On June 21, 2025, two leading U.S. sports betting platforms—Fanatics Sportsbook and BetMGM—unveiled aggressive promotional offers in a bid to attract new users and solidify market share amid a fiercely competitive digital gambling landscape. The promotions are strategically timed with key sporting events and underscore the platforms’ push for growth ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup in North America.
Fanatics Sportsbook introduced a generous “no-sweat” first-bet promotion in conjunction with the 2025 Travelers Championship, one of the more anticipated PGA Tour events. The offer is tailored for new users, providing up to $1,000 in bonus bets if their first wager loses. To qualify, users must place at least one bet daily of $1 or more at odds of -500 or longer over a 10-day period.
Available in 21 U.S. states and Washington, D.C., the promotion excludes users in New York due to local regulatory constraints. Fanatics’ structure encourages consistent user engagement, aiming to develop long-term betting habits through incremental daily participation. Industry observers note that the promotion’s extended timeframe—offering daily opportunities for bonus recovery—differs from traditional one-time offers and may appeal to more cautious bettors.
By aligning this promotion with the Travelers Championship, Fanatics leverages a loyal fanbase in the golf community. The tournament features some of the PGA Tour’s top talent, including past winners and fan favorites, creating a natural touchpoint for both seasoned and casual sports bettors.
On the same day, BetMGM launched its own attention-grabbing deal—offering up to $1,500 in bonus bets to new users who sign up using the code “POSTBET” and place an initial bet on the Yankees vs. Orioles game. If the first wager loses, users receive bonus credits equal to their loss.
Unlike Fanatics’ promotion, BetMGM’s offer is available in key Northeast markets, including New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania. This focus on the Yankees—a team with a massive fan base and regular media attention—adds localized relevance and a sense of immediacy to the offer.
The Yankees’ recent performance, led in part by pitcher Clarke Schmidt and his 3.16 ERA over recent games, has been a focal point for fans and analysts. By centering the promotion on a high-profile matchup, BetMGM taps into the passion of regional sports audiences while offering a safety net for first-time wagers.
These promotional moves reflect broader trends in the U.S. sports betting market, which has seen rapid expansion since the Supreme Court’s 2018 decision to lift the federal ban on sports gambling. As more states legalize online betting, sportsbooks are intensifying their efforts to capture and retain customers through aggressive marketing.
Analysts suggest these promotions are not just about short-term conversions—they’re designed to build user loyalty and data-rich user bases ahead of global events like the 2026 World Cup, which is expected to be one of the most bet-on tournaments in history. With North America hosting the event for the first time in over three decades, platforms like Fanatics and BetMGM are racing to position themselves as the go-to options for both experienced and novice bettors.
“The industry is entering a phase where customer acquisition costs are soaring,” said David Schwartz, a gaming industry analyst. “These kinds of high-value, event-tied promotions are becoming necessary tools to stand out in an increasingly saturated market.”
As U.S. sportsbooks continue to evolve, expect similar promotions tied to other marquee events—from the NFL and NBA seasons to global competitions like the Olympics and World Cup. With millions of potential users still untapped in newly legalized or soon-to-be-legalized markets, the push for brand recognition and user acquisition is far from over.
For Fanatics and BetMGM, these campaigns represent more than just marketing—it’s a strategic stake in the future of American sports betting, where loyalty, usability, and localized relevance may ultimately determine who leads in a multibillion-dollar industry.
