When bet365 rolled out its latest welcome deal in October 2025, the headline was simple: bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets, no matter if the first wager wins or loses. The offer, anchored by a bet365 bonus code requirement, instantly sparked chatter across the U.S. betting community because the code you enter changes depending on where you live. Sarah Johnson, the company’s North American market director, told reporters on October 8, 2025 that the promotion aims to "enhance the betting experience while keeping responsible gambling front‑and‑center". Early analysts like John Alesia of TheLines.com confirmed on October 15 that no extra promo strings are required, though using the right code can unlock extra perks. Meanwhile, CBS Sports’ betting reporter David Satriano highlighted a CBSBET365 code that also hands out the $200 bonus after a $5 stake, correcting an earlier report that mistakenly listed the bonus as $150.
How the $200 Bonus Works
To claim the guaranteed $200, a new user must first download the bet365 mobile app – available on both iOS and Android – and complete the registration flow. During sign‑up the user is prompted to enter a promo code; the default for most jurisdictions is "COVERS". After the code is accepted, the bettor chooses between two pathways: a straight‑up $200 bonus or a higher‑risk $1,000 bonus that only triggers if the initial $5 wager wins. The platform automatically credits the chosen bonus to the account within a few minutes, ready for use on any sport, from NBA games to NFL matchups.
State‑Specific Bonus Codes
Because U.S. gambling law is a patchwork of state rules, bet365 tailors its codes to comply with local regulations. Residents of Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Tennessee must type in "CVSBONUS" instead of the generic "COVERS". The distinction isn’t just cosmetic – the code activates a slightly different verification process that satisfies each state’s licensing board. For example, Tennessee’s gaming commission requires an extra age verification step, which the system handles automatically when "CVSBONUS" is entered.
- Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Tennessee: use code
CVSBONUS - All other states (including Kentucky): use code
COVERS - Minimum age: 21 nationwide, 18 in Kentucky per Kentucky Revised Statutes § 528.110
These nuances are why the promotion’s fine print – updated on September 1, 2025 – stresses that the bonus is only available through the mobile app; there’s no desktop‑only sign‑up path.
Ongoing Promotions for Existing Bettors
New‑user bait is just the tip of the iceberg. Once you’re in the ecosystem, bet365 rolls out a rotating menu of boosts and guarantees that keep the action fresh throughout the 2025‑2026 season. Some of the headline offers include:
- NBA SGP Boost: 50% odds boost on three‑leg same‑game parlays for Opening Night games (terms updated October 1, 2025).
- NBA Futures Boost: 30% profit lift on wagers for the league champion.
- Tip‑Off Tuesdays: Up to $10 in bonus bets if a three‑leg NBA parlay loses.
- Champions League SGP Boost: 50% profit boost on three‑leg UEFA matches.
- 100% Parlay Boost: Double your odds on any 2‑plus‑leg parlay across NFL, MLB, NHL, ATP/WTA tours, EPL and Champions League (terms refreshed October 5, 2025).
Special conditional promos run alongside these, like “Early Payout” offers that settle a bet early if an NFL team builds a 17‑point lead, or “Tennis Retirement” deals that auto‑win a wager when a player retires due to injury. The company’s loyalty tier, hinted at in a September 2025 update, promises further tier‑based perks, though the exact benefits remain under wraps.
Industry Reaction and Expert Opinions
Betting analysts have been quick to dissect the $200 deal. Covers.com noted that the guaranteed nature of the bonus—no win condition—makes it one of the most consumer‑friendly welcome offers on the market. "It lowers the entry barrier for casual fans who might balk at a higher‑risk promotion," said a senior editor at Covers.com on October 12, 2025.
TheLines.com’s John Alesia emphasized the importance of the state‑specific codes, warning that bettors who ignore the correct code could see the bonus bounce back as a standard promotional credit, which often comes with higher wagering requirements.
David Satriano from CBS Sports highlighted the competitive landscape, pointing out that rival sportsbooks such as DraftKings and FanDuel are offering similar $100‑$150 bonuses, but none currently match bet365’s $200 figure with the same level of flexibility across all sports.
What the Fine Print Looks Like
Every promotion comes with strings attached, and bet365’s offers are no exception. The $200 bonus carries a minimum odds requirement of +100 (decimal 2.00) and must be used within 30 days of credit. If a bettor tries to cash out the bonus on a single‑event market, the platform will auto‑convert it to a parlay format to meet its own “multiple‑selection” rule.
State‑by‑state restrictions also apply. For instance, Nevada residents cannot claim the promotion because the state’s licensing authority prohibits first‑time bonus bets without a minimum deposit of $50. Kentucky’s lower age limit creates a unique edge: a handful of 18‑year‑old bettors have already capitalized on the offer, prompting the Kentucky Gaming Commission to review the statute after the promotion’s launch.
Looking Ahead: Trends in U.S. Sports Betting
The bet365 rollout underscores a broader shift toward aggressive acquisition tactics as the U.S. market approaches its third year of widespread legalization. Companies are betting (pun intended) that generous, low‑hurdle bonuses will lock in lifelong customers. Sarah Johnson hinted at “more localized promos” slated for early 2026, suggesting that the industry may soon see city‑level offers tied to major events like the Super Bowl or the World Series.
Meanwhile, regulators are tightening the reins on bonus transparency, demanding that operators disclose wagering requirements and expiration dates in bold type on all promotional material. If bet365 can balance big bonuses with clear, responsible‑gaming messaging, it may set a new standard for how sportsbooks attract and retain American bettors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim the $200 bonus as a new user?
Download the bet365 mobile app, register with your personal details, and enter the appropriate promo code – either "COVERS" for most states or "CVSBONUS" for Colorado, Illinois, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Tennessee. After the $5 qualifying wager, the $200 bonus is credited automatically and can be used on any sport within 30 days, subject to a minimum +100 odds requirement.
What age do I need to be to use bet365 in the United States?
The standard legal age is 21 in all states except Kentucky, where the Kentucky Revised Statutes § 528.110 lower the minimum to 18. Bet365’s terms explicitly enforce these age limits during the registration process.
Are there any wagering requirements attached to the $200 bonus?
Yes. The bonus must be wagered on selections with odds of at least +100 (decimal 2.00) and must be used within 30 days of credit. Bet365 also requires the bonus to be placed on a multi‑leg parlay rather than a single‑event market.
What other promotions does bet365 offer to existing customers?
Current offers include a 50% NBA same‑game parlay boost for Opening Night, a 30% NBA Futures boost, Tip‑Off Tuesdays $10 bonus on losing parlays, a 100% Parlay Boost across major US sports, and sport‑specific boosts like the Champions League SGP Boost. Promotions are updated regularly throughout the 2025‑2026 season.
Will bet365’s bonus codes change in the future?
According to Sarah Johnson, bet365 plans to roll out “more localized promos” in early 2026, which could introduce new state‑specific codes tied to major sporting events. Bettors should keep an eye on the app’s announcements for any updates.