Often described as the best magnet for all players, no deposit bonuses have been popular for quite some time. Although not all online casinos offer them, the offer globe-wide is already quite wealthy, so there’s still more than enough to choose from.
If you are a fan of sports betting, you landed on the perfect page, as this very place will introduce you to free sports bets. That’s right, freebies are not something only casino players are entitled to, those who prefer other categories of games, including sports, can have fun claiming them as well.
Without a single intention to burst your bubbles, we need to tell you that casino bonuses are much more than what they appear to be on their promising surface. In addition to the definition of free sports bets and the different types found on the market, this guide will tell you what to pay attention to when choosing this freebie.
What Are Free Bets and How They Work?
As the name itself implies, a free bet is a type of bet in which the bookmaker pays the stake. If a player wins, they can withdraw the profits up to the amount specified in the accompanying Terms. In case of a negative outcome, a player suffers no losses, so they can continue playing games, but this time, using their own funds. Free sports bets are aimed at both existing players and new clients, providing them with additional opportunities to extend their gaming sessions.
Worth clarifying is that, in most cases, this freebie cannot be withdrawn as a cash amount. A player can use it to explore either all or specified games from the operator’s catalog, but cannot cash it out. Yet, provided that the wagering requirements are met, one can withdraw winnings generated from a free coupon.
Claiming this offer is quite simple, as it works more or less like any other bonus. Some of them are added automatically, upon making a qualifying deposit, sometimes they are activated with the help of the customer support department. In some cases, a consumer activates it by using a coupon code.
Different Types of Free Sports Bets
Taking a look at these offers, you will notice that they have certain similarities with bonuses in ordinary casinos. They exist in many different forms of which the most popular are:
Stake not returned (SNR) – the most widely spread type of free bet in which a player receives the winnings generated from such an offer, but not the amount of the stake itself
Matched free bet – this type of offer is usually aimed at new clients in which the bookmaker matches the bet amount; let’s say a client makes a bet of $10 and a bookmaker matches it to become a $10 total bet
Match bonuses on deposits – similar to the previously described incentive, but in this case the amount of the deposit is matched; for example, a player makes a deposit of $50, and a bookmaker grants an additional $50, giving a consumer a total of $100 to play with
Enhanced odds bonus – this is another type of free sports bets usually available to newcomers, this one provides much better odds than those that are typically available
No deposit free bets – if you are familiar with no deposit bonuses in online casinos, then you probably understand how this type of perk work; this is a complimentary bet provided to consumers without requiring them to make a deposit or place a bet
Free Bet Sign-Up bonus – this type of offer is granted once the first qualifying bet is settled; in most cases, a player needs to make a minimum qualifying deposit in order to qualify for it
Cashback Free Bets – representing a sort of consolation prize, a cashback offer sees players receiving a portion of the money spent, in case the first bet is a loser
Explaining the Difference Between Free Bets and Risk-Free Bets
At this point, it’s of vital importance to explain the difference between free sports bets and risk-free bets. Though seemingly similar, these two types of bets have significant differences.
Unlike with free sports bets, in risk-free bets player is required to make a bet and take a loss. Let’s say a platform advertises a $200 risk-free campaign. This means that a player needs to wager their own money up to the said amount. In case they win, great, they walk away with some notable wins. But, in case they lose, consumers are eligible to receive a free bet which equals the amount of the initial wager.
Free Sports Bets
Advantages & Disadvantages of Free Sports Bets
These incentives are mainly popular in the United States, one of the fastest-growing sports betting markets, but they are claimed in other corners of the world as well. Yet, the fact that they are available everywhere around the world doesn’t make them perfect by default.
The fact that a player doesn’t risk their own money is one of the biggest benefits of this type of offer. As for the downsides, a couple of ones are spotted. A limited availability per market, and difficult-to-understand Terms are two crucial ones.
For that reason, players are encouraged not only to thoroughly read the Terms but even reach out to the support team and require additional explanations on the rules. That’s the only way to avoid any potential issues which may emerge later.
How to Find the Best Free Sports Bets?
As hinted in the intro, a bonus, regardless of the platform on which a player claims it, is much more than it meets the eye. Before grabbing it a consumer needs to analyze the following aspects:
- The duration of the offer
- Withdrawal of winnings, including max limits
- Minimum odds requirements
- Eligibility (per country, per player status, meaning for new or existing consumers)
- Minimum deposit amounts
- Accepted and restricted deposit methods
- How and when the operator grants free bonus
- What sort of bets are eligible (singles, multiples, etc.)
Finally, unless you are taking advantage of them (in the worst possible meaning of it), there’s nothing wrong with getting free stuff. This applies to anything, including free sports bets. Use them to feel the atmosphere of a certain sportsbook platform or a game, but never ever exploit them. It won’t take much to end up with the etiquette of a bonus abuser and mark our words, it’s the last thing player could wish for.
Have fun and gamble responsibly!
