Ohio has 15+ legal sportsbooks, and they're all competing for your action. Smart bettors take advantage of this by "stacking" promotions—using multiple offers across different apps on the same events. Here's how it works.
Types of Promotions
Odds Boosts
Enhanced odds on specific bets. If a sportsbook offers "Bengals ML boosted to +150" when fair odds are +130, that's free value. Compare boosts to sharp lines to identify which are actually good.
Bet and Get
Bet $X, receive $Y in bonus bets. Example: "Bet $50, Get $10 in Bonus Bets." The bonus bets have value but aren't worth face value—factor in the playthrough requirements.
Profit Boosts
Increase your potential winnings by a percentage. "25% Profit Boost, Max $25 Extra" means you can win an extra $25 on qualifying bets. Best used on larger bets at longer odds.
Insurance / Second Chance
If your bet loses, get a refund as bonus bets. Reduces downside on risky bets but remember: the refund is in bonus bets, not cash.
A Stacking Example
Here's how you might stack promos for an NFL Sunday:
🏈 NFL Sunday Promo Stack
This is in addition to normal betting. You're extracting value from promotional offers that would otherwise go unused.
Weekly Promo Checklist
Each week, check these promos at each sportsbook:
| Sportsbook | Typical Weekly Promos | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| FanDuel | Odds boosts, SGP insurance, bet & gets | Volume of offers |
| DraftKings | Profit boosts, stepped parlays, missions | Profit boost value |
| BetMGM | Odds boosts, one-game parlays, edit bets | Boost quality |
| Caesars | Odds boosts, profit boosts, bet & gets | Rewards tier bonuses |
| bet365 | Early payout, parlay boosts | International events |
Many promos require you to opt-in before placing a qualifying bet. Check the promos tab on each app before betting. Missing an opt-in means missing free value.
How to Evaluate Odds Boosts
Not all odds boosts are created equal. Some are genuinely +EV, others are marketing designed to look good.
The Comparison Method
- Find the boosted bet on the sportsbook
- Check the same bet at 2-3 other sportsbooks
- Calculate implied probability at each price
- If the boost implies a lower probability than the average, it's +EV
Example: Evaluating a Boost
Bonus Bet Conversion
Bonus bets aren't worth face value because you don't get your stake back if they win. A $50 bonus bet is worth roughly $35-40 in expected value, depending on how you use it.
Maximizing Bonus Bet Value
- Use on plus-money bets: Longer odds = higher conversion rate
- Target +300 to +500 range: Good balance of conversion and hit rate
- Don't waste on heavy favorites: -300 favorites convert poorly
- Check expiration dates: Don't let them expire unused
Sportsbooks track promo usage. If you only bet promos and never place regular wagers, you may get promo-banned—locked out of future offers. Mix in regular betting to keep accounts in good standing.
The Time Investment
Promo stacking takes effort. You need to:
- Check multiple apps daily
- Evaluate which promos are actually +EV
- Track opt-ins and requirements
- Monitor bonus bet balances and expirations
For casual bettors, this might not be worth the hassle. For dedicated bettors, it can add hundreds of dollars in monthly value.
Keeping It Responsible
Promos are designed to increase betting volume. Don't let promo hunting override good bankroll management:
- Stick to the 1% rule even when chasing promos
- Don't bet more than you planned just to qualify for a promo
- Promos add value to bets you were already making—they're not free money
- If you find yourself betting specifically to unlock promos, step back