What Are Free Bets?

Of all the promotions offered by UK online bookmakers to both new players and existing customers, free bets are among the most popular and desirable. In simple terms, a free bet is a bonus that enables you to place a bet without using your own money. For the most part, free bets are part of a welcome offer for new customers or part of an ongoing promotion for repeat customers.

If you are interested in comparing offers, you can find a thorough STS free bets review, which covers a well known bookmaker offering this type of promotion.

Here's how free bets usually function: you receive an amount in the form of a bonus from the bookmaker, which can be used to place a wager on a sporting event (or other markets). If your bet wins, you get the net profit, but the original stake is not returned to you. If it loses, you lose nothing from your own balance.

What Makes Free Bets Different from Other Bonuses?

In the UK betting market, free bets are probably the most prominent offer to allow newbies the easiest way to engage with a sportsbook. A key difference between free bets and other kinds of promotion (such as matched deposits) is that free bets usually do not need an initial payment. This means punters can have a go at putting a bet down without risking their own money from the start.

If the bet wins, you get to keep the profit, meanwhile the stake is gone. If the bet loses, you don’t walk away with a loss from your personal balance.

Free bets frequently feature conditions – for example, minimum odds (e.g. 1/2 or 1.50), restrictions on which markets they may be used in, or an expiry period (often 7-30 days after activation).

Some bookmakers also give out free bets via promo codes, as another convenient motivation. New users will enter a code during sign-up which will activate the bonus funds or free bets right at sign-up not requiring a deposit.

How Do Free Bets for Registration Work?

In the UK, bookmakers often offer free bets as part of their welcome packages. There are two types of offers:

1. No-deposit free bets – You get the bonus just for signing up.

2. Deposit-based free bets – You need to make a qualifying deposit or place your first bet.

Here’s the typical process:

• Register: Set up an account with a bookmaker, filling out your details including name, email, and age (minimum 18+ to gamble legally in the UK).

• Claim Your Free Bet: Depending on the promotion, you may automatically receive the free bet, or after you deposit or by making your first qualifying bet.

• Make Your Wager: Place the free bet on a qualifying market usually with minimum odds from the bookmaker.

• - Withdraw Your Winnings: If your bet wins, you get the winning amount. Note that the original stake of the free bet itself is not paid out.

• Adhere to the Rules: Always ensure to read the terms of the promotion - there may be restrictions relating to eligible sports or markets, minimum odds, or time limits.

Some bookies let you choose from multiple welcome offers, however, you will generally only be able to select one. It’s advisable to consider whether a deposit match bonus or a free bet is more applicable to your betting process.

Why Look for a No-Deposit Free Bet?

There are several good reasons why no-deposit free bets can be worth seeking out:

• Free Betting Opportunity: A no-deposit free bet allows you to use a bookmaker without risking any of your own cash.

• Potential for Real Winnings: There is still a likelihood to earn real money if your wager is successful, despite not committing anything upfront.

• No-Risk Introduction: New users can evaluate a site’s features, layout, and betting markets without any financial obligation.

• Different offers: Different bookies have different versions of the free bet that you can choose from to find the one that works with your own preferences. If you want a better price in terms of stake value or time.

• Promotional Incentives: Bookmakers use these incentives to entice new players, and they are frequently pretty generous!! Especially when they can compete in the UK’s crowded betting market.

That noted, these offers tend to never be truly “free” - they always come with strings attached, and you should always consider whether you can actually fulfil these at the point you place a bet.

Types of Free Bets Offered by Bookmakers

Different bookmakers across the UK offer different types of free bets depending on their promotion and customer acquisition strategies. Knowing the different types of free bets can help you maximise your bonuses.

1. Sign-Up Free Bets

These are presented to new customers when registering. Some will require a qualifying bet or deposit with others not. Usually, this could be “Bet £10 and get £30 in free bets".

2. Free Bet with First Deposit

In this scenario, you're required to make an account deposit of a minimum amount (usually £5 or £10) to qualify for the bonus. Often, bookmakers will provide enhanced bonuses for you making a larger deposit.

3. Risk-Free Bets

If your first wager loses, the bookmaker returns your stake as a free bet (or cash depending on the promo). This is insurance for your first bet.

4. No-Deposit Free Bets

You will get a free bet just for registering — no payment necessary. These are not prevalent in the UK market but can still come across on occasion through certain promotions or referral schemes.

5. Promo Code Free Bets

Certain offers involve the use of a promo code during the registration process. Promo codes are typically provided via email newsletters, affiliate sites, or social media. Promo codes can activate special or higher valued bonuses that are not publicly accessible.

Final Thoughts

Free bets are one of the most popular and effective methods used by UK bookmakers to entice new players and reward existing players. They are a great way to experiment with a sportsbook without any risk, particularly if it is your first time betting.

However, always remember:

• Read the terms and conditions.

• Check the minimum odds and expiry dates.

• Understand that the stake is not returned if your bet wins.

Free bets can be an excellent entry into online sports betting when used wisely, just be sure you’re betting responsibly.