Best betting sites with free bets
Free money betting is a surefire way to decrease the house edge when betting on sports. Be it a welcome bonus or bonus money you received from a refer-a-friend program, these free bets can help you get the most of your money. They’re also great to use when you have a hunch on what would be a riskier wager.
But with so many free bet promotions available from different sportsbooks how will you know which betting site with free bets is right for you? This is where this guide comes in. It’s been created with the purpose of uncovering some of the best free bets for new customers, the different types of freebies on offer and the best strategies for free money betting.
| Sportsbook logo | Rating | Bonus | Go-to-sportsbook button | Show more | T&C |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1
Time2play's choice
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86/100
Bonus rating
by Paul P.
91%
Playscore
based on
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Up to 200,000 Gold Coins + 9 Sweeps Coins
|
Play now |
|
|
2
|
90/100
Bonus rating
by Paul P.
81%
Playscore
based on
|
2 Sweeps Coins + 10 Bonus Picks
|
Play now |
|
|
3
|
89/100
Bonus rating
by Jack B.
94%
Playscore
based on
|
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings Your Next 10 Bets
|
Play now |
|
|
4
|
88/100
Bonus rating
by Jack B.
91%
Playscore
based on
|
Get $350 back in Bonus Bets
|
Play now |
|
|
5
|
86/100
Bonus rating
by Paul P.
86%
Playscore
based on
|
250 Virtual Credits
|
Play now |
|
|
6
|
85/100
Bonus rating
by Jack B.
92%
Playscore
based on
|
Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets
|
Play now |
|
|
7
|
85/100
Bonus rating
by Lisa S.
81%
Playscore
based on
|
Receive $150 in Bonus Bets if your 1st bet wins
|
Play now |
|
To be eligible, the Player must be at least 21 years old, physically located in a Eligible Jurisdiction: AZ, CO, IL, IN, MI, NJ, OH, TN, or VA, and not on any exclusionary lists in any Eligible Jurisdiction. Excluded patrons are prohibited from participating in Promotions. To be eligible all personal and contact data associated to your account must be verifiable. |
8
|
81/100
Bonus rating
by Jack B.
91%
Playscore
based on
|
Up to $1,500 back in Bonus Bets
|
Play now |
|
Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or 1-800-MY-RESET (Available in the US)877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY)1-800-327-5050 (MA), 1-800-BETS-OFF (IA), 1-800-981-0023 (PR)21+ only. Please Gamble Responsibly. See BetMGM.com for Terms. First Bet Offer for new customers only (if applicable). Subject to eligibility requirements. Bonus bets are non-withdrawable. In partnership with Kansas Crossing Casino and Hotel. Promotional offers not available in Mississippi, New York, Ontario, or Puerto Rico. |
9
|
81/100
Bonus rating
by Jack B.
85%
Playscore
based on
|
Bet $20 get $100 in Bonus Bets test
|
Play now |
|
Visit BorgataOnline.com for Terms and Conditions. Must be 21+. NJ only. New Customer Offer. All promotions are subject to qualification and eligibility requirements. Rewards issued as non-withdrawable free bets or site credit. Free bets expire in 7 days from issuance. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. |
10
|
81/100
Bonus rating
by Jack B.
87%
Playscore
based on
|
100% match up to $500
|
Play now |
|
What sportsbooks made it to the top of our list? Of course, the rating of our trusted experts does weigh in on the decision but we do go a step further. Free bets sites that make this list also need to have a good selection of free bets. They need to cater not only to new customers but also have a selection of bonuses targeted towards existing customers. This is a very important criterion when choosing a sports betting site so before signing up it makes sense to have a look at the promotions on offer. Extra points also if a sportsbook offers betting apps free bets.
Why are these the best bookmakers for free bet offers?
So let’s get on to the good stuff where we explain what you should be looking out for when choosing your bookmaker. We will go through each section and explain what makes a solid free bet and bonus policy criteria. But we’ll also include other aspects that you need to check out such as a number of sports and markets, mobile/app interface and overall betting site rating.
Free bet type
There are many sportsbook free bet types on offer. These are normally split into two: there are the free bets for new customers which tend to be big and bold, and then there are those for existing customers. Both are equally important. You don’t want to choose a bookmaker that has like a $1,000 risk-free bet but then doesn’t give anything to existing players. So when looking for the best bookmaker free bet offers check both types of freebies.
Bonus policy
Whenever there’s a bonus, make sure to read the fine print. Up to $250 in match deposits sounds good but this, and other free bets, will always come with terms and conditions. We recommend you steer clear from betting sites that go above the 1x wagering requirement. The same goes for odds restrictions – anything averaging -200 or greater’s considered fair. Also, some free bets will also have qualifiers – such as having to place a certain amount in wagers before qualifying. Always read the fine print to make sure you don’t miss out.
Sports and markets
Aside from the best free bet offers the next thing you should be on the lookout for is the quantity and quality of the types of wagers. We expect a good bookmaker to offer around 20 types of different sports (plus points if they also offer esports and entertainment wagers). Then after that, we want each sport to have a decent amount of markets. As an example, we’re talking around 150 markets for football and hockey and around 100 for basketball. Soccer markets generally go above 250 and that’s when you know you have a quality bookmaker.
App
Here we would expect to see the same type of promotions available on desktop also available on the app or mobile site. Plus points if the sportsbook offers you extra goodies for downloading their software with a free bet app. The native app will also have to have comparable (if not better) graphics, load times and a seamless way of how to place bets and construct parlays.
Overall rating
Finally, we look at all the other features that make a betting site great. That means what other types of bonuses they offer (boosted odds or parlay insurance for example). How intuitive is their betting platform, the payout percentage of their odds, security, and payment features are also things we check. We make sure that these are safe and legal sportsbooks that don’t have shady practices, such as underage gambling. Remember, the legal gambling age in most states is 21, so beware of sports betting sites that let anyone younger gamble.
The best free bets — a look at the different types
So you’ve gone through our list of real betting sites with free bets and now you want to check which bonus is best suited for you. Well, we’ve got you covered. Here we will go through the different types of bonus offers such as risk free bets, deposit match offers, free bets for new customers and more.
Free bet no deposit offers
At this moment in time, legal US betting sites aren’t offering any free no deposit bets. Even though this type of bonus is very popular across the pond, it seems like it hasn’t caught on with American sportsbooks . There are some free bets available but these come with a qualifier. For example, BetMGM offers a $10 free bet every Monday when you place a total of $50 in wagers the week before.
How to wager free bet no deposit offers
If a site offered a $20 no-deposit bonus with a 5x wagering requirement, you would need to place $100 worth of bets before any remaining winnings from that bonus could be withdrawn as cash.
Of course, we will keep this section updated as soon as anything changes so do keep on checking back in the future.
Right at this time, the closest thing to a no deposit free bet is the refer-a-friend promotions run by a few betting sites. BetMGM, for example, will offer you $50 in cash for every friend who signs up through your link and fulfills the required criteria. You can refer up to 20 friends this way.
Pros
Zero financial risk
Ideal for testing a new platfrom
Cons
A wagering requirement is attached
Not yet available in the US
Risk-free bets
Risk free bets are some of the most common free bets for new customers available. They’re also very straightforward and tend to have simple terms and conditions attached to them so it makes them ideal if you’re just starting out.
The best free bet offers will have some eye-watering amounts attached to them. You’ll find risk-free bets that go up to even $1,000 at some of the most popular betting sites.
How are risk-free bets wagered?
When you take a risk free bet, the money you lost are returned to you in the form of bonus bets.
Most sportsbooks will require a 1x wagering requirement, which means that if you get $200 back in bonus bets, you need to bet the $200 once. If the bet wins, then only the profit goes into your real balance.
When it comes to free money betting, one of our favorite risk free bets is the one at FanDuel sportsbook. All you need to do is sign up for a FanDuel account and make a deposit. Then, if your first ever wager at FanDuel results in a loss, you’ll get your money back up to $1,000. It’s as simple as that.
Pros
Safety net: provides a second chance in case your initial bet does not win
Typically larger in value, even up to $1,000
Cons
When you win with a bonus bet, you only keep the profiy
Free bet match offers
Betting sites with free bets also tend to have the bet match promotion as a welcome bonus and sometimes even as a one-off promo to existing customers. This type of bet is uncomplicated in its mechanic. Basically, the betting site will match your bet amount for one specific wager.
How wagering free bet match offers works
So for a 100% deposit match up to $250 with a 10x requirement, you would need to wager a total of $2,500 ($250 x 10) on eligible markets (often at odds of -200 or better) before the bonus funds convert to cash.
These types of bets are a fantastic way to boost your bets. However, keep in mind they tend to have some restrictions applied.
Pros
Instantly doubles your betting power
Cons
Wagering requirements can be prohibitive
New customer free bets
Free bets on sign up are a staple at every betting site. Every sportsbook wants to outrank the competition and offer the best bonuses in order to attract players.
These types of bets are a great way to get settled at a betting site and have a good look around the sportsbook’s features. The most common types of free bets for new customers tend to be the risk free bet and the deposit match bonus. When taking advantage of these offers always make sure to read the fine print and check that you meet eligibility requirements and check out any restrictions.
How new customer free bets are wagered
A new customer free bet that sounds like: Bet $5, Get $250, usually requires your initial $5 bet to settle first. The resulting $150 in free bets typically carries a 1x wagering requirement, meaning any winnings from those credits are instantly withdrawable.
Borgata offers an excellent risk-free bet to all its new customers. If a player’s first bet results in a loss, they will receive up to $1,000 back.
This means that if a player wagered $100 on the Giants as their first wager, and they lose the game, the player will receive their $100 back.
Pros
Massive return on investment, starting from only $5
Very small initial deposit and wager
Cons
Sometimes you are restricted to winning the initial bet
Free bets for existing customers
Your betting site of choice should ideally be running multiple daily promotions for exciting customers. One or two of these should be some kind of free bet via a deposit or maybe parlay insurance.
How wagering works with free bets for
A $10 parlay insurance credit (given if 1 leg of a 4-leg parlay loses) usually has a 1x wagering requirement. You would need to place one more $10 bet with that credit before the winnings become “real” money.
We believe the number of daily promos available is an important factor to consider when choosing your sportsbook. The best betting sites with free bets will have a good selection of daily promotions on offer. One of our favorite betting sites in this regard is BetMGM with their extensive choice of free bets, parlay insurance and game boosts. They also have some of the best promotions covering NFL, NBA, NHL and college sports.
Pros
Rewards loyalty of players
Lower risk
Cons
Which bonus type offers the best value
Now if you’re a beginner at betting on sports online, and you don’t know where to start with free bets, then the new customer bet and get offers are some of the best you can choose from. They require a small deposit and they bring a large bonus in return, sometimes even if your initial bet loses.
For high rollers, we can’t recommend enough the deposit match bonuses. They offer the highest bonus ceiling, with enough cash to to meet the sometimes steep wagering requirements.
If you’re looking for strategy, risk-free bets are your bet – especially if you want to play the underdog card on tennis or baseball.
Popular betting markets for free bets
Betting sites with free bets tend to sometimes have over 20 different sports to wager on. So it’s no surprise that the most popular sports would have freebies assigned to them. These sports promos are mostly geared towards football, basketball, baseball and soccer.
Welcome bonuses such as risk-free bets and match deposits can be used on all kinds of sports (as long as the wager is within the limits). Then there are those promotions for existing customers which tend to focus on particular sports depending on the season. For example, in March you’ll find basketball promos relating to March Madness. At the start of the year, promos will be very much focused on NFL.
These bonuses mainly revolve around parlay insurance, wager boosts, and risk-free parlays. However, around the holidays many betting sites will also include promos such as deposit matches and free bets when depositing.
| Sport | Most popular Event | Where to bet? | Free bet amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Football | NFL | Fanduel sportsbook | Get $250 back in Bonus Bets |
| Basketball | NBA | SugarHouse sportsbook | Get $10 when placing $20 in the same game parlay |
| Soccer | EPL | BetMGM sportsbook | Up to $25 in parlay insurance |
| Hockey | NHL | BetMGM sportsbook | Wager $50 get $10 free bet |
Which sports have the best free bet offers
Due to their popularity in the United States, NFL, NBA and NCAA are the most popular competitions to offer free bets on.
So this means that football and basketball are most likely to have some of the best offers as well.
But football’s NFL definitely takes the top spot in terms of generosity, and that is when you will see sportsbooks competing and coming with offers such as guaranteed payouts like bet $5, get $250 – win or lose.
Now with with Basketball, be always ready for the March Madness offers. This is when you will likely find the highest concentration of no deposit offers or bet insurances.
How do free bets work
Free bets come in many shapes and sizes. These bets will often have a set of restrictions to look out for when placing a bet. Some will only be eligible for bets with odds of -200 or longer, others will have a wagering requirement and others won’t be available to cash out. Whatever the case, it’s always important to read the terms and conditions.
Having said that, free bets are a great way to get yourself used to sports betting and learning how to use all the features of the betting site.
Pros
Risk-free credits to spend as you please
Try out some riskier wagers or parlays
Cons
Restrictions on certain types of wagers
Money won from free bets may not be withdrawable
How to get a free bet and claim it
Now it’s time to finally get to the exciting part – taking action. In this section, we go through the different steps of how to claim your free bet. From signing up, to what to look out for before and after you deposit, and finally taking advantage of the welcome promotion.
Find your favorite sportsbook
First up you’ll need to choose a betting site with free bets. You can read through our expert-rated and reviewed sportsbooks and choose the one you prefer.
Sign up
Before signing up do make sure you read the terms and conditions for the bonus and that you’re happy with those. Once you are, click on the ‘Join Now’ (or equivalent) button, and enter your details and any bonus code you want to redeem. Note that some betting sites won’t need you to enter a bonus code, however, instructions will always be available in the T&Cs.
Claim your bonus
Next up, is the best part. Depending on what type of bonus the betting site offers, you’ll be able to start betting either with bonus money (if the bonus was a deposit match bonus) or with your own money (in case of a risk-free bet).
Bet responsibly
Always practice Responsible Gambling (RG), even when taking advantage of a nice free bet bonus. This means setting personal limits and not placing too many bets at once. If you notice signs of problem gambling, seek help from associations and use the RG tools available.
Winning free bet sports strategies
So you’ve found your betting site and you’re ready to dive in. First up, don’t forget to make sure you enter any codes in order to claim your free bet. Then have a look at our tips to make the most out of free money betting.
Parlay insurance
Parlays will up your odds, and that means riskier bets with greater rewards. But with parlay insurance, you can still get a win even if one leg results in a loss.
Example: You decide on a 5-leg bet on on the Major League. You correctly predict 4 winners, but 1 team loses. The bookie will refund your initial stake as a free bet.
Boosted odds
Take advantage of boosted odds when you see them. These types of odds help bridge the gap of the house’s advantage.
Example: A sportsbook offers an odds boost on a specific NBA player to score over 30 points. The original market price is +110, but the boost moves it to +150. By using your free bet here, you are getting a 40-bet value advantage.
Bet restrictions
Some free bets come with restrictions of minimum odds or sports you can use your freebie on. This means your wager will need to satisfy certain requirements. So always make sure your bets do qualify so as not to use your funds on riskier bets.
Example: You receive a $5 free bet, but the fine print states it must be used on markets with odds of -200 or higher. If you try to place it on a heavy favorite at -500, the bet slip will force you to use your cash balance instead of the bonus credit.
Expiration dates
Your free bets won’t hand around in your account forever. Most bets differ on their time limit but can go from one-week expiration to 30 days. So always make sure you use these bets before they expire.
Cashout
Don’t be disappointed if some bookmakers don’t let you cash out your winnings. This isn’t unusual, however, there are sports betting sites that will let your wager the money you won from your free bet and then withdraw it.
Example: You use a $10 free bet on an underdog. Mid-game, your team is winning, and the CashOut button appears. On many sites, this button will be greyed out or disabled because the wager was placed with bonus funds. You must let the game finish naturally to collect any potential winnings.
Refer a friend
These types of bets are sometimes overlooked by many but they can offer quite a lot of value both to yourself and the person you are referring.
Advanced free bet strategies
Once you are ready for the pro betting game, there are a couple of strategies you can employ, if you want to try to maximize your winnings. Because random wagering is not an option, here is a 3-step guide which could serve you asa starting poit:
Exploit high value odds
Because the stake of a free bet is not returned in your winnings, placing them on heavy favorites (low odds) is mathematically inefficient. To get the most out of your free bet, target higher odds where the potential profit significantly outweighs the lost stake. For example, when you use a $20 free bet on a favorite at -400, your total return is only $5, but if you place the same $20 on the underdog at +400, your potential return is $80.
Use on underdog bets
Underdog bets bring the perfect low-risk vs high rewards scenario. Since you are not losing your own deposited cash if the bet fails, this is the perfect time for experiments. This works great in tennis, or in other sports with high parity, like NFL or MLB where a free bet on the underdong can turn into a consistent bankroll boost.
Combine with boosted odds
Many bookies offer boosted odds on specific events. For example, a sportsbook boosts a striker to score first from +300 to +450. By applying your $10 free bet to this boosted market, you are bypassing the house edge twice over. If the bet wins, you get a $45 in profit. This is significantly more than you would have earned on the original market price or by using your own cash.
FAQs
Where can I claim a free bet?
To claim a free bet you’ll first need to choose a sportsbook and sign up. Once you have an account you’ll need to deposit and take advantage of one of the free bets for new customers available. These free bets are either automatically applied or you would need to insert a bonus code when depositing. Always read the terms and conditions before your deposit so you know exactly what the procedure is to claim your free bet. For a list of the best free bets offers check out our list of betting sites with free bets.
What’s a free bet?
Bookmakers offer free bets to either entice new customers to signup or to encourage customer loyalty. These freebies include signup bonuses, risk-free bets and bet match offers. Free money betting is most common online through betting sites and apps rather than at conventional land-based bookmakers.
How do I get more free bets?
To get more free bets make sure you choose a popular sports betting site that also provides plenty of freebies for existing customers. Before signing up, go to a sportsbook’s promotions page and check what bonuses they offer. Some sportsbooks will also have a rewarding loyalty program that also provides lucrative offers. And don’t forget to claim your free bet when you sign up.
Can you win money on free bets?
Yes, you can, but there are some criteria which need to be met first. It’s rare that free bets come with no restrictions (although it’s not impossible to find). Having said that, many sports betting sites will have a wagering requirement where you would need to use the money won from your free bet a few times over before you withdraw.
Why do bookies offer free bets?
Betting sites will offer free bets for two reasons. Free bets for new customers are intended to attract players to the sportsbook, especially in a market that is getting busier as the months roll by. Free bets for existing customers are there to retain the customers and give them a better betting experience.
