Free bets are exactly what they say on the tin, free bets with your bookmaker. You may think this is a little too good to be true but that is not the case. The fact is that the betting industry is one of the most competitive out there, and to attract new players and stand out from the crowd, bookmakers have to try and offer the best free bets and betting offers.
When you sign up with an online betting site, make sure you take advantage of any sign up offers (or welcome offers) which include some form of free bets for you to spend. This could be a fixed free bet, bonus funds that you can spend across multiple bets or money back sports betting offers.
Whatever you choose, all free bet offers have one thing in common, they give you a chance to win money and get off to the best possible start with your new bookmaker!
Take it from us, not all free bet offers are the same. Explore the different sports bonuses below and find out what a sports betting site might have to offer.
First deposit bonus
This is a widely-available bonus that’s used to reward new bettors for registering with a sports betting site. Typically, you will make your first deposit which will then be matched by up to 50-200%. First deposit bonuses are often valid to use on all bets, but can also be applied to specific events like football or cricket matches. This bonus type works in the same way as a standard casino bonus.
Deposit matched bet bonus
This bonus matches your first deposit with a free bet of the same value. Bonuses can often be matched up to $100 and can be used right after registration. If used wisely, this bonus type can double the amount you have at your disposal to bet with. Just be aware of any minimum deposit or wagering requirements attached.
No deposit offers
No deposit free bets are the holy grail of sports bonuses. This type of offer can be rare to find and usually comes with specific criteria to meet. For example, the minimum odds and bet type might be restrictive. There may also be wagering requirements which means any winnings won’t be immediately withdrawable. This type of bonus is like a no deposit or free spins casino bonus.
Risk-free bets
Risk-free bets act as a safety net. They work by a bettor placing a real money bet, and if it falls short, the betting site offers a refund. Usually, the refund will take the form of bet credits to use on further wagers. Rest assured if the original bets win, a customer still gets to keep their winnings.
Money-back free bets
Similar to a risk-free bet, money-back bets offer a bonus if a bet loses, if the favorite wins, or if a certain event happens. The bonus will usually come in the form of bet credit. This bet type is hugely popular on a variety of sports, though you can usually find unique promotions for horse racing in particular.
Bonus code
Bonus or promo codes give access to specific offers by a sports betting site. The codes are usually only valid for a limited time with new bonus codes created regularly. They’re simple to use – when depositing, simply enter the code under the ‘Got a promotion code?’ field.
Boosted odds
For a limited time, betting sites offer boosted odds on specific bets. The ‘boost’ means that there’s a larger payout for the same bet. Also known as enhanced odds, this type of bonus can usually be found on high-profile events, like the NFL's Super Bowl or NBA Finals. This is a regular offer that’s valid for both new and existing customers.
Free bets clubs
Most sports betting sites will offer regular bonuses to reward loyalty in the form of a free bets club. Though named differently at different sites, free bets clubs work in the same way. If a customer bets a certain amount over a one-week period, they will be rewarded with a free bet. Minimum odds often apply for the free bet.
The most popular types of free bets are - matched free bet, matched deposits, enhanced odds bonus, free bets no deposit and money back bets.
Matched Free Bet
This is the most common free bet type you will be given as a new player. The basic meaning of this is that the first qualifying bets you place will be matched by the betting site.
Matched Deposit
Another common offer, rather than matching the bet you place, is to match the deposit you place. This is ideal for UK customers who are making a big first deposit when they open an account, as this will be returned in free bets, matching that amount.
Enhanced Odds Bonus
A real eye-catching bonus type, enhanced odds give you huge odds about a particular selection, as your first bet with the new account. This is often something that is short odds, usually odds on, and is boosted to anywhere from 20/1 up to 100/1, and is becoming more and more common with UK betting sites.
No Deposit Free Bets
Some will tell you free bets with no deposit required are the best free bets available with any betting site.
No deposit free bets are complimentary free bets, without the need to make a minimum deposit with your own money.
Many bookmakers have ‘bet clubs’ which will credit you with a free bet every week if you place a certain number of bets at min odds during the course of the previous seven days.
The amount you receive and what you need to do in order to claim these will vary from brand to brand, it may include min odds, and of course, not every brand has this type of deal running.
But if you are a regular player and would hit the requirements each week, then it’s certainly something to look for, as you could be missing out on some of the best free bets without changing what you do at the moment.
If replenishing your online account with cash, you might find your online bookmaker giving you a random free bet bonus offer which is triggered when making a new deposit, also known as a deposit bonus for existing customers.
The timing of these, the frequency, size, and requirements are all massively different between brands, so will suit different people in different ways.
Try and match yourself up, for example, if you deposit regularly with smaller amounts, look for a deposit bonus based around the number of reloads, and if you deposit less frequently but with bigger amounts, look for one that’s based around deposit size.
It is not uncommon for ongoing promotions to have free bet concessions associated with them. Free bets are often given to existing customers when their horse is beaten into second by a favourite or falls at the last flight of a race, sometimes with min odds requirements attached.
Another example in sports betting is you can collect free bets for Grand Slam tennis matches if your player goes two sets ahead but loses.
These are just random examples of free bets, and they may only appear at specific times rather than being available all year round.
