First bet promotions are common incentives designed to welcome new users. This guide explains what a theScore first bet promo generally is, why operators offer it, and the basic safeguards to check before you claim. The goal is to give a clear, practical overview you can use to decide whether to claim and how to manage promotional credit responsibly.

First bet promos typically offer conditional credit or refunds after a qualifying initial wager.

Always confirm eligibility, minimum odds and playthrough rules before claiming a welcome offer.

Treat promo credit as limited testing capital and use conservative stakes to learn markets.

The term thescore bet promo refers to the platform's first bet offer, a common incentive used to welcome new users and encourage them to try the service. In simple terms, a first bet promo is a limited, conditional offer that can reduce the effective risk of an initial wager or provide site credit after a qualifying bet.

Operators design first bet promotions to attract new accounts and to familiarize users with the app and available markets, while maintaining eligibility controls and specific terms and conditions. These promotional offers are not guarantees of value, and they usually contain rules that determine when and how value is credited or withdrawn.

Funded Plays Challenges

View Challenges

Quick summary

At a high level, a first bet promo gives a new account a measured benefit for placing an initial bet, often as a refund or as bonus credit if the qualifying conditions are met. The exact mechanics vary by promotion and by jurisdiction. Examples of how operators present these offers can be found on sites such as theScore Bet.

How this offer differs from other welcome promos

First bet offers differ from deposit match or free-to-play promotions because they tie the benefit directly to an initial wager. Unlike ongoing promotions that may be open to all accounts, first bet promos commonly apply only once per person, with clear identity and location checks in place.

Common promotional mechanics for thescore bet promo

Typical mechanics for a first bet promo include several common formats. One is the risk-free or refund model, where a losing qualifying bet is reimbursed as site credit. Another is a matched credit approach, where a percentage of the initial stake is issued as bonus funds. A third pattern is a contingent credit that appears only after a qualifying bet settles.

Each model affects how and when users see value in their accounts. Refunds in site credit keep funds within the platform for further play, while matched credits can sometimes be used immediately subject to wagering requirements. The distinction determines whether the credited value is withdrawable at once, or whether additional playthrough is required.

Examples of how payouts or credits are processed

In a refund-style flow a losing qualifying bet may trigger a credit equal to the stake, or to a percentage of it. In a matched credit flow the platform may add a bonus amount proportional to the qualifying stake. In all cases the credited amount is typically recorded separately from withdrawable cash until any conditions are met.

Timing is an important practical point, because promotional credits are often issued after the qualifying bet settles. Settlement can be immediate for settled markets, but some markets take longer to resolve. That leads to delay between placing the bet and seeing the credit in an account, and users should expect this delay as part of the promotional mechanics.

Eligibility, geographic limits and key rules to check before you claim

Eligibility for first bet promotions commonly depends on a few basic checks. Most offers require that an account be created by an adult who is physically located in a supported jurisdiction, and that identity and age verification are completed. Geolocation plays a central role in whether a new account can claim a specific promotion. Check published promotional terms (for example, theScore's Promotional Terms and Conditions) for details.

Many providers also limit promotions to one per person, household, or device. Duplicate accounts or attempts to claim multiple welcome offers typically violate the one-per-person rule and can result in promo ineligibility or account restrictions. Before you claim, confirm whether the promotion is available in your state or region.

Quick eligibility checklist to confirm common account rules

Registered state
Age verified
Single account
Deposit method
Minimum deposit
Excluded markets

Confirm with the platform support center

Other key rules to inspect include minimum deposit or bet size requirements, eligible bet types and markets, minimum odds thresholds, and any playthrough or wagering requirements attached to bonus credit. Expiration dates for credits and restrictions on combined promotions are also common terms to watch.

Reading the welcome offer terms and the account terms and conditions will reveal whether credited value is withdrawable immediately or requires additional wagering. Confirming these details prevents surprises when you try to use or withdraw credited funds.

Preparing your account

Start by creating an account and completing the identity verification steps required by the platform. Typical checks include providing a legal name, date of birth, and a confirmation of residential address. Geolocation and age verification are routine parts of opening an account and asserting eligibility for a first bet promo.

Set up a secure password and verify any email or phone confirmation prompts. If the promotion requires a minimum deposit, plan the deposit method ahead of time so you can meet the qualifying threshold when you place the first bet.

Placing your qualifying bet

To claim a first bet promo, place the qualifying wager as specified in the offer terms. That usually means selecting an eligible market and meeting any minimum stake or odds requirements. The qualifying bet is often your first real-money wager on the platform, and it must adhere to the promo conditions to trigger any credit or refund. For examples of how promo codes and qualifying language can be presented, see a guide from Fox Sports.

Keep a note of the bet details, including market, selection, stake, and the displayed odds at the time of placing the bet. These details are useful if you need to reference the bet later while checking whether the promotion applied correctly.

Tracking and using promo credit

After the qualifying bet settles, monitor your account balance and any separate bonus or promotional balance section. Many platforms show promotional credits in a distinct balance, with clear labeling to indicate restrictions. Credits that appear as site balance may still be subject to wagering or game restrictions.

thescore bet promo minimalist 2D vector checklist showing simplified ID card icon, geolocation pin icon, and one per person circle badge on dark Funded Plays branded background

If a credit does not appear within a reasonable timeframe after settlement, check the promotion terms for expected timing and contact customer support with the bet reference. Keeping a screenshot or note of the qualifying bet helps speed resolution when support is required.

Use the promotion as a learning opportunity, not as a guaranteed income source. Treat promo credit as limited testing capital, and avoid staking a disproportionately large amount on a single selection. Conservative, repeatable stakes help evaluate the platform without unnecessary risk. See our blog for related guidance.

Set predefined stake limits before you place the qualifying bet, so you can apply consistent bankroll management even when using bonus credit. Remember that credited funds are often tied to playthrough conditions or market restrictions, so build your wagering choices around those constraints.

See FundedPlays Challenges for program details

Review the offer terms carefully and set a personal stake limit before using any promo credit to keep risk controlled and expectations realistic.

View Challenges

If you plan to use promotional credit to test strategies, focus on learning and process. Track outcomes, note market differences compared with your ordinary selections, and avoid chasing losses by increasing stakes to recover earlier bets.

Common mistakes and pitfalls to avoid with first bet promotions

Misreading terms

A common mistake is assuming that promo credit is equivalent to cash. Many welcome credits carry playthrough or wagering requirements that must be completed before withdrawal. Not confirming these requirements can lead to disappointment when attempting to convert credited value into withdrawable funds.

Another frequent error is ignoring exclusions such as restricted markets or prop bets that do not qualify. Verify the eligible markets and any minimum odds rules so the qualifying bet will meet the required conditions.

Chasing losses with promo credit

Chasing losses by making larger or more frequent bets because you have promotional credit is a behaviour to avoid. Even when using bonus funds, the same principles of disciplined bankroll management apply. Increasing stake size to recoup losses often leads to worse outcomes.

Keep clear records of how promotional credit is used and stop when you reach preset loss or win thresholds. That prevents impulsive decisions that can turn a useful trial into an expensive habit.

Practical examples, scenarios and next steps

Scenario one, conservative outcome. A new user places a qualifying bet of moderate size in an eligible market. The bet loses and the platform credits an amount equal to the stake as site credit. The user then uses the credited funds to place smaller bets within the allowed markets until any wagering requirement is satisfied, keeping stakes steady and documenting activity for clarity.

Scenario two, learning-focused approach. A new user places the qualifying bet on a market they follow closely, and the bet wins. Because the bet was successful they do not need to use the promo credit, and they record the result to compare how the promotion affected their behaviours when choosing markets and stakes. Compare this with posts like how fundedplays evaluations work.

What does a theScore first bet promo typically provide and how should I approach it?

A theScore first bet promo usually provides conditional credit or a refund tied to a qualifying initial bet. Approach it by confirming eligibility and terms, setting conservative stake limits, and treating credited funds as limited testing capital rather than guaranteed income.

After claiming a promo, follow up by checking your account history for the qualifying bet and the credited entry. If the credit is missing or labeled differently than expected, contact customer support promptly and provide the bet reference to assist resolution.

Consider comparing the current welcome offer terms to past offers you may have seen, and decide whether to claim now or wait for a different promotion that better fits your needs. You can also review the Funded Plays homepage for related resources.

Who is eligible for a theScore first bet promo?

Eligibility usually depends on age, registered location, and identity verification. Offers commonly restrict access by jurisdiction and allow one claim per person.

How do promotional credits typically appear in my account?

Credits often show as a separate promotional balance or labeled entry after a qualifying bet settles, and may be subject to wagering or usage limits.

Can I withdraw promo credit immediately?

Not usually. Many promotions require additional wagering or meeting specified conditions before credited funds become withdrawable.

A first bet promo can be a useful way to try a platform with reduced initial risk, provided you read the terms and keep stakes conservative. If you decide to claim, document the qualifying bet and monitor account entries so you understand how credits are applied and any steps needed to convert them to withdrawable funds.

What is the first bet promo on theScore? Definition and context