DraftKings Sportsbook Review: One $5 Bet Brings Eight $25 Bonus Bets, Legal in 26 States

DraftKings Sportsbook is the betting app from the Boston company that began in daily fantasy sports and turned into one of the two giants of legal American sports betting. It takes bets in more states than any rival, 26 plus DC and Puerto Rico, and it is now the official sportsbook and odds provider of ESPN, powering the betting tab in the ESPN app.

We like it for a welcome offer that needs just one $5 bet, win or lose, and for SGPx, which stitches Same Game Parlays from different games into one ticket. Here is our DraftKings Sportsbook review, starting with the welcome offer and the promo code.

DraftKings Sportsbook welcome offer and sign-up bonus

DraftKings’ welcome deal is a “bet and get” offer. New customers place one cash bet of $5 or more on any eligible market, and DraftKings credits $200 in Bonus Bets. The result of your first bet does not matter. Win or lose, the Bonus Bets arrive, and DraftKings’ terms say they are issued instantly in most cases, or within 72 business hours if there is a technical problem.

The $200 comes as eight separate $25 Bonus Bets rather than one balance. Each one has to be used as a single $25 stake, and each is valid for 7 days (168 hours) from the moment it is credited. Some versions of the offer release the $200 in weekly click-to-claim installments instead of all at once; the offer screen at sign-up states which one applies. When a Bonus Bet wins, DraftKings pays the profit only. The $25 stake is not returned.

A worked example in dollars

Say you are in Philadelphia on a Thursday night and open a DraftKings account. You deposit $20.

• Qualifying bet: you bet $5 on the Eagles moneyline at +100. DraftKings credits eight $25 Bonus Bets straight away.
• If the Eagles win: you get $10 back in cash (your $5 plus $5 profit). If they lose, you lose the $5. Either way, you keep the $200 in Bonus Bets.
• Using the Bonus Bets: you place a $25 Bonus Bet on a player prop at +150. If it wins, you receive $37.50 in withdrawable cash. Placing the same bet with $25 of your own money would have returned $62.50.

Because the stake never comes back, Bonus Bets go further on plus-money prices. A $25 Bonus Bet on a -300 favorite returns only $8.33 if it wins; on a +200 underdog it returns $50.

State variations and catches

New Hampshire, Oregon and Puerto Rico are DraftKings markets with their own promotions, so the welcome deal shown there can differ. In Louisiana, only select parishes qualify. In Illinois, DraftKings notes that a per-wager fee may be passed through to customers. The other catches: the eight $25 tokens can’t be split into smaller stakes, and an unused token is gone after seven days. There is no no-deposit bonus.

To claim it:

1. Download the app or open the site. Search DraftKings in the App Store or Google Play, or use the offer button.
2. Create your account. Enter your email, a password, your legal name, date of birth, home address and phone number.
3. Verify your identity (KYC). DraftKings asks for the last four digits of your Social Security number and checks your details. If it cannot match them, it requests a photo ID such as a driver’s license.
4. Enable location services. The app needs location access to confirm you are in a state where DraftKings is licensed.
5. Deposit at least $5. Cards and PayPal are usually instant.
6. Place a $5 cash bet. Any eligible market counts. Your eight $25 Bonus Bets then appear in the account.

Claim the DraftKings Sportsbook offer

New customers only, 21+ (18+ in DC and WY), physically present in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, DC or WY. First bet of $5 or more from your cash balance on any eligible market. $200 paid as eight $25 Bonus Bets, win or lose, valid for 7 days (168 hours) from crediting; Bonus Bet winnings exclude the stake. One offer per customer. A per-wager fee may apply in Illinois. Terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

DraftKings Sportsbook promo code

The DraftKings welcome offer does not require a promo code, and there is no code box to fill in at sign-up: register, deposit and place your first $5 bet. If the Bonus Bets don’t appear within 72 business hours, raise it with support through the help center. Codes on other sites may be for different DraftKings offers, so trust the offer screen in the app.

Offer detail	What you get
Promo Code	No promo code needed
Welcome offer	Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets, win or lose
Who qualifies	New customers physically present in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA and WV at 21+; DC and WY at 18+; one offer per customer
Qualifying bet	First bet of $5 or more from your cash balance on any eligible market
How to claim	Register, verify your identity, deposit at least $5 and place a $5+ cash bet; the Bonus Bets credit to your account; a per-wager fee may apply in Illinois

DraftKings Sportsbook bonus bet terms and playthrough

The conditions attached to the Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets offer, as DraftKings Sportsbook sets them out:

Bonus term	Detail
Minimum odds	None stated; any eligible market counts
Maximum win / free bet value	$200 paid as eight $25 Bonus Bets; winnings exclude the Bonus Bet stake
Expiry	Bonus Bets valid for 7 days (168 hours) from crediting

DraftKings at a glance

• Operator: DraftKings Inc., Boston
• Welcome offer: Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets
• Promo Code: No promo code needed
• Legal in: 26 states plus DC and Puerto Rico
• Minimum age: 21+, or 18+ in DC, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico and Wyoming
• Minimum deposit: $5 for the welcome offer
• Payment methods: Visa, Mastercard, Discover, PayPal, online banking, VIP Preferred e-check, Play+ prepaid card, DraftKings gift cards, wire transfer, cash at partner casinos and retail locations
• App ratings: 4.8 on the App Store (1.3 million ratings), about 4.8 on Google Play
• Signature features: SGPx, cash out, live in-game betting, odds boosts, horse racing and prediction markets in the same app

Our verdict

DraftKings is the most widely available sportsbook in the country, and its welcome offer is the easiest $200 in US betting: one $5 bet, win or lose. Behind it sits a deep product, with strong live betting, SGPx, cash out on parlays and a huge choice of payment methods. The weaknesses are the ones every big operator shares: Bonus Bets that pay profit only, and a vocal minority of customers angry about account reviews and slow first withdrawals. If you only open one sportsbook account, DraftKings or FanDuel is the sensible choice, and in New Hampshire, Oregon or Maine, DraftKings is the obvious one.

Pros

• One $5 bet unlocks $200 in Bonus Bets, win or lose, usually instantly
• The widest state coverage of any US sportsbook, including New Hampshire, Oregon and Maine
• SGPx, plus cash out on many Same Game Parlays
• 4.8 on the App Store from 1.3 million ratings
• Huge cashier, including Discover, Play+ and gift cards, with no withdrawal fees

Cons

• The $200 comes as eight fixed $25 Bonus Bets, which cannot be split
• Bonus Bet winnings exclude the stake
• Card deposits cannot be used for withdrawals
• No live inbound phone support, only a call-back voicemail line
• 1.2 on Trustpilot, driven by account restriction and withdrawal complaints
• A per-wager fee may apply in Illinois

Sports, markets and bet types

DraftKings lists dozens of sports, with the deepest coverage on the NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, college football and college basketball, followed by soccer, tennis, golf, UFC, NASCAR and esports.

Bet types you will find:

• Moneylines, spreads and totals, pre-game and live
• Player props across every major league, from touchdown scorers to strikeouts
• Futures on championships, MVPs and season win totals
• Parlays, teasers and round robins
• Live, in-game betting with real-time spreads, moneylines and totals

Same Game Parlays and SGPx. DraftKings’ Same Game Parlay builder lets you stack legs from one game, such as the Chiefs moneyline, Patrick Mahomes over 2.5 passing touchdowns and the game over 46.5. SGPx, short for Same Game Parlay Plus, combines Same Game Parlays from different games into one ticket.

Cash out. DraftKings offers cash out on pre-game bets, on bets placed earlier in a live event and on many Same Game Parlays. The cash-out value depends on your stake, the original odds and the current odds, and it is unavailable while betting on that market is suspended.

More in the same app. The DraftKings app also carries horse racing and a separate prediction markets product. For more on how prediction markets differ from sportsbooks, see our prediction markets hub.

Promotions for existing customers

The promotions tab carries daily odds boosts, usually tied to a sport or a specific game, with stake limits on the biggest boosts. Profit boost tokens and parlay promotions rotate through the week during football season. Betting also feeds DraftKings Dynasty Rewards, the loyalty scheme shared with the casino, fantasy, Pick6 and Golden Nugget: you earn Crowns and climb through Bronze, Silver, Gold, Diamond and Onyx tiers, and Crowns can be redeemed for free bets, casino credits, event tickets and merchandise.

Payments and withdrawals

DraftKings has one of the widest cashiers in US betting. The minimum deposit for the welcome offer is $5, and DraftKings does not charge withdrawal fees.

Method	Deposits	Withdrawals	Typical withdrawal time
Visa / Mastercard / Discover	Yes	No	n/a
PayPal	Yes	Yes	3 to 5 business days, often quicker
Online banking (ACH)	Yes	Yes	3 to 5 business days
VIP Preferred e-check	Yes	Yes	3 to 5 business days
Play+ prepaid card	Yes	Yes	2 to 4 business days
DraftKings gift cards	Yes	No	n/a
Wire transfer	Yes	Yes (large amounts)	24 to 48 hours
Cash at casino cage or retail	Yes	Casino cage in some states	Same day by appointment
Check by mail	No	Yes	Up to 7 business days

You have to complete verification before your first withdrawal, and DraftKings generally pays out to a method you have deposited with. Bonus Bets themselves can never be withdrawn; only the profit they generate can.

App and customer service

DraftKings is licensed separately in each state where it takes bets. You can register from anywhere, but you can only bet while geolocation confirms you are inside a legal state. Your account works across all of them: a New Yorker who drives to Connecticut can keep betting with the same balance, under Connecticut’s rules. Promotions, markets and some bet types change with the state you are in. VPNs and location spoofing apps are blocked, and using one can get an account closed; our guide to VPNs explains when to switch one off.

• iOS: 4.8 out of 5 on the US App Store, from about 1.3 million ratings (DraftKings: Sports & Casino)
• Android: about 4.8 out of 5 on Google Play (DraftKings: Sports & Casino)

Casino games in the same app are limited to Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and West Virginia.

Support runs through a searchable help center with a “submit a request” form, which DraftKings points to as the fastest route; live chat when agents are available; support@draftkings.com; and @DK_Assist on X. The only phone option is a Player Advocate voicemail line, 1-855-357-2377, which returns calls rather than taking them live, so urgent problems are best raised through chat or a ticket.

What players say

The star ratings are excellent, but the written reviews that sit on top of them are mostly complaints. “Do not need customer service because they don’t exist,” wrote Elev8tion57 on the App Store in October 2026, before signing off: “I’m going to try FanDuel.” Babii_tink blamed the ESPN tie-up in May 2026: “ever since merging with espn it’s been horrible.”

On Google Play, Kyle M. wrote in May 2023 that “The app is extremely sluggish and difficult to move between various sports and other menus,” and Josh R. said the same month: “Whenever you reach out to customer service they just send you back pre-written emails that don’t answer your questions.”

The ratings, 4.8 from about 1.3 million on the App Store, reflect players who like the speed of live betting, the depth of props and the Same Game Parlay builder. Trustpilot is a different world: DraftKings’ profile scores 1.2 out of 5 from around 900 reviews, more than 90% of them one-star. The profile is unclaimed and DraftKings does not invite customers to post, so the sample skews toward people with problems. The recurring themes are accounts restricted after “unusual activity” flags, repeated requests for ID and bank documents, withdrawals held for weeks during reviews, slow or circular replies from support, and promotions that reviewers say were not credited. A Wall Street Journal analysis of Better Business Bureau complaints against the biggest sportsbooks found similar themes, and noted that DraftKings responded to every complaint filed with the BBB.

License, safety and safer gambling

Each jurisdiction licenses DraftKings through its own regulator, often with a land-based casino or tribal partner providing market access.

State	Regulator	Market-access partner	Minimum age
Arizona	Arizona Department of Gaming	Gila River Casinos	21+
Colorado	Colorado Division of Gaming	Mardi Gras Casino	21+
Connecticut	Department of Consumer Protection, Gaming Division	Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation (Foxwoods)	21+
District of Columbia	Office of Lottery and Gaming	n/a	18+
Illinois	Illinois Gaming Board	Casino Queen	21+
Indiana	Indiana Gaming Commission	Ameristar	21+
Iowa	Iowa Racing and Gaming Commission	Wild Rose Casino	21+
Kansas	Kansas Racing and Gaming Commission	Boot Hill Casino	21+
Kentucky	Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation	n/a	21+
Louisiana	Louisiana Gaming Control Board (select parishes)	n/a	21+
Maine	Gambling Control Unit	n/a	21+
Maryland	Maryland Lottery and Gaming Control Agency	n/a	21+
Massachusetts	Massachusetts Gaming Commission	n/a	21+
Michigan	Michigan Gaming Control Board	Bay Mills Resort & Casino	21+
Missouri	Missouri Gaming Commission	n/a	21+
New Hampshire	New Hampshire Lottery Commission	n/a	18+
New Jersey	Division of Gaming Enforcement	Resorts Casino Hotel	21+
New York	New York State Gaming Commission	del Lago Resort & Casino	21+
North Carolina	North Carolina Lottery Commission	n/a	21+
Ohio	Ohio Casino Control Commission	Hollywood Casino Toledo and Columbus	21+
Oregon	Oregon Lottery	n/a	21+
Pennsylvania	Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board	n/a	21+
Puerto Rico	Puerto Rico Gaming Commission	n/a	18+
Tennessee	Sports Wagering Council	n/a	21+
Vermont	Department of Liquor and Lottery	n/a	21+
Virginia	Virginia Lottery	n/a	21+
West Virginia	West Virginia Lottery Commission	n/a	21+
Wyoming	Wyoming Gaming Commission	n/a	18+

DraftKings is the only online sportsbook in New Hampshire and one of very few in Oregon and Maine. It is not available online in California, Texas, Florida or Georgia.

Responsible gaming tools, including limits and self-exclusion, are at rg.draftkings.com. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or the national helpline, 1-800-522-4700. In New York, call 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369); Ohio customers see Ohio-specific messaging, including 1-800-MY-RESET. For budgeting and keeping betting money separate, see our money section.

DraftKings vs FanDuel, bet365 and Hard Rock Bet

	DraftKings	FanDuel	bet365	Hard Rock Bet
Welcome offer	Bet $5, get $200 in Bonus Bets	Bet $5 a day, get up to $350 in Bonus Bets	Bet $10, get $200 in Bonus Bets	Bet $5, get up to $500 in No Sweat Bets
Promo Code	No promo code needed	No promo code needed	No promo code needed	No promo code needed
Bets needed to unlock	One	Seven, on consecutive days	One $10 bet	One $5 bet, then daily No Sweat tokens
Online states	26 plus DC and PR	24 plus DC and PR	16 plus DC	10, including Florida
Signature feature	SGPx and live betting	Same Game Parlay+	Live streaming and early payouts	Flex Parlay

DraftKings vs FanDuel. When DailyStoke compared the two giants, FanDuel’s headline was bigger, but DraftKings’ $200 takes one bet rather than seven days of betting, so for a casual bettor it is the easier money. DraftKings covers more states; FanDuel’s Same Game Parlay builder is a touch slicker and its app scores slightly better on Android.

DraftKings vs bet365. bet365 brings its European live betting engine and strong soccer coverage. DraftKings is in far more states and has the more developed US prop markets.

DraftKings vs Hard Rock Bet. Hard Rock Bet is the choice in Florida, where DraftKings does not operate, and its No Sweat Bets protect losing bets rather than paying out regardless. Elsewhere, DraftKings offers more markets, more promotions and a better-rated app.

DraftKings FAQs

Does DraftKings need a promo code?

No. The DraftKings welcome offer does not require a promo code. Sign up, deposit and place your first $5 bet.

How does DraftKings “bet $5, get $200” work?

Place a first cash bet of $5 or more on any eligible market. DraftKings then credits $200 in Bonus Bets, paid as eight $25 Bonus Bets, whether your first bet wins or loses.

Do I have to win my first bet to get the DraftKings bonus?

No. The Bonus Bets are paid win or lose. If your first bet wins, you also collect its cash winnings when it settles.

Is there a DraftKings no deposit bonus?

No. DraftKings’ sportsbook welcome offer requires a deposit and a first cash bet of at least $5.

How long do DraftKings Bonus Bets last?

Each Bonus Bet is valid for 7 days (168 hours) from the moment it is credited. Unused Bonus Bets expire after that.

Is DraftKings legal in my state?

DraftKings takes online bets in 26 states plus DC and Puerto Rico; the license table above lists every one. It is not available online in California, Texas, Florida or Georgia.

What is the minimum age to bet on DraftKings?

21 in most states, and 18 in DC, New Hampshire, Puerto Rico and Wyoming.

What is SGPx on DraftKings?

SGPx (Same Game Parlay Plus) combines two or more Same Game Parlays from different games into one bet. Every leg must win for it to pay.

Can you cash out a bet on DraftKings?

Yes, on many pre-game and live bets, including many Same Game Parlays. The offer changes with the odds and is unavailable while a market is suspended.

How long do DraftKings withdrawals take?

Most methods, including PayPal and online banking, take 3 to 5 business days. Wire transfers can arrive in 24 to 48 hours, and you must be verified before your first withdrawal.

How do I contact DraftKings customer service?

Use live chat or submit a request through the DraftKings help center, email support@draftkings.com, or message @DK_Assist on X.

Claim the DraftKings Sportsbook offer

New customers only, 21+ (18+ in DC and WY), physically present in AZ, CO, CT, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, LA (select parishes), ME, MD, MA, MI, NJ, NY, NC, OH, PA, TN, VT, VA, WV, DC or WY. First bet of $5 or more from your cash balance on any eligible market. $200 paid as eight $25 Bonus Bets, win or lose, valid for 7 days (168 hours) from crediting; Bonus Bet winnings exclude the stake. One offer per customer. A per-wager fee may apply in Illinois. Terms apply. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER

More on DailyStoke

• Sportsbook apps hub: every option side by side
• FanDuel Sportsbook review, bet365 Sportsbook review and Hard Rock Bet Sportsbook review: the main rivals
• DraftKings Casino review: the casino tab in CT, MI, NJ, PA and WV
• Prediction markets hub: how event contracts differ from sports bets