A free bet is a promotional offer provided by betting companies that allows customers to place a bet without using their own money.
Free Bet as a Bonus
In most cases, a free bet is awarded to new customers as part of a welcome bonus, or to existing customers as a loyalty reward or as part of a special promotion. Free bets usually come with certain terms and conditions, such as a minimum odds requirement or a maximum payout limit, and any winnings from the free bet will usually be subject to wagering requirements before they can be withdrawn.
How to use a Free Bet?
To use a free bet, you will need to follow the specific instructions provided by the betting company that has awarded the free bet. Here are some examples of how you might be able to use a free bet:
- Matched Free Bet: Some bookmakers offer a “matched free bet” offer, where they will match the value of your first bet up to a certain amount. For example, if you place a bet of £10, they will give you a £10 free bet to use on another bet.
- Risk-Free Bet: A risk-free bet allows you to place a bet without any risk of losing your money. If your bet loses, the betting company will refund your stake in the form of a free bet. For example, if you place a £10 bet on a football match and it loses, you will receive a £10 free bet to use on another bet.
- Deposit Bonus:Some betting companies offer a deposit bonus, where they will match a percentage of your first deposit up to a certain amount. For example, if you deposit £100, they might give you a £100 free bet to use on another bet.
It’s important to read the terms and conditions of any free bet offer carefully, as there may be restrictions on which sports or events you can use the free bet on, as well as minimum odds or other requirements that you need to meet in order to qualify for the free bet.
General Rules of a Free Bet Promotion
There is always a list of rules for free bets. Bookmakers set definitive rules for free bets as well just like any other promotion. Here are some examples of such rules:
- Minimum Odds: Some bookmakers require you to place your free bet on a selection with minimum odds, for example, odds of 1.5 or higher. If you place your free bet on a selection with lower odds, it may not count toward the wagering requirements.
- Wagering Requirements: Many free bet offers come with wagering requirements, which means that you need to bet the value of the free bet a certain number of times before you can withdraw any winnings. For example, if you receive a £10 free bet with a 3x wagering requirement, you will need to place £30 worth of bets before you can withdraw any winnings.
- Expiry Dates: Free bets usually come with an expiry date, which means that you need to use them within a certain timeframe, or they will expire. The expiry date can vary between bookmakers, but it is often around seven days.
- Qualifying Bets: Some free bet offers require you to place a qualifying bet in order to receive the free bet. For example, a bookmaker may offer a £10 free bet if you place a £10 bet on a particular football match.
- Maximum Payout: Some bookmakers may impose a maximum payout on free bets, which means that you can only win up to a certain amount with your free bet. This amount can vary between bookmakers, but it is often around £100.
The availability of free bets for different sports can vary between bookmakers. Some bookmakers may offer free bets that can be used on any sport or event, while others may restrict free bets to specific sports or events. For example, a bookmaker may offer a free bet that can only be used on horse racing or football, while another bookmaker may allow you to use your free bet on any sport or event that they offer betting on. It’s important to check the terms and conditions of any free bet offer to see if there are any restrictions on which sports or events the free bet can be used for. If you are unsure whether a free bet can be used on a particular sport or event, you can contact the bookmaker’s customer support team for clarification.
