Complete Beginner's Guide to Free Bets

Free bets are one of the most common promotions that online bookies offer. If you’ve ever seen a deal like “Bet £10, Get £30 in Free Bets”, you’ve already come across one.

But what are free bets?, how do they work?, and what should you know before claiming them?

This beginner's guide to free bets explains it all - what free bets are, how to claim them and maximise profits, and the common traps and pitfalls to be aware of.

What Are Free Bets? (Explanation for Beginners)

A free bet is a type of promotion that's offered by an online bookie that essentially lets you place a bet for free, in other words, without risking any of your own money.

A bookie will basically add a set amount of betting credit to your accounts balance (typically £5 - £50) that you can use to place a bet, usually limited to sport.

If your free bet wins, you'll get the profit - but not the stake back. That’s the big difference between the risk free bets that bookies offer, and using real money.

With a real money bet, if you win the bet, you'll receive your stake back as well as the profit. With a free bet, you’d only get the profit as stakes aren't returned. Here's an example:

• Regular £10 bet at 3.0 (2/1) = £20 return (£10 stake + £10 profit)
• Free £10 bet at 3.0 (2/1) = £10 return (profit only)

So, while they're called "free bets" due to the fact that you’re not actually risking any of your own money, there are limits to what you'll receive when a free bet wins.

Types of Free Bet Offers

Free bets come in several different forms, with the most common types of free bet being:

1. Welcome Bonus or Signup Offer

This type of free bet offer is the most common, and is usually given to customers who register a new account, and then place a qualifying bet - e.g. Bet £10, get £30 in free bets.

With this offer, you'll need to bet £10 of your own money, to get £30 in free bets. These signup offers are a great way to experience betting at a new bookie, without much outlay.

2. Money Back as a Free Bet

Money back as free bet offers are different, as you'll only receive a free bet if you bet on a specific market, and it loses under certain conditions (e.g. your backed team loses in extra time).

For example: Place a £10 Correct Score or First/Last Goalscorer bet on Man Utd v Man City, and get money back as a free bet on losing bets if Haaland scores at any point in the game.

With this offer, you'll get your stake of £10 returned to you in the form of a £10 free bet.

3. Free Bets on Specific Events

In the lead up to major sporting events like the FIFA World Cup or the Grand National in the UK, bookies tend to offer free bets if you place bets on certain markets.

This could be a specific market or bet that a bookie is keen for customers to experience, or they offer a free bet should you place an In-Play bet whilst the event is taking place.

For example: Place a £10 bet on the Outright Winners market on the FIFA World Cup, and once the tournament is over, your account is credited with a free bet of equal value.

4. Free Bets for Loyalty

Although quite rare, some bookies have been know to reward loyal customers with free bets. It's basically their way of trying to ensure that you continue betting with them over rival bookies.

These types of free bets usually come after extensive betting, and are offered to customers via email, a popup on a bookies website when you login, or via a notification in their App.

One bookie that regularly offers great promotions for new signups is bet365. The free bets that they credit to your account are called bet365 Bet Credits, but they're essentially the same.

As well as their signup offer, there are plenty of bet365 betting offers that you can take advantage of once you've joined one of the World's favourite online sports betting brands.

How to Claim Free Bets: Step-by-Step

With bookies offering so many free bets to tempt you into signing up, finding the right deal for your needs and betting budget is key to ensuring it's an experience you'll enjoy.

We've broken down the process of how to claim and place free bets below:

Step 1: Choose a Free Bet

Most of the bookies we feature offer a free bet once you've registered as a new customer. Compare the latest free bets and select a deal that's most suitable for your needs.

Step 2: Register an Account

Next it's time to visit the bookies website to setup your new account. They'll need some personal details including your email/mobile number, and also to verify your identity and your age.

Step 3: Make a Deposit

You'll need to make a deposit using a valid payment method. Avoid PayPal, Skrill and Neteller as they often don't qualify. We recommend using a debit card/bank transfer for best results.

Step 4: Place a Qualifying Bet

This will depend on the terms of the free bet offer, but it usually requires placing a single bet of a minimum amount (e.g. £10), with odds above a certain level (e.g. evens or greater).

Step 5: Receive the Free Bet

This varies between free bet offers, as some bookies credit free bets as soon as you've placed a qualifying bet, while others only release free bets once your qualifying bet has settled.

Step 6: Place the Free Bet

Next simply select the free bet option in your betslip when you go to place your next bet. Just make sure you're aware of any restrictions it may have prior to betting.

Plus, just be aware that most free bets need to be placed within a certain timeframe. This is usually within 7 days of the free bet being credit to your account but can vary.

Common Free Bet Terms to Know About

Although free bets are worth it, they do come with terms and conditions attached. This smallprint is always worth reading, with some of the most common terms being:

• Minimum Odds: Some online bookies only let you use free bets at minimum odds (e.g. Evens or greater).
• Expiry Date: Free bets often expire within 7 to 30 days of them being credit to your account. Make sure that you use them before they disappear!
• Limited Markets: Some free bets can only be used on specific sports, events, or types of bets (e.g. only singles, not ACCA's).
• Stake Not Returned (SNR): This means you don't get stakes back on free bets, only the profit part if it wins, as the original stake isn't returned as it was the bookies money.
• Single Use: Some free bets need to be used in full in one bet, whereas others can be split up into separate bets (e.g. place two £5 bets instead of just one £10 bet).

Clever Ways of Using Free Bets

It's always a good idea to employ some form of strategy when deciding how to use the free bets that bookies offer. Here are smart choices for beginners and regular bettors.

For Beginners:

• Start with the sports that you understand
• Use higher odds (2.0+) to maximise potential profits
• Research your selections - don't waste free bets on random picks
• Set reminders for free bet expiry dates

For Regular Bettors:

• Matched betting techniques for increased profit potential
• Arbitrage opportunities across multiple bookies
• Get value from underpriced selections
• ACCA strategies (where permitted)

Common Free Bet Mistakes to Avoid:

• Using wrong payment methods - Avoid e-wallets for qualifying deposits
• Betting below minimum odds - Check T&C's carefully
• Rushing your selections - Take time to research bets
• Forgetting to select the free bet - Always check your betslip
• Fee bets aren't cash, plus you don’t get stakes back if they win

How to Maximise a Free Bets Value

You won’t get rich from free bets, but you can turn them into small wins, especially if you understand how they work in order to maximise the value you get from them.

Calculate Expected Value:

• Higher odds = higher potential profit
• Research selections thoroughly
• Consider each-way bets for place returns

Timing Your Bets:

• Try to use free bets prior to big sporting events for higher odds
• Avoid last-minute bets that lead to poor selections
• Monitor odds movements to get better value

Responsible Gambling with Free Bets:

Free bets should enhance your enjoyment of betting, not create problems for you. Follow these tips to ensure that it remains an experience that you'll enjoy doing.

• Set deposit limits on your betting account
• Never chase any losses that you may have
• Treat betting as entertainment, not a money making scheme
• Use an online bookies self-exclusion tool if needed
• Seek help if gambling becomes a problem for you

Conclusion: Making the Most of Free Bets

Although they can't be described as 100% free, free bets do offer a risk-free way to see what it's like betting at a new bookie, and are a very common promotional tool.

By understanding how free bet offers work, reading the terms carefully, and using properly thought out betting strategies, you can maximise their value while hopefully limiting risk.

Key Takeaways for Beginners:

• Always read the terms and conditions
• Use free bets on markets you've researched
• Don't expect to get rich - treat them as bonuses
• Ensure that you gamble responsibly
• Only bet what you can afford to lose

This beginners guide to free bets covers everything you need to know about free bets, from claiming them, as well as betting strategies to help you maximise the value you get from them.

Frequently Asked Questions About Free Bets

Before you go ahead and claim your first free bet offer, here are quick answers to some of the most common questions that we regularly get asked:

• What Are Free Bets?
  Free bets are a type of betting offer that bookies use to both attract new customers, and to reward loyalty. They let you place a bet for free, without using any of your own money.
• Are Free Bets Really Free?
  Free bets are real credit that a bookie adds to your account, but can they really be called 'free'? We explain how they work, the catches to look out for, and what 'free' really means.
• How Do Free Bets Work?
  A free bet is promotional credit added to your account by a bookie. They allow you to place a bet without risking your own funds. If it wins, you receive the profit but not the stake.
• What Are Risk Free Bets?
  Risk free bets are offers that bookies use to encourage betting engagement. With a risk free bet, you bet using your own money, and it's refunded as credit on your account if it loses.
• Do You Get Your Stake Back on Free Bets?
  No, unfortunately you don't get your stake back on free bets. Most bookies offer them under "Stake Not Returned" rules, so if they win you get the profit, but not the stake back.
• What Does Money Back as a Free Bet Mean?
  Money back as a free bet is a type of betting promotion. If a bet loses and meets the criteria set out in the offers terms and conditions, you get your stake back in free bets.
• Can I Cash Out a Free Bet?
  Yes, some bookies do allow you to cash out free bets, but it's quite rare. You'll need to check the offer's terms and conditions to know whether you can use cash out or not.
• Are Free Bets Worth It?
  Yes, free bets are worth It - if you know how to use them. Read our expert analysis about free bet conversion rates, and the best strategies to maximise their value.

Now that you know the basics of how these offers work, it's time to compare the free bets that bookies are currently offering, and start putting that knowledge to good use!

Responsible Gambling: Free bets should enhance your enjoyment of betting, not create problems. Only bet what you can afford to lose. If you're concerned about your gambling habits, free and confidential support is available at GambleAware.org.