DraftKings is offering new users $300 [1] in bonus bets if their first $5 [2] wager wins on Saturday, April 18, 2026 [4].
This promotion targets new customers during a high-traffic sports window, leveraging the NBA playoffs and the start of the MLB season to increase user acquisition. By lowering the entry barrier to five dollars, the company aims to attract a broader demographic of bettors.
The offer applies to several high-profile matchups scheduled for Saturday. In the NBA, users can wager on the Knicks vs. Hawks and the Rockets vs. Lakers games [1, 3]. In Major League Baseball, the promotion extends to the game between the Astros and the Cardinals [1].
There are conflicting reports regarding the requirements to claim the bonus. CBS Sports said a promo code is necessary to secure the funds [1], while Covers.com said no code is needed to claim the welcome bonus [3].
Similarly, the scope of the bonus varies by source. Al.com said the bonus applies specifically to the first round of the NBA playoffs [2]. However, WTOP said the bonus can be used across NBA playoffs, MLB, and NHL games [4].
For those looking at higher-risk options, some promotional parlays offer payout odds of +452, meaning a risk of $100 to win $452 [1]. This structure allows new users to either start with a small, low-risk bet or attempt a larger payout through combined game outcomes.
“New users can claim $300 in bonus bets if their first $5 wager wins.”
This aggressive promotion reflects the intense competition among U.S. sportsbooks to capture market share during the spring sports overlap. By offering a high-value reward for a nominal five-dollar entry, DraftKings is prioritizing user growth over immediate profit margins, a common strategy during the NBA playoffs when betting volume peaks.
