The Best Betting Offers Explored: Free Bets Explored
Everyone likes the idea of getting free stuff, and that’s why companies like to add the word to all kinds of promotions and offers. Betting companies are no different, and in the ultra-competitive world of UK sports betting, you will find the word ‘free’ used a lot, usually in association with offers that are designed to attract new customers to sign up and bet.
Offering free bets is a common way for sports betting companies to attract customers, and you will find dozens of free bet offers available to UK sports betting fans every day. As you might suspect, however, the word ‘free’ isn’t always exactly what it seems. So, what exactly is a free bet and how can you find the best free bet offers?
The Free Bet Explained
Essentially, a free bet is a form of promotional offer that is made to customers by sports betting companies, either to encourage them to sign up and bet, or to return to the platform. Technically, a free bet can apply to any form of betting offer that does not require customers to use their own money, although it is most commonly used to refer to one-off bonuses that entitle you to make one bet.
The ‘free’ part, however, can be misleading. In most cases, a free bet has terms and conditions attached that make it harder to turn the bet into free cash and withdraw than you might think. Nevertheless, a free bet can be a small, useful boost to your sports betting.
Types of Free Bet
As we mentioned above, a free bet is an imprecise concept that can include a variety of promotions and offers. Here are the most common free bet types.
Money Back
This is a type of offer that is most typically associated with the term ‘free bet’. This type of offer covers sports betting customers who make a losing bet. The amount of the stake is refunded to the customer account in the form of bonus funds, which can then be used to bet in certain markets. Often, this promotion is available as a welcome bonus for new customers.
Deposit Match
This is the standard form of sports betting site promotion and is usually awarded to new customers at the time of their first deposit. With a deposit match, the betting site will fund your betting account with a set amount of bonus funds that is proportional to the size of your deposit. These funds can be used to bet on sports markets, and these bets can technically be described as free bets.
No Deposit
You won’t see many no deposit free bet deals, but they are understandably popular. With a no deposit promotion, a free bet is awarded to your account simply for registering with a betting site, without having to make a deposit. Typically, a no deposit bonus is much smaller than a deposit match deal.
How to Claim and Activate a Free Bet
Modern bookmakers usually make it straightforward for people to claim and activate their free bets, and while the process can differ slightly from site to site, it usually follows these steps.
- Find a site that you want to register with that is offering a suitable free be
- Sign up to the site by clicking the Join or Register button and entering your details
- Claim the free bet offer by ticking the relevant box or entering the right promo code
- Provide verification documents as required
- Choose your preferred banking option
- Make a deposit if your free bet offer is a money back or deposit match deal
- Use your free bet to wager on an event and market according to the rules of the deal
- If your bet is successful, satisfy the wagering requirements before withdrawing your money
Free Bet Rules to Watch Out For
As we suggested at the start of this article, the ‘free’ bet is not quite as straightforward as it may seem. There are always terms and conditions attached, and these can affect your ability to claim, use or withdraw your free bet amount, depending on the specifics. Most free bet offers will include
– A minimum deposit amount to qualify
– Wagering requirements that state you have to wager the bonus amount a set number of times before you will be allowed to withdraw it
– Time limits on claiming and using your free bet
– Restrictions on claiming a free bet if you make a deposit using certain payment methods
– Residency and household restrictions
While a free bet can be a handy way to start your betting with a sportsbook, it is important to ensure that you are fully aware of the terms and conditions associated with that offer before you sign up.
Use Free Bets Responsibly
A free bet should only be used as part of a responsible approach to sports betting. Remember that you should never use essential funds to bet on sport and you should never regard sports betting as a way to solve financial problems or to become rich. Set and stick to strict limits when you bet and never chase your losses. Bet safely and responsibly to protect yourself and those around you.