Locating the best esports betting bonus is not just about finding the biggest number. The loot on offer is always subject to specific terms and conditions. Wagering requirements, eligible markets, and expiry windows all affect how achievable and valuable each CS2 betting site’s bonus really is. So we’ve skipped the marketing hype and looked at the real details to show you which esports bonuses are actually worth claiming.

TL;DR – Top Esports Betting Bonuses Right Now

We know gamers like to get to the point, so we’ll do just that. Here are our current top picks for the best esports betting bonuses you can bag from the top US sportsbooks right now.

1. bet365 – You can use our exclusive bet365 bonus code to bag some serious loot.

2. DraftKings – DraftKings provides new users with an S-Tier bonus, and to make things even better, the site has premier esports betting coverage.

3. BetMGM – You can select between two excellent sign-up bonuses when you open your BetMGM account.

4. Caesars Sportsbook – Get the full Vegas experience! The outstanding Caesars sign-up bonus gives you loot regardless of whether your first bet wins or loses.

More Esports Betting Site Bonuses

Every major online sportsbook rewards new users with a bonus when they sign up. Every betting site has a different level of coverage, but you should be able to use any rewards you earn to bet on esports if the site covers them. You can use the drop-down menu below to see all the top betting sites that are available in your state, plus their current sign-up bonuses.

We put serious work into building and updating our CS2 betting sites rankings. This list factors several key aspects of each esports betting site, including any bonuses they offer. If you want more intel about each platform, check out our full reviews.

How We Rank Esports Betting Bonuses

Our procedure is to delve deeper than the bonus headline. Often, the flashiest esports bonuses come with ridiculous qualifying requirements. It’s all about finding the most balanced promo, and here’s what we specifically look for.

Realistic Terms

Terms can make or break a bonus. A massive bonus % means nothing if it comes with a 1000x wagering requirement. A free bet is useless if you can only use it on the Icelandic Premier League. Any esports bonus we rank highly must have realistic, achievable terms.

Bonus Expiry

Most betting bonuses expire within 7 to 14 days. We penalise any bonuses that have ridiculously small expiry windows, as they encourage you to use your rewards on esports or events that you might not have a good understanding of.

Max Bonus

We know we’ve stressed that the headline isn’t everything, but it’s certainly a part of what makes a good bonus. After all, the higher the max bonus, the more loot you can bag.

Min Deposit/Bet

On the other hand, a good esports bonus needs to be attainable. Sites that offer bonuses with a low minimum deposit allow you to bag a reward even if your bankroll is on the lower end of the spectrum.

Payout/Withdrawal Restrictions

Everyone uses different payment methods, so bonuses that restrict how you can deposit to earn them are a big no-no. You should be able to receive the bonus rewards regardless of your preferred payment option.

Reward Type

Not all esports betting bonuses are the same. Free Bets, Deposit Bonuses, and Cashback Offers all have pros and cons! We’ll go into more detail on each esports bonus format below.

Types Of Esports Betting Bonus

Each betting platform offers users a different format of esports betting bonus. Some have higher elo than others. We’ll break them all down below.

Deposit Bonus

A classic first deposit buff. The betting site will match your initial deposit by a set percentage. The exact percentage varies by site, but around 100% is a solid offer. The max bonus is usually capped, and virtually always subject to a wagering requirement. The lower the requirement, the less time you’ll have to rush the bonus you get.  

Set Free Bets

The simplest betting site sign-up bonus. You place a qualifying bet, and the betting site will drop a set payload of bonus credits into your account. You’ll know both before you start betting. Like deposit-based bonuses, these will be subject to wagering requirements.

Cashback Offers

This bonus relies on your first bet, and whether it’s successful or not. You’ll have to place a specific type of bet, and if you lose, you’ll get your funds back. Usually, this refund comes in the form of free bets or bonus funds, but the best ones actually give you back your cash.

Odds Boosts

Some sites provide new users with a massive odds boost bonus. These will usually focus on a popular event that’s currently happening. For example, ‘Get +5000 on FNATIC to win the next Major.’ These odds are specifically for new users and only allow you to risk a very low max stake. The best odds boosts will pay you out in cash, but some give you the extra winnings as bonus funds.

These are the most common esports bonus formats you’ll find on the top esports betting apps in the US. However, platforms are always looking for ways to get more players, meaning they regularly launch new and innovative sign-up offers.

Esports Bonus Terms Explained

All the gambling mumbo jumbo surrounding betting site bonuses may be slightly confusing, especially if you’re new to CS2 gambling. We’ll break down each of these technical terms below to help you understand exactly what each means and how they affect the true value of a bonus.

• Wagering/Rollover Requirement – You can’t withdraw most bonus rewards immediately. This requirement tells you how many times you have to risk your rewards before you can withdraw them.

• Min Deposit – The minimum amount you can deposit to get the bonus on offer.

• Max Stake – The maximum amount you can risk and get rewarded for. For example, let’s say a betting site offers new users ‘+1000 for Vitality to win their next match’. The max stake is likely to be very low!

• Max Bonus – The maximum bonus amount you can get. It’s important to consider this when signing up for a betting site that offers a deposit match bonus.

• Bonus % – The percentage of your deposit or bet that you’ll get as a bonus.

• Eligible Markets – The bet types you can place to earn the bonus, or the bets you can use a bonus on. The wider the scope of the eligible markets, the easier it is to earn and use the esports betting bonus.

How To Claim An Esports Betting Bonus

If you’re a gamer, you’ll find accessing a site’s sign-up bonus a breeze. The process is highly similar regardless of the bonus you’re looking to claim. We’ll break down the key step just in case you’re a complete online betting rookie.

• Start The Sign-Up Process – Use our links to open a betting site and begin the sign-up process. Using our links ensures you’ll get access to the latest sign-up bonus at each site.

• Check Bonus / Enter Promo Code – You should see the bonus offer you’re getting during registration. Make sure to check the T&CS, then complete your account registration. Some betting sites require a promo code to unlock their bonus. Our bet365 bonus code HLTV365 is a prime example. If you use our links to open a betting site, we’ll apply these CS2 promo codes for you.

• Deposit & Place Qualifying Bet – Make your first deposit, and if the site offers a deposit match bonus, you’ll receive it immediately. However, at some sites, you need to place a qualifying bet to earn your reward. Make sure you meet the T&Cs of the bonus you’re trying to earn.

• Keep Track Of The Bonuses You’ve Earned – Once you’ve got your free bets or bonus funds, make sure you keep track of when they expire. You also need to keep in mind any wagering requirements the betting site has placed on your rewards.

The actual value of any bonus you acquire will rely heavily on how you use it. If you can’t find a winning bet, it will ultimately count for nothing.

Esports Bonus Tips & Mistakes To Avoid

Maximising the value you get from each bonus is essential. The more value you extract, the further you can stretch your esports betting inventory. Below, we’ll run you through some common mistakes to avoid and share our top betting bonus tips.

• Chasing Headline Value – Don’t be blinded by a bonus that promises a massive reward. Always dig into the T&Cs to see if each bonus is worth your time.

• Ignoring Esports Eligibility – Some betting sites don’t cover esports, and others don’t allow you to use bonuses to bet on them. If CS2 is the only thing you want to be on, make sure you check both of these things before signing up and depositing.

• Not Checking Expiry – Use them or lose them. Data shows that 30% of bonus bets on betting sites go unused. A perfect bet may never come, so focus on finding the best possible wager with the bonus expiry periods.

• Using A Bonus Too Fast – Conversely, you don’t need to use your bonus on the first bet you see. Make sure you do your research and find a CS2 or esports bet that represents real value.

• Sticking To One Betting Site – Nothing stops you from bagging the bonus on offer at multiple esports betting sites. So rather than making another deposit into an account you’ve already opened, have a look at a new site and see if you can get another bonus instead.

Responsible CS2 Gambling

All HLTV users should take the Gamalyze self-assessment test. This brief quiz will give you a deeper understanding of your personal gambling tendencies and help you discover the responsible gambling tools most relevant to you.

That’s not all, we also have a wealth of other responsible gambling resources. Here are some of our in-depth HLTV safer gambling based articles:

• Time Management – This page focuses on the time management tools you can use while betting on CS2.

• Money Management – In this article, we list the money management methods you can use to prevent problem gambling.

• HLTV Responsible Gambling Commitment – Read more about responsible gambling and HLTV’s commitment to promoting it.

Remember, when online betting on Counter-Strike or anything else, you should always practise responsible gambling. You must be 18+ to play.

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