If you’re interested in betting, you need to know about free bets. These are exactly what their name makes them sound like – bets that bookmakers give their customers for free. These are almost always given out to bettors opening new accounts, but they are also sometimes awarded to existing members. Either way, they can be very beneficial if you know how to use them properly.
Risk-Free Stakes
The best way to think of a free bet is as a way to place a wager without risking any funds of your own. You don’t contribute the stake from your own funds; the bookmaker gives it to you. The bet is given to you in either a no deposit or a match deposit format.
No deposit free bets are awarded without requiring any deposit from you, usually when you register at a new sportsbook. Match deposit free bets are given when you put money into your account; a percentage of whatever you deposit is matched and added to your amount. If you think that sounds too good to be true, you’ll change your mind when you learn about the terms and conditions that are usually attached to free bets.
Terms and Conditions
Betting operators are business owners who are trying to generate profits, and free bets are one of the ways they do just that. So even though they can be a risk-free way of wagering, and part of the way they work is simply to entice people to register, they do come with terms and conditions. You should always check these carefully before you accept any offers.
Make sure that you’ll be able to use your extra funds within the set time frame, and on the sports that you’re interested in. For instance, if you don’t enjoy Formula 1, don’t agree to a deal where you have to bet on one of these races. Often, free bets can only be used on events that have specified minimum odds, so don’t accept the offer if these minimum odds are not fair. You also need to verify that the bonus wagers apply to your geographical location. Most importantly of all, check that you’re happy with the wagering requirements.
Wagering Requirements
Wagering requirements specify how many times you need to stake your bonus amount before you’re allowed to cash it out. Requirements of x35, for instance, mean you must bet $350 before withdrawing a $10. This is where you need to be careful, since it’s very easy to lose your winnings before you’ve met the stipulations.
How to Use Your Free Bets
There are two ways to use your freebie wagers to make more money at top internet based betting sites. The first is very simple; if you feel very sure of an outcome, just use your extra funds to place a bigger bet. If you’re not certain what will happen, use your own money to bet one way and your bonus to bet the other. Either way, you’ll win more money than you spend!