What Is a Free Bet? Bonus Bets Explained
Free bets are one of the most common promotions offered by many betting companies in the UK. They can sound simple, but the details matter, and understanding them can help you make sense of what’s actually being offered.
This blog explains what free and bonus bets are, how they usually work, the terms that often come with them, and some things to keep in mind if you choose to use them.
Whether you’re completely new to sports betting, or just curious about how these offers operate, this guide will walk you through the essentials.
What Is a Free Bet?
A free bet is a type of promotion offered by many UK bookmakers, not usually by online casinos. It gives you a stake to place a bet without using your own money for that particular wager. Think of it as a voucher: the bookmaker provides the stake, you choose what to bet on, and if the outcome goes your way you may receive a return.
The important point is that the free bet stake is not normally paid back to you. For example, if you are given a £10 free bet and you place it at odds of 2/1, a winning outcome could return £20, not £30. The £10 free bet stake itself disappears once the bet is placed.
Not every bookmaker offers free bets, and those that do often have different conditions attached. That is why reading the terms carefully before using one matters.
What Happens When You Win a Free Bet?
If you win a free bet, the return is typically just the profit. Using the earlier example, a successful £10 free bet at odds of 2/1 would return £20, as the £10 free stake is not included.
Some offers may add extra rules before you can withdraw any potential winnings. These are called wagering requirements. For example, a bookmaker might state that you need to bet your £20 profit once or twice more before it becomes available to withdraw.
It’s also common for any free bet winnings to be capped. A bookmaker might set a maximum amount you can take home from a free bet, regardless of the odds. This limit should be stated in the terms of the offer.
Can You Cash Out a Free Bet?
Cash out is a feature that lets you settle a bet before the event has finished, usually to try and secure a smaller return, or cut a potential loss. With free bets, this option is rarely available. In most cases, if you try to cash out a bet placed with a free bet token, it will not work or the bet may be cancelled.
Some bookmakers do allow cash out on standard bets made with your own money, but promotions like free bets are usually excluded. The terms of the offer should explain if cash out is possible, so it may be worth checking these before placing your bet.
How To Use a Free Bet
Free bets usually come as part of a promotion, and the way you claim and use them can differ between bookmakers.
Once you’ve signed up or opted into an offer, the free bet is normally credited to your account after you meet any qualifying conditions, such as placing a first bet with your own money at certain odds.
The general steps are:
- Check the offer – read the terms to see if a deposit or qualifying bet is needed.
- Claim the promotion – this might mean entering a code, opting in on the promotions page, or simply placing the required qualifying bet.
- Wait for the credit – once you’ve met the conditions, the free bet will usually appear in your account as a token or balance.
- Choose your bet – select an eligible event or market and add it to your bet slip.
- Apply the free bet – when placing the bet, select the free bet option instead of staking cash.
If the bet wins, the profit is paid into your account. The free bet stake itself is typically not returned, and any conditions or limits set out in the promotion may still apply.
Are Free Bets Worth It?
Whether a free bet feels worthwhile comes down to personal preference. Some people may see it as a chance to place a bet without using their own money for the stake, while others might choose to avoid them because of the conditions attached.
Factors to consider include:
- Expiry dates: free bets usually need to be used within a set time, such as seven days.
- Wagering requirements: any winnings may need to be bet again before withdrawal.
- Restrictions: not all sports or markets may qualify.
Since betting involves chance, no outcome can be guaranteed, and a free bet does not change that fact.
Free Bonus Bet FAQs
Why Can’t I Use My Free Bet?
If your free bet is not working, it could be because it has expired, is restricted to certain sports or odds, or you haven’t met the qualifying conditions.
Why Do Bookies Give Free Bets?
Bookmakers offer free bets to try and attract new customers and to keep existing players interested in their platform. They are a marketing tool designed to promote the bookmaker’s services.
What’s The Catch With Bonus Bets?
The conditions. These might include wagering requirements, limits on any potential winnings, expiry dates, and restrictions on which bets qualify. These should all be explained in the offer’s terms.
How Long Do Free Bets Last?
This varies. Some free bets last only a few days, others might last a few weeks. The expiry date should be stated clearly in the terms of the offer.
Safer Gambling
Free bets may feel appealing because they don’t use your own money for the initial stake. However, winnings are not guaranteed, and any form of gambling involves chance. The safest way to approach them is to:
- Only bet what you can afford to lose.
- Take time to read the terms before accepting an offer.
- Remember that free bets are not “free money”; they come with conditions.
If you ever feel uncomfortable about how much time or money you are spending, it may help to pause and step away.
*All values (Bet Levels, Maximum Wins etc.) mentioned in relation to these games are subject to change at any time. Game features mentioned may not be available in some jurisdictions.
**The information provided in this blog is intended for educational purposes and should not be construed as betting advice or a guarantee of success. Always gamble responsibly.