This article looks back at a time when the Champions League semifinals were underway, featuring the first leg match between Inter and Barcelona on Wednesday, April 30. At that point, soccer enthusiasts could take advantage of a specific FanDuel promotional offer providing a chance to receive $250 in bonus bets before the significant game. Let`s revisit the details of that offer and the preview for the Inter-Barcelona clash.
Details of the Past FanDuel Offer
For new users interested in the welcome offer available at that time, here were the steps to potentially receive $250 in bonus bets:
- Navigate to the FanDuel platform.
- Complete the registration process by providing the required information.
- Make an initial deposit of at least $5.
- Place a first wager of at least $5.
It was crucial to note that this particular FanDuel offer awarded the $250 in bonus bets only if the user`s initial wager of $5 or more won. Since there was no requirement for specific odds on the first bet, a strategy recommended was to place that initial wager on a strong favorite to increase the likelihood of winning and, subsequently, receiving the bonus bets.
If the first bet was successful, the new user could then use the $250 in bonus bets flexibly – as a single large bet, multiple smaller wagers, or even many minimal bets. All bonus bets had an expiration period of seven days. When betting with bonus funds, users would receive the winnings from successful bets, but the original bonus stake itself was not returned.
At the time of this offer, new users were required to be 21 years of age or older to register for FanDuel Sportsbook (age requirements varied by location, e.g., 18+ in D.C.).
Comparison of Past Sportsbook Promos
To understand how FanDuel`s offer compared to other sportsbooks at that time, consider the table below detailing some available promotions:
| Brand | Promo | Associated Code (if any) |
| FanDuel | Bet $5, get $250 in bonus bets if your bet wins | None required |
| BetMGM | Up to $1,500 in bonus bets if your first bet loses | CBSSPORTS (Example code) |
| Caesars | Bet $1, double your winnings on your next 10 bets | CBSDYW (Example code) |
| Fanatics | Bet and get up to $1,000 in No Sweat Bets | None required |
| DraftKings | Bet $5, get $200 in bonus bets instantly | None required |
| bet365 | Bet $5, get $150 in bonus bets win or lose | CBSBET365 (Example code) |
FanDuel`s offer was one of several “bet and get” promotions available then, notably offering a high amount of $250 in bonus bets. However, platforms like DraftKings ($200) and bet365 ($150) provided bonus bets regardless of the first bet`s outcome, unlike the FanDuel offer which was contingent on a win.
Caesars presented an opportunity for new users to potentially double winnings on ten bets through 100% profit boosts after a $1 wager. Meanwhile, BetMGM (up to $1,500) and Fanatics (up to $1,000, distributed over 10 days) offered bet insurance, providing bonus bets if the initial wager (or daily initial wager for Fanatics) was unsuccessful.
Match Preview: Barcelona vs. Inter Milan
The first leg of this Champions League semifinal was hosted at Estadi Olímpic in Barcelona. At the time, Barcelona was noted for its potent offense, having scored the most goals of any team in the Champions League with 37 goals in just 12 matches. This tally put the club within reach of the record for most goals in a single Champions League season (45 goals by Barcelona in 1999-00), with at least two matches remaining.
Conversely, Inter presented a formidable defensive challenge, having conceded only five goals across 12 Champions League matches. Impressively, they had achieved clean sheets in eight of their 12 UCL fixtures.
For the specific match on Wednesday, April 30, FanDuel listed Barcelona as the favorite in the 90-minute market at -140. A draw was priced at +300, and an Inter win at +350. Regarding progression to the final, Barcelona was favored at -194, while Inter was priced at +156.
Responsible Gaming
Responsible gaming is crucial for all individuals engaging in betting activities. Platforms like FanDuel offered tools to support responsible gambling, such as options to set time limits and wager limits.
Furthermore, various national and state resources are available for assistance. These include organizations like The National Council on Problem Gaming, Gamblers Anonymous, and helplines such as 1-800-GAMBLER. State-specific resources may also be available, such as those in Connecticut (1-888-789-7777 or ccpg.org/chat), Massachusetts (GamblingHelpLineMA.org or (800) 327-5050), Maryland (www.mdgamblinghelp.org), and New York (1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369)).
Benedict Kingsley