Free Bets
The online gambling world is extremely competitive and bookmakers have to come up with enticing ways to attract new customers. Forming part of our expanding betting guide series, we are going to look at free bet offers and provide you with some very useful free betting tips.
18+ | New customers only. Min stake €/£10 | 30 days to qualify | Payment method restrictions exist | Play Responsibly | Terms and Conditions apply. http://www.begambleaware.org
18+ New players only. Qualifying bet(s) must have minimum odds of 3/1 and must be settled before triggering free bet. Free Bet must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. 18+. begambleaware.org. T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org
18+ | New players only | Min. deposit 20EUR | The wagering must be met within 30 days | Additional wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly | www.begambleaware.org
18+ | New Players only. The Bonus must be claimed within 30 days from the date it was credited to an Eligible Player’s account. For free bet wagering requirements and minimum odds read T&C’s. | www.begambleaware.org
18+ | Registered Customers Only. Place qualifying £25 fixed odds bet (minimum odds 1/2). First £5 free bet will be credited upon settlement of the qualifying bet. The four following £5 free fixed odds bets will be added to your account on each consecutive days. Also, free Total Goals spread bets are be awarded but a full spread betting account is needed to claim them | Free bet stake not included in any winnings | Free bets must be claimed within 28 days of opening | Cashed out & in-play bets do not qualify | Play Responsibly | Terms and Conditions apply. http://www.begambleaware.org
18+ | 1st depositors only. Place a £30 qualifying sports bet which must settle within 7 days of registration & receive £15 in Free sports Bets & £15 in Free Spins (Casino & Vegas). | Payment method limitations & wagering req. exist | Cashed out/voided bets do not qualify | Play Responsibly | Terms and Conditions apply. http://www.begambleaware.org
18+ | New players only | Min. deposit 15EUR l l Additional wagering, banking, apply | Play Responsibly | www.begambleaware.org
18+ New UK + IRE customers. Paypal and certain deposit types and bet types excluded. Min 5 bet within 14 days of account reg at min odds 1/2 = 4 x 5 free bets. Free bets valid for 7 days on sports, stake not returned, restrictions apply. www.begambleaware.org
What Are Free Bets?
A free bet is a wager that you can make, usually on whatever sport betting market you like, without the need to risk your hard-earned money. To put it another way, you will not make any losses when you make use a free bet. Here is some free betting advice for you - when you have been rewarded a free bet from your sportsbook, we recommend that you make a bit of a riskier bet because you will not make any losses if your bet does not come in. However, if it does come in, you will make a much bigger profit, which is always great.
There are a wide variety of free bets out there, and below we are going to take a look at them. First of all, we are going to take a look at the different free bets that new customers can take advantage of, and then we will look at the different free bets that existing customers will often come across. The first four are for the former category, while the final five are for existing customers.
Free Bet No Deposit
A free bet no deposit is quite rare, but if you do come across one it means that you will be given a free bet without the need to deposit any of your hard-earned money. This type of free bet often comes with restrictive winning potential, such as a maximum win of €10. However, they are very useful because they give you the chance to try out a sportsbook without depositing any money, meaning that if you do not like the bookie for some reason, you can just shut the account without having to go through the hassle of withdrawing money that you just deposited.
Free Bet Sign Up Offers
When it comes to free bet sign up offers, all you have to do in order to claim one is deposit the minimum amount stipulated by the sportsbook and then place a qualifying bet with your deposited money. For example, you deposit €10 and then place a €10 bet on a football match and you will receive a €20, €30, €40, or 50 free bet.
Risk Free Bets (Backup Bet)
With risk free bet offers you will be told that if your first bet goes on to lose, you will receive your stake back up to a certain value. This stake will usually be returned to you in the shape of bonus cash, a free bet, or site credit. The value of a risk-free bet can go all the way from €10 up to €1000. So, with this type of bet you will always win, which is why it is a risk-free bet and is the reason why many consider these to be the best free bets.
Matched Deposits
Many of the best sportsbooks out there will match your first deposit with free bet tokens. For example, your first deposit to the site is €50 and as a thank you for signing up with them the bookmaker will match your deposit and give you a €50 free bet.
Free Bet Club
Many bookmakers have a bet club where you will be credited with a free bet once a week if you manage to place a set number of bets over the period of seven days. If you have a poor week and do not win much money, this type of bet gives you the chance to start the following week on a bit of a high.
Reload Bonuses
Sportsbooks love it when an existing customer makes another deposit with them as it means that they are happy to stick around for a little while longer. There are many bookmakers out there who will treat those that make a new deposit with a free bet.
Consolation Prizes
It is not rare for promotions to have free bets attached to them. For example, when it comes to sports such as horse racing, free bets are usually given to those who back a horse that goes on to be beaten by the favourite or falls at the very last hurdle. Or, if we take tennis as another example, you will sometimes come across bookmakers that will provide free bets to those who bet on a player that lost the match when they were two sets to the good.
Justice Payments
Many free bet offers that you will come across have an element of fair play to them. For instance, if you bet on a horse and they do not leave the stalls when the race starts, then you might receive your stake bet in the form of a free bet.
Loyalty Bonuses
There is one thing that is really respected in the gambling world and that is loyalty. With such fierce competition, bookies love it when their customers show loyalty and will regularly treat them to a free bet. This type of bet is basically a free bet existing customers no deposit.
How to Claim Free Bet Offers from a Bookmaker
There are many questions in life that are not simple to answer, and it is fair to say that this happens to be one such question. The reason for this is that each bookmaker has their own specific requirements for claiming their free bet offers, so there really is no advice that we can give that will work for everyone. For example, how to get your free bet on William Hill could be different to claiming your BetVictor free bet no deposit.
For instance, sometimes you will be required to input a promotional code to claim the free bet bonus, while some other times they will just be automatically given to you. Even if there are free bet codes existing customers, it will never be too much of a hassle to input a code, so you should do so with little fuss.
You should always read the terms and conditions (we will talk more about these a bit later on), and if you come across any issues, get in touch with the customer care team.
Which Bookmakers Offer Free Bets?
Do all sportsbooks offer their customers free bets? This is a question that is regularly asked by those who are new to sports gambling, and the answer to this question is no. However, you will be happy to hear that the majority of the top online bookies are more than happy to offer their players free bets.
At the end of the day, sports betting fans love free bets above all other bonus types, so in such a competitive industry you would have to be a bit foolish not to give your customers what they like the most. If punters have the choice of opening an account with betting sites with free sign up bonus or betting sites free signup bonus no deposit or a bookmaker that offers no bonuses, it does not take a genius to figure out who they will open an account with.
All of the best bookmakers that have been around for a long time are more than aware of this, which is why they offer free bets in Ireland. For example, you can regularly find a Paddy Power free bet, a Ladbrokes free bet, a William Hill free bet and an 888sport free bet. These are some of the best bookies around for a reason, so if they are doing something, you would think that lesser bookmakers would follow suit. However, that is not always the case.
Below we have provided you with a table where you can see the best bookmakers around at the moment and the free bet that they have on offer:
| Bookmaker | Free Bet Type | Value |
|---|---|---|
| BetVictor | Matched Deposit | Up to €100 |
| betway | Matched Deposit | Up to €30 |
| bet365 | Matched deposit | Up to €100 |
| Betiton | Free bet sign up offer | Bet €15 and get a €10 free bet |
| 888 Sport | Free bet sign up offer | Bet €10 and get €30 in free bets |
| William Hill | Free bet sign up offer | Bet €10 and get €30 in free bets |
| Ladbrokes | Free bet sign up offer | Bet €5 and receive €20 in free bets |
As you can see, there are plenty of great bookmakers out there that offer decent free bet offers. Also, you can see that none of the best bookies around offer free sports bet no deposit, which highlights what we said earlier about the lack of betting websites free bets no deposit. However, this does not really matter as there are still plenty of other great free bets up for grabs. So, sign up and get free bet no deposit today. You will not come to regret your decision.
18+ | New customers only. Min stake €/£10 | 30 days to qualify | Payment method restrictions exist | Play Responsibly | Terms and Conditions apply. http://www.begambleaware.org
18+ New players only. Qualifying bet(s) must have minimum odds of 3/1 and must be settled before triggering free bet. Free Bet must be used on an accumulator with 3 or more selections. 18+. begambleaware.org. T&Cs apply. www.begambleaware.org
18+ | New players only | Min. deposit 20EUR | The wagering must be met within 30 days | Additional wagering, banking, terms & conditions apply | Play Responsibly | www.begambleaware.org
How Do You Make Use of Free Bets?
Let us say that you have just received one of the free bet types that we just mentioned above on your William Hill account. So how exactly do you go about using it in your next betting session? Well, you will be happy to hear that it is often a very simple process, even for those reading this who are new to the world of gambling.
We have outlined the process quickly for you below - this process remains the same no matter what sport you are betting on.
- Find the sport you want to bet and then find a market that interests you
- Click on the market and it will be automatically added to your betting slip, which will usually pop up on the right
- Put a tick in the free bet box to declare that you want to make use of your free bet
- Click on submit, and you have just placed your free bet
While most bookmakers will not permit you to divide your free bet, there are some that do. If you happen to be given a free bet that you are able to divide into smaller free bets, then all you have to do when making a free bet is decide how much of your free bet credit you are going to spend. Obviously, if you do not have the option of dividing your free bet, you have to wager all that was credited to you at once.
Major Sporting Events to Use Free Bets Offers On
What major events should I use my free bet on? This is a question that we are asked regularly, and the best answer that we can give you is that it is totally dependent on what you like to bet on. There is no right or wrong answer to that question.
For example, if you are bet on football and enjoy competitions such as the English Premier League or La Liga, then use your free bet on matches from those leagues. If you love your tennis and you have a free bet available when Wimbledon or Roland Garos is taking place, use your free bet to predict a winner. In other words, use your free bet on whatever you like.
However, sometimes, when big sporting events come around, bookmakers will treat you to a free bet that is specific to that event. For example, bookmakers such as William Hill, 888sport, and Bet365 will offer their players Cheltenham free bets and Grand National free bets. When you are making use of a Bet365 free bet offer Cheltenham, you will obviously only be able to make use of it on a race at Cheltenham. Other major sporting events that you will regularly receive free bets for include the FIFA World Cup and the Champions League.
What Are the Advantages and Disadvantages of Free Bets?
Like with everything in this life, free bets have their advantages and disadvantages, and this is what we are going to take a look at right now in the table below:
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| No financial risk involved | Your stake is not returned |
| You can take a bigger risk to win more profit | Qualifying criteria can sometimes be difficult to reach |
| They increase entertainment levels | You usually have to pay something before getting a free bet |
Online Free Bets Terms and Conditions Explained
Just like with other kinds of bonuses, there will always be terms and conditions that are attached to a free bet that you claim. We really do suggest that you take some time to read each T&C carefully so that you know what restrictions apply and what the bookie expects from you. Below we are going to have a look at some of the common T&Cs that apply to free bets.
Min Deposit Requirements
When we are dealing with bonuses, we have all been guilty at some stage of being overly concerned with the max amount that we can claim while ignoring what the min deposit requirement has been set up. It is vital that you pay more attention to the min deposit than the max amount you can claim because if you deposit too little, then you will miss out completely.
Minimum odds
There will always be minimum odds set to any type of bonus that you claim. This is done to ensure that you do not just place your free cash on a bunch of firm favourites to increases your odds of winning some money. Before you go ahead and place your stake, you know the minimum odds so that you do not end up accidentally using your own money for your stake - if the odds do not meet the qualifying requirements, the money will be taken from your account.
Wagering Limits
It really would make little to no sense for bookmakers to hand out bonuses and allow every customer to withdraw it straight away. Every bookmaker would lose a lot of cash if they decided to do this. Therefore, you will always find wagering requirements attached to bonuses. A wagering requirement is the amount of money that you need to wager before you can make any withdrawals. Wagering requirements are often a lot lower at sportsbooks than those that you will find at the likes of a free bet no deposit casino.
Excluded Bets
When you receive a free bet from a bookmaker or a casino free bet no deposit UK, you will often not be able to make use of them for multiple bets and if the event has already started. To add to this, you will often not be allowed to combine your free bet offer with other promotional bonuses. It really all depends on the sportsbook that you have an account with.
Expiry Dates
Whenever you have a free bet credited to you, you will not have all the time in the world to make use of it. There will be a day limit, which usually stands at 7 or 14 days. What this means is that if you do not make use of your free bet within the given time frame, it will expire, and you will lose it. You obviously will not want this to happen, which is why it is important that you take the time to read each T&C carefully.
Great Free Bet Tips
Below you can find some great free bet tips that you will find at any best free betting tips site. We are not forcing you to heed the following tips, but you definitely would be doing yourself a huge favour if you take them on board.
Hedge your bet: If you happen to have a bet in your mind already, you can use your free bet on another possible outcome in the same match. For instance, you could bet on the home team to be victorious in a cricket match and then place your free bet on their opponents to win the game. Since draws are very rare in cricket, especially in the limited-overs formats, you could be guaranteed, depending on the odds given, that you walk away with a profit.
Matched betting: This happens when you use your free bet at your bookmaker and then head to a betting exchange and put some money on it not happening. Since you placed the free bet, you will make some profit whatever the outcome happens to be.
Do research: Whenever you have a free bet available, there is going to be the temptation to place it on something with huge odds and hope that Lady Luck is on your side and you earn a huge profit. While we are definitely not against you doing this, we do suggest that you do not make a habit of doing this as you are going to lose more than you win. Instead, we would recommend that you do a bit of research and find yourself a value bet – a bet that has a better chance of coming through than the bookie’s odds would suggest. If you put your free bet on something that has value, not only is there a decent chance of winning but there will be a greater chance for profit on the line for you.
Free Bets FAQ
Can I Withdraw the Winnings from My Free Bet?
You cannot withdraw the value of the free bet, but the winnings that you earn from your free bet can definitely be withdrawn. It is vital for us to note here that your free bet stake will not be added to the winnings. In other words, if you place a €10 free bet with odds of 4.00 and you go on to win, you will receive €30 in your account.
Are Free Bets for New Clients Only?
No, free bets are bonuses that both new customers and existing customers will be able to claim. Online bookmakers have to ensure that both new and existing customers are satisfied due to the competitive nature of the industry, so free bets are offered to both.
Are Free Bets No Deposit and Free Bets the Same Thing?
No, they are not the same thing. With a free bet no deposit you do not have to deposit any money in order to claim it. This means that you can place a bet and test out the sportsbook without fully committing yourself to it by depositing money with them. When it comes to a free bet, you will have to deposit a certain amount of money in order to claim the offer. This means that if you end up not liking the sportsbook, you have to go through the hassle of withdrawing your money before shutting the account.
Can I Use a Free Bet on Any Sport?
Yes, you will usually be able to use your free bet on any sport that you want to. However, obviously, if it is a free bet for a specific event, such as the Grand National or Cheltenham, you will only be able to use it on those particular events.
What is a Risk Free Bet?
A risk-free bet is when the bookmaker tells you that if you lose the first bet that you place then they will give you your stake back in the form of a free bet. So, for example, if you place €10 on Manchester United to win a match in the Premier League and they go on to lose, you will get a €10 free bet as a form of compensation – it is a win-win situation.
Author: Orla Byrne,
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