Every Ohio sportsbook wants new customers. And they're willing to pay you to bring them. Referral bonuses give both you and your friend bonus bets when they sign up using your link.
Here's how to maximize these programs.
HOW REFERRAL BONUSES WORK
Get Your Unique Referral Link
Find the "Refer a Friend" section in your sportsbook app. You'll get a personalized link or code to share.
Friend Signs Up Using Your Link
Your friend creates a new account through your link. They must be a first-time user of that sportsbook.
Friend Makes Qualifying Deposit/Bet
Most programs require the new user to deposit and place a qualifying bet (usually $10-$50 minimum).
Both Receive Bonus Bets
Once requirements are met, both you and your friend receive bonus bets. Usually within 24-72 hours.
REFERRAL PROGRAMS BY SPORTSBOOK
DraftKings
Up to $100Terms change frequently. Check app for current offer.
FanDuel
Up to $75Lower barrier to entry than some competitors.
BetMGM
Up to $50Tied to MGM Rewards program.
Caesars
Up to $100Caesars Rewards tier credits also included.
Referral bonus amounts change frequently. These are typical ranges—always check the current offer in your app before sharing your link.
HOW TO MAXIMIZE REFERRALS
🎯 Target the Right Friends
Focus on friends who actually want to bet, not people who'll sign up and never use it. Inactive accounts don't help either of you.
📱 Share at the Right Time
Big sports weekends (NFL playoffs, March Madness) are when friends are most likely to want to bet. Time your pitch.
🔗 Use All Your Accounts
If you have accounts at multiple sportsbooks, refer friends to each one. Maximize total bonus bets earned.
💬 Explain the Benefits
Tell friends they get bonus bets too—it's not just you benefiting. They might not know about the friend bonus.
COMMON RULES & RESTRICTIONS
New Users Only
Referral bonuses only work for people who have never had an account with that sportsbook. Same household members often don't qualify either.
Minimum Requirements
Your friend typically must deposit a minimum amount ($10-$50) and place at least one qualifying bet. Free bets or voided bets usually don't count.
Bonus Bet Rules Apply
The bonus bets you receive follow standard bonus bet rules. They expire (usually 7-14 days) and you don't get the stake back on wins.
Geographic Requirements
Your friend must be in Ohio (or another legal state) to sign up. Out-of-state friends can't create accounts.
Referral Limits
Most books cap how many friends you can refer (typically 10-20). Once you hit the limit, you can't earn more referral bonuses.
SMART REFERRAL STRATEGIES
Don't spam: Mass-texting your contact list is annoying and ineffective. Have genuine conversations with friends who are interested.
Help them succeed: When a friend signs up, help them understand the app and use their welcome bonus wisely. A friend who enjoys betting is more likely to stay active.
Coordinate timing: If your friend is going to sign up anyway, make sure they use your link first. It's easy to forget in the excitement of a big game.
Stack with welcome bonuses: Your friend gets BOTH the referral bonus AND the sportsbook's welcome offer. Make sure they understand they're getting both.
If you have multiple friends interested, spread them across different sportsbooks. You can refer Friend A to DraftKings, Friend B to FanDuel, etc. This maximizes your total bonus bets across platforms.
WHERE TO FIND YOUR REFERRAL LINK
DraftKings: Menu → Refer a Friend
FanDuel: Account → Refer a Friend
BetMGM: Menu → Invite Friends
Caesars: Profile → Refer a Friend
Each app makes it easy to copy your link and share via text, email, or social media.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Worth it: Easy bonus bets for both parties. No downside if your friend was going to sign up anyway.
Best approach: Target interested friends, time it around big sports events, help them understand the app.
Don't forget: Your friend gets bonus bets too—it's a win-win. Make sure they use your link before creating an account.