Free Bets

Promotions, welcome bonuses, and Free bets are all incentives that online bookmakers offer to attract new players and retain their current userbase. However, these promotions and offers often come with terms and conditions.

This is why it is important to not only be constantly updated with the different offers and promotions but it is also important to go through the terms and conditions before accepting any offers to ensure you know everything you need to know about the offer.

What is a Free Bet?

As the name suggests, a Free bet is basically an opportunity for new punters on a site to place bets without any cost. Free bets are used by online bookmakers as a way to attract new players by offering them an incentive to join their site. 

However, do note that a Free bet is not exactly cash in mind. It is mostly an amount provided by the bookmaker that allows punters to bet on games under specific guidelines set by the bookmaker in the terms and conditions.

The net winnings become withdrawable as cash once the player has fulfilled all the wagering requirements. Whereas a player has to make a deposit in order to make a regular bet, they can make Free bets without depositing any cash!

Wager Requirements on Free Bets

As mentioned above, Free bets come with wagering requirements which are basic conditions that online bookmakers set. In order to make the winnings from the Free bets withdrawable as cash, a punter has to fulfill the wagering requirements that come with the Free bets. 

For example, let’s say a bonus that matches 100% of your deposit comes with a 3x wagering requirement. So if you deposit  ₦5,000, you’ll get ₦5,000 as a bonus amount. In order to make the bonus withdrawable, you’ll have to bet ₦15,000 (₦5,000 x 3) to make the winnings withdrawable. 

Some bookies also have requirements that make punters only make bet with a specific minimum odds like 1.5 and also time constraints like the Free bets have to be used within 30 days, etc. 

What Type of Free Bets Are There?

Free bets will differ from bookmaker to bookmaker. Some differences can be seen in the following types of free bets.

Matched Opening Deposit

The punter will receive the amount in free bets as their opening deposit and stand the chance to double their money.

No-deposit Free Bets

Offered free bets without a request for a deposit.

Free Bets With Conditions and a Time Frame

An expiry date is applicable to this free bet and some conditions in terms of odds and the amount to bet, can be part of the agreement to claim a free bet.

How to Claim Free Bets

To claim a free bet, all that is needed is to create an account at a sportsbook that is offering free bets to new customers. There are also cases where free bets are offered to existing punters which is usually done through email promotions so don’t forget to check your email from time to time.

Questions to ask when claiming your free bet:

• Do you qualify for the free bet?
• Are you a new customer?
• Do you understand the Terms and Conditions?
• Do you have your bonus/promo code ready on signing up?
• Do you know which odds and markets to use?
• Is there a time limit to use your free bet?

Frequently Asked Questions About Free bets

Are free bets only offered to new customers?

Almost Always. Free bets are offered to new clients to entice them to open an account at a bookmaker.

Can I claim several free bets on different betting sites?

A punter is free to claim as many free bets from as many different betting sites as he or she is interested in. Using these opportunities are a great way to try a new sportsbook out to see if it is a good fit.

Is a free bet actual cash?

Free bets are not cash that can immediately be drawn but rather an opportunity presented by a bookmaker where a punter can place bets without paying an initial deposit.

Can a punter receive more than one welcome bonus from the same bookmaker?

Yes, this is possible. Even though free bets are usually only offered upon creating an account they are occasionally handed out to existing players, most often in connection to big tournaments.