What Are Free Bets and How Do They Work?
In order to gain new customers and reward existing ones, online bookmakers regularly offer free bets as an opportunity for you to bet and win without taking any risk by staking real money.
Since free bets come in various forms, they can also be categorised as no deposit bets, matched free bets, and even risk-free bets.
For example, if a betting site is willing to credit a small amount to your account upon registration so you can make a bet or two without risking any money, this can be considered a no deposit free bet.
There are always terms and conditions on betting sites with free bets, which may include wagering requirements, minimum deposit to claim your free bets, minimum bet and odds, plus much more.
Free bets can be claimed by both new players and existing players through promotions with betting sites, but all of the offers available on our site will be strictly available for new users only.
Types of Free Bets Available Online
There are many different types of free bets offers available, with varying countries even offering different promotions for you to claim. Some you may be familiar with, and some not, but there are several types of free bets that you can claim today through SoccerVista.
Moreover, it is crucial you have clarity around these offer types and how they work to make sure you are claiming the free bets that you are expecting and aren’t left searching for more.
No Deposit Free Bets
Though you might think it is a crazy offering, no deposit free bets do exist and reward you with bonus funds in your account without even having to make a deposit. You will usually find that betting sites’ free bets with no deposit will offer smaller amounts than what you will receive through deposit offers, but are still welcomed by users nonetheless.
Any no deposit free bets offers that do become available are quickly the most popular options available for players signing up because it enables users to experience the site without even having to make a deposit.
The only downside to no deposit free bets are they typically come with wagering requirements. This means that if you are to place a winning bet, those free bets that you have turned into real money will not be able to be withdrawn until you make a deposit anyway.
Look through our latest no deposit bonuses and find the best promotion for you!
Deposit-Based Free Bets
Much more common in the betting industry are deposit free bets, rewarding you with extra funds in your account when you meet the minimum deposit of a welcome offer.
They can sometimes award your free bets immediately after you make a deposit, whilst in some cases you may need to place a bet with minimum requirements first. Those requirements may include an odds threshold and a certain amount of selections, but it is a small price to pay to receive free bets.
Wagering requirements are less common with free bets online because a deposit has already been made in the process of claiming them. However, it is always important to read the terms and conditions thoroughly of any free bets offers you are looking to claim.
An example of betting sites with free bets that need a deposit could be an online bookmaker offering “Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets” for UK players. There are many other examples for other parts of the world too, where they may even offer better free bets promotions.
Claim free bets today when you follow our provided links to leading bookmakers, sign up, and make a deposit.
Risk-Free Bets & Refund Offers
Another type of free bets offer you may be interested in is the money back promotion, allowing you to place bets knowing that even if you lose, you will receive the stake back as a bonus.
Sometimes labeled as risk-free bets, you can place a real money longshot bet or any preferred bet type within the terms and conditions and if you win you earn profit, whilst if you lose you get a second chance.
Free bet refunds are different and are typically applied to free bets placed on void outcomes. This means that you will receive your free bets back from a bet you have already placed.
With risk-free bets or money back in free bets offers, you will typically have a maximum amount you are able to stake. However, other than that, you have the freedom of being able to wager with the knowledge that your will either win your bet or get your money back as free bets.
| Bet Type | Wagering Requirements | DepositRequired | WagerRequired | Offer Example |
| No Deposit Free Bets | Yes | No | No | 20 Sign Up Bonus – No Deposit Required |
| Deposit Free Bets | Sometimes | Yes | Sometimes | Bet 10, Get 50 in Free Bets |
| Risk-Free Bets / Money Back | Sometimes | Yes | Yes | Get Up To 10 Back in Free Bets |
How to Claim Free Bets Safely
Claiming your free bets online the right way is important because otherwise you could miss out on the promotion if you fail to meet any of the requirements of the offer. First of all, always look at the terms and conditions to analyse every point of the free bets promotion, and then follow our steps below.
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Take your pick from any of our trusted bookmakers in your location that is offering free bets today
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Click on their welcome offer which includes free bets
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Once you have reached the betting site with free bets, click on the offer and read through the terms and conditions carefully
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Click on register and enter your personal details to create an account
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For a no deposit free bet, it will be awarded immediately, but you may need to make a deposit with certain offers
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Finally, make a qualifying bet at the minimum odds and amount of selections if necessary to receive your free bets!
Free Bets for Football – Why They’re Worth It
Free bets can be great for football bettors, with so many games being played on a regular basis and plenty of opportunities to take advantage using your free bets.
With some of our recommended betting sites, they might even specify in the terms and conditions of their welcome offer that your free bets can only be used for football. Furthermore, they may even include the precise markets or bet types you can place too, like a bet builder, accumulator, or other options.
Some of the key reasons why using free football bets can be the best way to use your promotions are:
- Games played across various timezones
- Access to multiple markets
- Extensive live betting options
- Test different platform’s football coverage
- Strong live streaming options available
Tips to Maximise the Value of Your Free Bets
You won’t want to waste your free bets, and it is crucial that you still treat them like you would real money to ensure you give yourself the best chance of winning.
Always gamble responsibly and make the most of your free bets today with SoccerVista.
Check the Minimum Odds & Expiry Dates
With free bets that require a deposit, and even sometimes for those that don’t, you will need to meet minimum odds with your opening bet to qualify for the free bets.
The deposit alone might not be enough, and you may need to place a bet at odds of 2.0 or larger for example, or maybe some alternative odds.
On top of that, there is likely to be both an expiration date on when you can place this bet by, and also on the free bets themselves.
Combine with Smart Market Selection (1×2, BTTS, Accas)
It’s highly advised that you place wagers with free bets on familiar markets, which in most cases applies to the popular markets like 1X2, BTTS, over/under, and similar.
Free bets do allow you to be experimental with your choice of markets because they are a free shot at winning, but you will also want to win.
We recommend you both stick with the markets you know, and bet on leagues and competitions that you have either researched or know through watching and keeping up with them regularly.
Avoid Common Mistakes
It’s very easy to make simple errors that reduce the value of your free bets. By being aware of the common mistakes, you can use your free bets more effectively and increase your chances of turning them into real winnings.
There are many frequent mistakes that people make, and are easy to look out for if you stay on top of them.
Pro Tips
Treat Free Bets Like Real Money
The best way to maximise value is to apply the same thought and strategy to your free bets as you would to your own funds, which means researching your picks to make informed decisions.
Fulfill Requirements First
If an offer requires a qualifying bet, place it on a familiar market you're confident in to secure your free bets first before trying more experimental wagers.
Check Wagering Requirements
If you are unable to fulfill large wagering requirements, it might not even be worth claiming a free bets offer due to the frustration if you win.
FAQs - Free Bets
What is a Free Bet and How Does it Work?
A Free Bet is a promotional offer from sports betting sites that allows you to place a bet without using your own money. If your free bet wins, the winnings you receive will not include the original free bet amount.
For example, if you use a 10 free bet on odds of 3.0 and win, you’ll get 20 in returns instead of 30 due to only receiving the profit and not the staked amount. Terms and conditions always apply to free bets, so always check them closely when claiming offers!
Are Free Bets Really Free or Do They Have Conditions?
Free bets is just another term for bonus funds or a betting bonus, but they do allow you to win without having to stake real money. No deposit offers are the precise definition of a free bet because you get to place a bet whilst spending no money at all.
In most cases you will almost always have to make a deposit of some sort, whether that be through wagering requirements, or the way to claim free bets requires you to add funds to your account.
What is the Difference Between No Deposit and Deposit Free Bets?
The big difference between no deposit free bets and deposit options is that one doesn’t require you to add money to your account, whilst the other does. For a no deposit free bet, it will be immediately added to your account once you sign up, without even having to add a payment method.
Meanwhile, you will need to meet the minimum deposit to ensure you get free bets with other promotions.
Can I Use Free Bets on Football Accumulators?
Yes you can place free bet accumulators as long as the promotion doesn’t prohibit you from placing this type of bet. The terms and conditions will make it explicitly clear if you are able to use your free bets for football accumulators, but it is usually possible because many sites prioritise football betting above other sports.
