What Are Free Bets?
What are free bets? Free bets are free betting tokens that can be used to place bets online. They can be used to cover bets in full or in part and are gifted by most UK betting sites. Each betting site will have its own take on a free bet offer, meaning no two offers are the same. This is why comparing your promotions and customer offer, options is always a good idea. Comparing options allows players to decide which is best from them. The idea is that these bonuses allow players to limit their risk. When placing bets on the markets that interest them, their money is protected.
Free bets remove some or all of the financial risk involved in gambling. This allows bettors to place bets while protecting their bankroll. Betting sites commonly use these deals to entice new customers onto their site and register an account. This is why most bonuses are available to newbies at the point of registration. Bet Sign Up Offers have been around since online betting became popular.
But, they have gotten better! With so many UK betting sites now in operation, the bonus options available are extensive! Now, betting sites promote different types of free bets for all to enjoy!
Different Types of Free Bets
All bettors have different risk appetites and markets that they wish to bet on. This is why there are so many different kinds of free bets, and bookmakers want to offer something for everyone. Since free bets are the most common type of betting promotion, it's important to know what they are and how they work.
Below, we look at the most common betting promotions you'll find on UK betting sites:
No Deposit
No deposit free bets are bonuses that are just that; free! Players are not required to deposit or spend any of their own money. This unlocks a free bet which can be used to place a wager. No deposit free bets are the most in-demand of all betting deals, and it is easy to see what!
Matched Deposit
Matched deposit bonuses, or 100% matched free bets uk as they are commonly called, are a type of free bet bonus. The amount of the bonus is equal to the punter's deposit. For example, a £100 matched deposit bonus would need a player to deposit and bet £100. Then, the £100 free bonus is added to their account. Matched deposit free bets meet players in the middle, giving them back what they have wagered in the form of betting bonuses.
Risk-free
Free bets are made to limit or even get rid of risk. But, in many cases, there are still risks associated with claiming free bets. When claiming a risk-free bet, players will be awarded free bets if they lose their initial bet. When placing the bet, players can feel safe knowing that if they lose, they will receive all or part of their stake back. Risk-free bets are often promoted to new players. But, it is not uncommon for these promos to be made available to existing customers.
Event
Free bets are regularly offered in the lead-up to high-profile, popular sporting events. This allows both players and betting operators to maximise on key sporting events. The majority of UK betting sites will promote Grand National, FA Cup Final, Wimbledon free bets and the like. Sport-specific: Although bonuses can be used on a wide range of sports, some can only be used on one market. These are most commonly football, horse racing, rugby and tennis.
Mobile Only
UK punters are now mainly using smartphones and tablets to place and monitor bets. In response, betting sites have adjusted their sports betting products and promotions to be compatible with all types of mobile devices. This has seen a spike in mobile deals being offered. In some cases, online betting sites will offer mobile free bets, encouraging players to bet on their mobile or download applications.
Loyalty
Whether you are new to betting or not, you will that many sports betting sites reward loyal players. Loyalty rewards are enhanced offers to players that bet with them regularly. Rewards Programs are how these loyalty bonuses are given out. Such programs make free bets, bonuses and other incentives available in exchange for regular activity from the bettor. Basically, the more money you bet, the more you will be rewarded. Loyalty bonuses are not only available on the most popular and established betting sites. In fact, new betting sites are leading the way when it comes to loyalty free bet promotions.
Bonus Bundles
To stand out, many operators are giving players access to free bet bundles. These are essentially promotions that encompass numerous free bets in one deal. These are most commonly spread over 3-5 deposits. This gives players a way to bet for free not just once, but several times.
Accas
An Acca is a bet type where players can put various selections into one bet. Acca bets are commonly placed on football and horse racing events. Recently, they have been used across multiple other sports and alternative betting markets. With many predictions having to be correct, there are a lot of risks involved in this betting style. However, with risk comes reward and huge sums can be won when an acca bet is on the money. For this reason, acca bonuses are highly in demand across the UK sports betting community. In some cases, betting sites will combine acca free bet deals and acca insurance offers. This means players can place the bet for free. If one leg loses, the bet is still successful and will be paid out.
In-play
As online betting technology has matured, so have the offers being promoted by betting sites. This can be seen in the new wave of in-play free bets being promoted. In short, these are free bonuses that can be placed on live events.
Refer a Friend
Bookmakers will go to great lengths to encourage new players to register with them over rival sites. One way is through Refer a Friend deals. This is a promotion where a bookmaker will offer an existing player free bets for them recommending the site to a friend. This can be actioned by sending an email/text with a link. Once the 'friend' has signed up and made a deposit, the initial player will receive free bonuses as a way of thanks.
Advantages of Free Bet Offers
There are many advantages to claiming and making use of betting bonuses. Not only do they help you reduce your spending on gambling, but they give players confidence when placing big odds selections, seeing players place bets that they may not usually place.
- Try before you buy: The most advantageous quality of free bets is their ability to save you money, effectively giving you the chance to try before you buy when joining a new betting site.
- Explore different betting tactics: Bettors bet differently when using someone else’s money, taking more risks that could potentially pay off and result in that life-changing win. For instance, if a free bet offer allows you to place an acca for free, you may well place a multiple bet where you would usually find them too risky.
- Bet with different operators: By claiming free bets from different bookmakers, players naturally spread their gambling time over various platforms, getting a taste for what each site offers. This in turn allows them to find the betting operator that best suits their betting requirements and bankroll.
Disadvantages of Free Bets
Where there are evident advantages to claiming online free bets, like anything, there are some negatives that you will need to be aware of and consider. Below are a few:
- Withdrawing free bets: In many cases, the free bet cannot be withdrawn. For instance, if you receive a £10 free bet from a bookmaker, you can withdraw the money you win from betting with it, but not the £10 itself. This is a common misunderstanding, as most players think that the free bet can be withdrawn and put into their bank account.
- Qualifying criteria: All free bet bonuses will come with qualifying criteria/conditions, some of which can be difficult to meet. These can be with regards to age, location and much more.
- Free bet limitations: Free bets are usually not a free-for-all, so there are many rules and limits that need to be thought about. Free bets can quickly become limited, either because of restrictions on the market, what kinds of bets can be made, or when they have to be used.
What to Look for When Claiming Betting Offers
There are many things to think about when claiming betting promotions. With all types of features and restrictions, it can be hard to separate the good free bets from the great ones. Below, we look at the most important features, covering the factors you need to look out for when comparing promotions that are paid out in free bets.
Bonus amount: The value of the bonus is important, with the larger the sum, the more a player can bet for free. But it's important to keep in mind that promotions with bigger free bet amounts usually require a bigger deposit.
Deposit requirements: The lower the deposit requirement, the better. This is because the less you as a player have to spend, the lower the risk you face of losing money.
Wagering requirements: A free bet wagering requirement refers to the number of times a punter must "play through" their bonus. Only then they can withdraw their winnings. The lower this requirement, the better the bonus. Different betting offers will have different requirements for how many times you have to bet.
Market coverage: If you have a particular market that you want to bet on, you must check it is covered. In more cases than not, there will be market restrictions. The more markets covered, the better.
Bet types covered: Bonuses that cover a variety of bet types are worth looking into. This is due to the fact that they give you the option to place a single, multiple, each-way or acca bet. By having the option to bet the way you want, you are not swayed from your usual style of betting. This helps you to remain in control and focus on the fun.
Speed: Only the best free bets are issued quickly. In most cases, bonuses are issued instantly into a player’s account. All offers worth considering will be issued within 24 hours. This policy around issuing times will be featured in the deal’s terms and conditions.
Expiry dates: All betting promotions will have an expiry date. In our opinion, the longer the date the free bets are valid for, the better. This is because you do not want to feel rushed to spend your bonus money and end up making the wrong selection.
The reputation of the betting site: Unless a bonus is being offered by a reputable betting site, it is not worth claiming. To validate a betting site’s trustworthiness, you should first ensure that it holds a relevant UK gambling licence. UK gambling licences are issued by the United Kingdom Gambling Commission. Any betting site with a licence will feature the UKGC logo on its homepage.
Free Bets Terms and Conditions Explained
The terms and conditions of bonuses have a lot to do with how helpful and rewarding they are. Each betting offer has its own terms and conditions, so no two offers are exactly the same.The most important elements to review when reading through the terms and conditions of are:
Age restrictions: In the UK, nobody can legally gamble online unless they are at least 18 years old. This is why betting sites will only offer bonuses to players that can prove their age.
Location restrictions: Because each country has its own laws about gambling, free bet bonuses are often only good in certain places. For instance, new player free bets may well be available to UK players only. Please note that betting sites will use geo technology to verify where a player is visiting a betting site from.
Deposit requirements: Most bonus bets will require you to put money into your account first. Players will need to make an initial deposit and place a bet with their own money before accessing funds. The deposit requirements can range from £5 to £1000. It is always worth educating yourself on these terms.
Minimum odds requirements: When looking at free bets, it is important to pay attention to the minimum odds section. This will stipulate at what odds you can spend your free bets. These minimum odds usually range between 1/2 (1.50) and Evens (2.00).
Deposit methods: When you use a free bet promotion, betting sites often put limits on the ways you can make a deposit. These rules can be used for both the first deposit and the way winnings are taken out.
Market restrictions: The terms and conditions will feature the betting markets that the bonus can be used on. Making yourself aware of these is advised if you have a sport in mind that you wish to place a bet on. For instance, if you are looking for horse racing offers or premier league bonuses, check the tcs and cs or the bookmaker’s offer.
Bet type restrictions: Before claiming free bets, it’s important to understand what bet types can be placed. A full list of the eligible bet types will be made evident in the terms and conditions of the offer. Playthrough requirements: The playthrough number represents how many times you will need to put your free bet at risk.
Cap on winnings: Nine times out of ten, a freebet promotion will state a cap on winnings in its terms and conditions. It is important that you check the terms and conditions of the offer to know whether or not the free bets are worth claiming.
Expiration dates: Free bets come with expiry dates. Most free bets must be used within 7-30 days. Our advice would be to research all of the above before entering a free bet promotion.
Hollywood Bets
SBK
BritainBet
The Online Casino
Pari-Match
betboro
The Pools
Highbet
Gamebookers
Casumo
Bet Dukes
Bet365
NetBet
Betiton
Vegas Paradise
Betzone
JeffBet
All British
888 Sport
Betfair
Coral
Vickers
Spreadex
Space
Vbet
Bzeebet
Star Sports
BetUK
Tote
Fitzdares
Ladbrokes
Dazn Bet
Rhino Bet
32Red
Livescore Bet
BetGoodwin
Moonbet
Dexsport
BetDex
Lunabets