Sportsbooks Deploy Aggressive Acquisition Promos for Week 1
AI-generated image · US National Wire
Major betting apps and prediction markets are utilizing 'bet and get' and first-bet insurance models to attract users ahead of the college football season.
As the 2026 college football season kicks off, major sportsbooks are deploying a variety of promotional structures to acquire new users. According to CBS Sports, the current landscape is divided between low-barrier 'bet and get' offers and higher-stakes insurance or matching models.
DraftKings and FanDuel are utilizing the low-entry approach. DraftKings is offering new users $200 in bonus bets following a $5 wager. FanDuel is offering up to $350 in bonus bets for users who bet $5 daily for seven days, with a bet reset token provided for each $5 wager, per CBS Sports.
Other operators are focusing on larger initial commitments. BetMGM is offering up to $1,500 in bonus bets if a user's first bet loses, though the full amount requires a $1,500 wager. Fanatics Sportsbook is providing a 10-day bet match of up to $100 per day in FanCash. Additionally, Caesars Sportsbook is offering to double winnings on a user's next 10 wagers after a $1 bet, provided the first bet has minimum -10,000 odds, as reported by CBS Sports.
Beyond traditional sportsbooks, prediction markets are also competing for market share. CBS Sports reports that Kalshi is offering $25 in bonus trading credits to users who make an initial trade of $25 or more, while Polymarket is providing a $50 trading bonus for a $10 deposit.