A Free Bet is a bonus offered by a bookmaker that allows a player to place a wager without risking their own money.
If the bet wins, the bettor usually receives only the net profit, while the stake amount is not returned.
Why Do Bookmakers Offer Free bets?
Bookmakers provide this type of bonus reward in various cases:
- Deposit reward for new customers. The gift is given after the first account top-up. The first deposit bonus is one of the most effective tools for attracting new users, so registration free bets with a deposit can be quite generous.
- For balance replenishment by regular players. Some bookmakers run long-term programs, granting bonuses for deposits. Rewards can be issued for topping up on specific days of the week or through selected payment systems.
- For registration. In a competitive market, bookmakers even offer “no-strings-attached” gifts. A no-deposit registration free bet is usually small but appealing because it requires no initial investment.
- As part of loyalty programs. Free bets are often used as incentives for active players.
- In special promotions, contests, or free pools. Bookmakers frequently use promotional campaigns to increase user engagement, often awarding free bets of varying amounts as prizes.
- To re-engage inactive customers. A company may send a free bet promo code via email to entice a player to return and resume betting, ideally continuing with real money afterwards.
- Personal gifts. Many bookmakers offer pleasant surprises to customers on birthdays, registration anniversaries, or other special occasions.
Bookmakers create many reasons and scenarios to grant a free bet. It’s important to remember that any such reward is primarily a marketing tool. Use it wisely — always read the terms and conditions carefully.
Types of Free bets
Free bonus bets can be categorized in several ways:
- deposit and no-deposit;
- single-use or divisible (used at once or in parts);
- requiring wagering or unconditional;
- with time restrictions for use;
- for specific sports only;
- limited to particular matches, tournaments, or markets.
When you receive such a bonus, always review its usage rules. This is crucial, even from a technical standpoint, to avoid any issues later.
Formats of Using Free Bets from Bookmakers
Each bookmaker has its own system for redeeming free bets.
Possible formats include:
- accumulated points;
- a dedicated bonus account;
- crediting specific amounts in your personal account;
- promo codes.
To place such a bet, fill out a betting slip. Add outcomes that meet the promotion’s conditions.
For example, a free bet may only be used on an accumulator with at least three events, each with odds of no less than 1.80.
Enter suitable selections into the slip. The interface usually includes a promo code field or an option like “Use free bet.” Input the code or activate the option. If all requirements are met, the bet will be accepted; if not, the system will reject it and notify you of the error.
How to Withdraw a Free Bet?
This entirely depends on the rules of the specific promotion. However, the very question of “withdrawing a free bet” is somewhat incorrect — the bonus is not meant to be withdrawn, but used to place a free wager for a specified amount.
Only winnings from the bonus bet can be withdrawn. This means you might receive nothing if the bet loses. In many cases, the bookmaker does not return the free bet stake even if the outcome is settled at odds of 1.00. Therefore, choose your markets carefully when using your bonus bet.
Payout methods for winning free bets also differ among bookmakers:
- Payout of net winnings. Most bookmakers transfer only the profit. For example, if you place a free bet worth 10 USD at odds of 1.50 and win, you’ll receive 5 USD, not 15 USD.
- Full payout. Some bookmakers are more generous and pay the total return — in this case, 15 USD would be credited to your cash balance.
- Bonus credit with rollover requirements. In certain promotions, winnings from a free bet are credited as bonus points, which must then be wagered before they can be converted to real money.
Do You Need to Wager a Free Bet?
This depends on the promotion’s rules. Free bets given for deposits usually require wagering. However, those won in contests or special events are often immediately available for use in betting slips.
Note! Many bookmakers prohibit withdrawals from your main balance while a free bet or its wagering period is active. If you request a withdrawal, your bonus will likely be canceled.
Basic Conditions for Receiving Bonuses from Bookmakers
Below are the standard requirements for customers to qualify for promotional bonuses:
- a registered account;
- completion of personal information, and confirmation of phone number and email address;
- account verification — mandatory for licensed bookmakers, optional for offshore operators;
- meeting preliminary conditions (for example, to receive a birthday gift, the account must be active for a set period and meet a minimum turnover threshold).
Some users attempt to create duplicate accounts to receive multiple welcome bonuses. This is strictly prohibited. The bookmaker will detect such violations during verification and cancel all associated rewards.
Moreover, most promotional program terms explicitly state that the bookmaker reserves the right to exclude any player from participation.
The bookmaker has every right to revoke bonus funds at any time.
