Free Bets

What Are Free Bets and How Do You Use Them?

Free Bets

Free bets are an incentive which is used to entice new customers to use a sports betting site. They operate in much the same way as a casino, poker or bingo site gives you a bonus on your first and ongoing cash deposits in a cash match, more often than not in the form of a percentage.

It is highly unlikely that you will find an online bookmaker which doesn’t offer this incentive and they are particularly useful of you are new to this game. An example of this type of would be, you make a £10 bet and the site gives you an additional £20 in free bets. As a percentage this would be a 200% bonus offer, and players should always read the terms and conditions pertinent to these. Conditions are always imposed and these could be that bonus funds are non-withdrawable, or that a certain cash value of bets has to be placed before any winnings may be withdrawn.

A word of warning to the wise, just because a sports betting site is offering a massive cash match in free bets, does not make it the best. This money could be tied up is 20 x wagering the first deposit or bonus amount before any winnings may be withdrawn, and can take the fun out of winning. Winning is much more fun when it can be withdrawn and spent on something you want.

Some bookies offer a variety of different free bets, but usually only allow singles. A single is when the player places one selection on a single event. So you would put £20 on Cleopatra’s Desire to Win in race number 10 at Ascot, £20 on Manchester United to Win against Newcastle. Multiple bets are another story entirely, and are not generally allowed with free bonus bets. In terms of the jargon for betting, your free bets can help you to practice and become more familiar with the terminology used.

Obviously they are also very strict about only giving free bets, one per new customer, and you should also check the expiry date. Some of these bets only last days, while others will only expire in months. One very important consideration for new online gamblers is you have to be 18 to play. Don’t for a moment believe you will be able to get away with under age gambling. You might get through the system to play, but will be asked for positive proof of identity if you win. If you are unable to provide this you will lose your winnings and what a sad thought that would be.

Online sports betting is great fun, but it is also quite a steep learning curve, so read as much information as you can. Some online bookies do allow practice accounts and it is a good idea to keep one of these until you are ready to gamble your hard earned cash.