The online betting industry is extremely competitive and the majority of betting sites offering a wide range of free bets to attract new customers and retain existing ones. While UK bookies benefit from free bets offers, they are undoubtedly helpful to punters too, as they give you the chance to boost your bankroll.
When you sign-up for an account you have the opportunity to receive different types of free bets dependent on the bookmaker you have chosen. If you sign-up with several operators you could take advantage of even more free bets. The BettingTop10 team has saved you time and effort by compiling a guide to free bets, including an explanation of the different types, how to use them and how to understand the terms and conditions.
Free bets are a very popular means by which bookmakers attract new customers or reward their regular punters. They can come in many forms, including free matched bets, no deposit free bets and risk-free bets. One of the biggest benefits of placing your bets online rather than with a high street bookie is the sheer volume of betting offers that are available to punters. With new operators springing up on almost a weekly basis, there is always a plethora of free bets available across the industry. Free bets are generally split into two categories – introductory free bets which can be claimed when signing up for the first time to a betting site, and ‘retention offers’ – promotions that are available to every customer, regardless of how long you’ve had an account with them and how much you bet. Most offers have different terms and conditions attached to them before you can unlock the free bets, so make sure you check out the small print to familiarise yourself with these before wagering.
There are numerous different types of free bets to choose from. Here are a few details about the most popular ones: Deposit bonus: Punters who register with a bookie get a free bet bonus based on their first deposit Matched free bet: A bonus where a bookie will match the punter’s first bet with the same amount No lose first bet: If your first bet is a loser, this type of offer gives you a second chance to pick a winner No deposit free bets: Some bookies run special promotions where they will offer a free bet if you simply register for an account
How you use a free bet can vary slightly between the different UK betting sites, but the process generally is generally along with the following sort of lines: Open an account with your chosen bookmaker Make a deposit and place a qualifying bet When the wager is settled the free bet(s) will be credited to your account Choose an event to place your free bet(s) on – make sure to check the T&Cs to ensure your selection qualifies for the bet Click on your selection to add it to your betting slip Enter your stake – if your free bet is available to use you be able to click the ‘Use Free Bet’ option Choose this and click the ‘Place Bet’ button If your bet is successful your winnings will be credited to your account – the ‘stake’ portion is usually not included in any returns
The team at BettingTop10 work hard to compile details of the best free bets offers from across the gambling industry. We provide a one-stop shop for all your betting needs, saving you time and effort so you can access all the latest information. We work with all the leading brands in the UK to bring you the up-to-date free bet promo codes for new players and promotional offers for existing customers. We help you identify the best places to receive a free bet online and use our expertise to show how to use these to maximise your returns.
Most free bets offers will have some form of terms and conditions attached to them. There is usually small print situated directly underneath the offer which will contain a quick overview of the T&Cs. There will also be a link which will take you to a more detailed explanation. There are a few different types of T&Cs attached to free bets. The most popular ones are as follows: Minimum Odds Free bet bonuses based on your first wager or deposit usually require you to place your bet(s) above a certain odds threshold. These are generally between 1/2 and Evens. You can use a free bet calculator to see if your wager meets the necessary requirements. If your bet is successful there may also be a further wager(s) needed to meet a rollover requirement. Rollover Requirements When you receive a free bet you may be required to rollover any winnings a specified amount of times before being able to withdraw any winnings. For instance, a £50 matched bonus when you deposit £50 in your account may need you to rollover the deposit plus the bonus five times. This means that before you withdraw the bonus you must place a total of £500 in bets – i.e. 5 x (£50 + £50) = £500. Validity Most free bets are usually subjected to a time frame where they have to be used or their validity expires. Many offers are usually valid from between a week to a month dependent on the bookie. Bet Types/Markets Certain bet types or markets may not be included in the free bet offer. Many bookies only allow punters to place single bets with this type of deal, so check the T&Cs before wagering. Funding Restrictions Some bookies in the UK restrict the types of payment methods you can use in order to claim a free bet. For example, e-Wallets like Skrill and Neteller are often excluded from these offers, so make sure your chosen payment option is applicable.
