Por Renan Filho · 2026-10-02**Lead**
Sports betting platform Underdog Fantasy has rolled out a limited-time promotion that allows new users in eligible U.S. states to turn a $5 deposit into $100 in bonus funds for any National Hockey League matchup taking place this evening. The offer, accessible with the promo code FOXNEWS, is designed to attract bettors during a busy stretch of the NHL regular season, when multiple games are scheduled across the league. Underdog, which operates both a daily fantasy sports product and a sportsbook, has been aggressively expanding its presence in the legalized sports betting market, and this promotion targets hockey fans looking for a low-cost entry point.
**Context**
The promotion is straightforward: new users who sign up for an Underdog account, deposit at least $5, and enter the code FOXNEWS will receive $100 in bonus funds that can be used on any NHL game taking place tonight. The bonus is typically issued as site credit, which can be placed on spreads, moneylines, or totals for the evening’s matchups. Underdog has run similar “first-deposit match” or “risk-free” offers in the past, but the specific tie-in with the FOXNEWS code suggests a marketing alignment with the news brand, though the exact nature of the partnership has not been detailed in public filings.
Underdog Fantasy was founded in 2020 and quickly became one of the most recognizable names in the daily fantasy sports space, later adding a sportsbook in states where online wagering is legal. The company is licensed in several jurisdictions, including New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and others. The NHL has seen a surge in betting interest since the league began actively partnering with sportsbooks in 2021, and games on weeknights often draw significant handle from both casual and sharp bettors. Tonight’s slate includes matchups such as the Boston Bruins vs. Tampa Bay Lightning and the Edmonton Oilers vs. Vegas Golden Knights, games that are expected to attract heavy action.
The use of a promo code tied to a major media outlet like FOX News is not unprecedented in the industry. Other sportsbooks have partnered with television networks and digital platforms to offer exclusive sign-up bonuses. However, it is worth noting that FOX News itself does not operate a sportsbook; the code likely reflects a cross-promotional agreement between Underdog and the media company’s advertising arm. Users should verify that their state of residence allows online sports betting before attempting to claim the offer, as regulations vary widely.
**Analise**
This promotion matters for several reasons. First, it lowers the barrier to entry for new bettors who may be hesitant to risk larger sums on hockey, a sport that can be unpredictable due to factors like goaltending performance and injuries. By offering a 20-to-1 return on a $5 deposit, Underdog is effectively subsidizing the initial betting experience, hoping to convert casual users into long-term customers. The timing is also strategic: the NHL season is in full swing, and with the NFL season winding down, sportsbooks are keen to capture the attention of hockey fans who may have been focused on football.
Second, the promotion highlights the increasingly competitive nature of the U.S. sports betting market. With dozens of operators vying for market share, aggressive sign-up bonuses have become the norm. Underdog’s offer is on par with industry standards — other platforms like DraftKings and FanDuel have offered similar “deposit $5, get $100” deals in the past. However, the specific NHL focus and the FOXNEWS code give Underdog a unique angle to differentiate itself from rivals. The company has also invested heavily in its mobile app and user experience, which could help retain customers who come in through this promotion.
From a broader perspective, the growth of legal sports betting continues to reshape how fans engage with live sports. The NHL, which once resisted any association with gambling, now has official partnerships with multiple sportsbooks and regularly promotes responsible betting. Promotions like this one are part of a larger trend where sportsbooks use media partnerships to reach new audiences. However, critics warn that such offers can encourage problem gambling, especially among young adults. Underdog, like all licensed operators, includes responsible gambling resources on its site and requires age verification.
**Fontes**
- Underdog Fantasy official website and promotional terms (accessed October 2, 2026). - NHL official schedule for October 2, 2026, as listed on NHL.com. - American Gaming Association data on sports betting legalization and market trends (publicly available reports). - Previous news coverage of sportsbook sign-up bonuses from outlets such as ESPN and The Action Network.