Friday, February 20, 2026, is shaping up to be a blockbuster day for sports fans and bettors alike. With the Winter Olympics hockey semifinals taking center stage in Italy and a jam-packed NBA slate lighting up the evening, the buzz is palpable. But that's not all—bet365 Sportsbook is rolling out a host of enticing welcome promos for new users, offering a chance to cash in on the action with bonus bets and safety nets across a variety of games and leagues.
Let’s start with the Winter Olympics, where the men’s hockey tournament is down to its final four. The United States faces off against Slovakia in a much-anticipated semifinal at 3:10 p.m. ET, while Canada and Finland battle it out in the other bracket. The Americans come into the matchup riding high after a nail-biting 2-1 overtime victory against Sweden just two days ago. Dylan Larkin found the net in the second period, and Quinn Hughes sealed the deal in overtime, sending Team USA through to the semis. Slovakia, meanwhile, punched their ticket with an emphatic 6-2 triumph over Germany, proving they’re not to be underestimated.
Oddsmakers at bet365 have installed Team USA as heavy favorites, giving them a moneyline of -750 and setting the puck line at -2.5. That means the Americans would need to win by at least three goals to cover the spread. As for who might light the lamp, Auston Matthews leads the odds for both first goal and anytime scorer, while Jack Eichel, Matthew Tkachuk, and Brady Tkachuk are all in the mix. On the Slovakian side, Juraj Slafkovsky and Tomas Tatar are among the longshots to find the back of the net.
But the excitement isn’t limited to the ice. NBA fans have plenty to cheer about, with marquee matchups like the LA Clippers taking on the LA Lakers at 10:00 p.m. ET and the Oklahoma City Thunder squaring off against the Brooklyn Nets as massive -16.5 favorites. The Minnesota Timberwolves are also double-digit favorites over the Dallas Mavericks in a game that tips at 7:30 p.m. ET. Bettors can take their pick from a loaded schedule, with lines and totals available for every contest.
So, what’s the deal with the bet365 promos? New users have a smorgasbord of options, depending on their state and betting appetite. By entering promo codes like NYPBET, TOPACTION, BNATION, or WTOP365 during sign-up, bettors can unlock a guaranteed $150 in bonus bets by simply placing a $5 wager at odds of -500 or greater. It doesn’t matter if the first bet wins or loses—the bonus is credited either way. For those feeling a bit more adventurous, there’s also a $1,000 First Bet Safety Net offer. Place a qualifying bet, and if it comes up short, bet365 will refund the loss in bonus bets up to $1,000. Not a bad way to take a swing at a big score without all the risk!
To qualify, users must be 21 or older (18+ in Kentucky) and physically present in one of the participating states: Arizona, Colorado, Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, or Virginia. The minimum deposit to get started is $10, and the first wager needs to meet the -500 odds threshold. Bonus bets are paid out once the qualifying bet settles and must be used within seven days—a quick turnaround that keeps things lively.
Bet365 is sweetening the pot for bettors in certain states. In New Jersey, new signups can snag an extra 10 Golden Chips, while those in Pennsylvania are treated to 50 casino spins. It’s a comprehensive package that’s hard to ignore, especially for fans tuning into high-stakes matchups on ESPN or ESPN2.
College basketball aficionados aren’t left out, either. With the Oklahoma Sooners set to tip off against the Tennessee Volunteers at 7:00 p.m. ET and the BYU Cougars traveling to face the Arizona Wildcats later in the evening, the hardwood is just as hot as the ice. The Wildcats, ranked #4, are 11.5-point favorites over #23 BYU, who are missing key contributor Richie Saunders due to a season-ending ACL tear. Arizona’s Tobe Awaka, third in the Big 12 in rebounding, will look to exploit the Cougars’ thin rotation. On the other side, BYU’s AJ Dybantsa, the league’s leading scorer at 24.4 points per game, will try to keep his team in the hunt.
Meanwhile, Tennessee hosts Oklahoma as an 11-point favorite. The Volunteers are dealing with frontcourt injuries, but guard Ja’Kobi Gillespie has stepped up, averaging 18.2 points and wreaking havoc in the passing lanes. For Oklahoma, Xzayvier Brown’s reliable free-throw shooting (90.8%) and 16.1 points per game make him a key piece if the Sooners hope to pull off the upset.
For those new to the world of sports betting—or just looking for an edge—bet365’s bonus offers provide a low-risk entry point. As one industry expert put it, "The promotion allows new users to turn a $5 qualifying wager into $150 in bonus bets, win or lose." It’s a simple formula: register, deposit, and place a qualifying bet to get started. Just remember, bonus bets can’t be withdrawn and must be used within a week, so planning your strategy is key.
It’s worth noting that bettors must choose between the $150 bonus bet offer and the $1,000 safety net; you can’t have both. If you’re looking to dip your toes in with a small wager, the former is probably your best bet. If you’re gunning for a bigger payout and don’t mind a little risk, the safety net could be the way to go.
With all these options on the table and a full slate of games across the NHL, NBA, and NCAA basketball, Friday promises to be a whirlwind for fans and bettors alike. Whether you’re backing the favorites, hunting for value in the underdogs, or just eager to see who steps up in the clutch, there’s no shortage of action.
As the puck drops in Italy and tip-off draws near across the U.S., all eyes will be on the athletes—and perhaps a few on the betting slips. With Team USA looking to punch its ticket to the Olympic final and NBA and college hoops heating up, there’s never been a better time to get in on the game. Just don’t forget to check those terms and conditions, and may the odds be ever in your favor!