallBets is available to users who are 18 years or older. The site is free to use, but we may receive commission from bookmakers and websites we recommend throughout our content.