When Peter Clarke, senior sports reporter at DraftKings, broke the story early Thursday, bettors across the U.S. got a serious dose of excitement.
At 7:00 AM ET on October 23, 2025, DraftKings rolled out a no‑promo‑code offer that hands new sign‑ups a $300 bonus‑bet package—twelve $25 tickets—once they place a qualifying $5 wager. On top of that, every qualifying user unlocks three months of NBA League Pass, regardless of the bet’s outcome.
What the Promotion Actually Looks Like
The mechanics are as straightforward as they get. A newcomer must deposit at least $5, then wager exactly $5 on any market—yes, even the under‑dog spread on the Thursday Night Football clash between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Chargers. The promotional token, clearly labeled “$5 Bet, $300 Bonus,” must be selected before the wager is locked in.
If that first bet wins, DraftKings instantly credits twelve $25 bonus bets to the account. The platform promises delivery within seconds, but a technical hiccup can push it out to 72 hours. Each bonus bet expires seven days after it lands. Importantly, the stake of a bonus bet never counts toward a win—you keep the original profit, and the bonus bet amount is simply a free play.
Miss the first bet, and the $300 never materializes, yet the three‑month NBA League Pass still activates. The pass auto‑renews at $16.99 a month unless the user opts out before the next billing cycle.
Why Thursday Night Football Matters
The promotion’s timing isn’t random. It lands squarely on the night the Vikings, led by quarterback Carson Wentz, travel to face Justin Herbert and the Chargers. The matchup, part of the NFL’s Thursday Night Football slate, draws a primetime audience of roughly 6 million viewers, according to Nielsen estimates.
For bettors, it’s a perfect launch pad. The game’s spread, over/under, and player props are all live on DraftKings, providing plenty of angles for that $5 qualifying wager. The buzz around Wentz’s return from injury and Herbert’s deep‑air attack creates a natural talking point that DraftKings capitalizes on.
NBA Action on the Same Day
While NFL fans are glued to the gridiron, basketball enthusiasts get their own fix. The San Antonio Spurs face the New Orleans Pelicans later that night, with an Over‑Under set at 225.5 points on DraftKings’ odds board. The promotion’s NBA League Pass perk grants users live streams of that game, plus any other regular‑season action, the upcoming Playoffs, and the Finals—all for free for three months.
That’s a sweet deal for a fan who might have otherwise paid $59.99 for a season‑long subscription. The pass also includes on‑demand replays, which is a boon for anyone juggling work and late‑night viewing.
Understanding the Odds Language
DraftKings sticks with the American odds format. Positive numbers, like +150, indicate a $100 bet yields $150 profit. Negative odds, such as -200, mean you must risk $200 to win $100. Those formats appear across the board—from NFL spreads to NBA futures—so newbies should brush up before dropping that first $5.
Responsible Gaming Tools on Offer
DraftKings isn’t just handing out money. The platform sprinkles a suite of responsible‑gaming features throughout the user experience. Players can set daily, weekly, or monthly deposit limits, impose cool‑off periods from one hour up to ninety days, and even self‑exclude entirely. Those controls are tucked into the account settings and are reinforced by links to national gambling‑help hotlines.
‘It’s more fun when it’s for fun,’ the company’s own messaging says, and the fine print reminds users that bonus bets are non‑withdrawable and expire quickly—classic nudges to keep gambling within a safe envelope.
Industry Reaction and Expert Takeaways
Sports‑betting analysts see the move as a defensive play. “The market is saturated with $10‑$50 welcome bonuses,” says Mike Levin, senior analyst at Sports Insights Group. “A $300 package tied to a real‑world NFL game forces engagement and drives stickiness.”
Meanwhile, DFS (daily fantasy sports) creators like Josh Engleman are already weaving the promotion into their October 23 strategy videos, offering discount codes for fantasy tools that sit alongside DraftKings’ own betting options.
Key Facts
- Promotion launch: October 23, 2025, 7:00 AM ET
- Qualifying bet: $5 minimum deposit, $5 wager
- Bonus payout: Twelve $25 bets (total $300) for winning first bet
- NBA League Pass: 3‑month free subscription, auto‑renew $16.99/month
- Expiration: Bonus bets expire 7 days after issuance
What’s Next for DraftKings and Its Users
Looking ahead, DraftKings hints at more sport‑specific promos tied to marquee matchups—think March Madness and the Super Bowl. For now, the October 23 deal serves as both a magnet for new bettors and a reminder that the lines between fantasy, betting, and streaming are blurring faster than a fast‑break dunk.
Whether you’re a casual fan eyeing the Vikings‑Chargers showdown or a die‑hard NBA aficionado hoping to binge the playoffs, the promotion gives you a reason to log in, place that modest $5 bet, and watch the action unfold—bonus bets in hand, streaming free for three months.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I claim the $300 bonus bets?
Place a $5 qualifying bet on any market after selecting the “$5 Bet, $300 Bonus” token. If that bet wins, DraftKings credits twelve $25 bonus bets to your account, usually within seconds.
Do I need a promo code to get the offer?
No promo code is required. The promotion is automatically applied when you opt into the $5 token during registration.
What happens to the NBA League Pass after three months?
The pass auto‑renews at $16.99 per month. You can cancel any time before the next billing cycle to avoid the charge.
Are the bonus bets subject to wagering requirements?
Bonus bets are free‑play only; the stake isn’t returned if you win, but any profit is yours to keep. They must be used within seven days of issuance.
What responsible‑gaming tools does DraftKings provide?
Users can set deposit limits, schedule cool‑off periods, self‑exclude, and access links to national gambling‑help resources—all configurable from the account dashboard.