Sports Betting Promotions: DraftKings and BetMGM Offer Bonuses, Kalshi Faces Washington State Ban

On August 13, 2026, DraftKings and BetMGM launched new promotional offers for sports bettors in the United States. DraftKings is providing $150 in bonus bets to new customers who place a first wager of at least $5, applicable to NFL preseason games and the MLB Field of Dreams Game scheduled for Thursday. BetMGM, through its bonus code CBSSPORTS, is offering up to $1,500 in bonus bets if a customer's first bet loses, also targeting the same NFL and MLB events. These promotions are part of ongoing marketing efforts by major sportsbooks to attract users during the early NFL preseason and special MLB matchups.

In a separate development, a Washington State judge issued a preliminary injunction ordering Kalshi, a prediction market platform, to cease most of its operations in the state. The ruling bars Kalshi from allowing Washington residents to place bets on the majority of its offerings, marking a significant regulatory setback for the company. The injunction reflects ongoing legal and regulatory scrutiny of prediction markets, which differ from traditional sportsbooks in their event-based trading model.

Additionally, a comparative analysis highlighted differences in football betting welcome offers between the UK and Nigeria. The article notes that sportsbooks in each country operate under distinct regulatory frameworks, which influence the structure and generosity of welcome bonuses. While UK operators often offer free bets or matched deposits, Nigerian sportsbooks may provide different incentives tailored to local market conditions and legal requirements.