WHAT ARE FREE BETS?

If you’re new to the betting game, and if you’re unsure of what free bets are, then everything that we’ve already covered may not make too much sense. Not to worry though, in this section we’ll clear up any confusion you may have about free bets.

They can come in all different shapes and forms, but most commonly in South Africa, you’ll find free bets either in the form of welcome bonuses, or promotions from betting sites with free bets.

What makes these offers so attractive, is that, aside from being free, they are a great way to make low risk bets without the possibility of losing your own money.

Also, when used cleverly, they can secure a sure win of profits if you bet on two markets for the same event, for example.

The opportunities to make some fantastic winnings is a guarantee that free bets hold, making them one of the most loved offers in all of betting.

Free bets glossary and terms explained

  • Free Bet – Bookmakers will offer these to both new and existing customers by which they credit your account with a certain amount dependent on qualifying requirements. These may also be described in various other terms such as bonuses or bet credits.
  • Matched Free Bet – The bookmaker will match your initial deposit in the form of a free bet. For example, opening an account with a bookmaker and depositing R50 to receive a free bet to play with. (Note, each bookmaker has a limit on their matched free bet offers. For example, they’ll match your deposit up to certain amount, such as R50 or R200.)
  • Promotions – An offer from the betting site which provides some kind of bonus to the user, often through them completing some kind of set criteria.
  • Risk-Free Bet – A number of bookmakers now offer a risk-free bet to their new account holders, where you get your money back if your first bet loses.
  • Rollover – Most free bet offers have ‘rollover’ conditions attached to them, also known as wagering requirement, in which you must meet the conditions before your bonus winnings become eligible for withdrawal. For example, a R250 free bet with a 4x rollover condition means you must place a bet using your R250 free bet, if it wins, you must place a further R1000 worth of bets before your funds become eligible for withdrawal.
  • Promo Code – Some bookmakers require you to enter a promo code when reregistering a new account to be eligible for their welcome offer or free bet.
  • Minimum Deposit – When opening a new account, you are sometimes required to make a first deposit of a minimum amount to be eligible for the welcome offer / free bet / bonus. For example, open a new account and make a minimum deposit of R100 to receive a risk-free bet.
  • Maximum Bonus / Free Bet Amount – A bookmaker will give you a free bet or bonus up to a maximum amount. For example, open a new account and have your first deposit matched with a free bet up to the value of R1000.
  • Playthrough requirements – If you see a very generous free bet, you should check for playthrough requirements before accepting the offer. A playthrough requirement will mean that you have to place a certain number or value of additional bets before any winnings on a free bet are paid out to you.
  • New / Existing Customers – Most free bet offers are only open to new account holders, however bookmakers do have plenty of offers and money back specials which are available to existing account holders. No fuss offer in which you are not required to deposit funds into your betting account to receive the free bet / bonus.
  • Double your bankroll – this is the simplest and easiest use of a free bet. If you already have a bet in mind, it makes sense to place it with a bookmaker who’ll give you a free bet. Doing this will effectively double your bankroll.
  • Content – All providers will limit how their bets can be used in some way, whether they are limited to a certain sporting event, have an upper threshold for stakes, or other smaller details that have to be addressed.
  • Geographical restrictions – A bookmaker may apply geographical restrictions to the free bets it offers. In this case, the bookie will list the country or countries where the free bet applies, or the countries that don’t qualify. If no geographical restriction is mentioned, you can assume that a free bet applies to all users.

What Makes the Best Welcome Bonus?

With welcome bonuses, distinguishing a great promotion from a mediocre one is crucial. To that effect, we will explain what makes the best welcome bonus, helping you choose the best betting sites with sign-up bonuses.

1. Competitive Bonus Amount

Top betting sites offer welcome bonuses with competitive amounts. So, it isn’t enough that a bookie is offering a match deposit, no-deposit, or free bet offer. We also like to investigate the question of “what is the maximum winnable amount?”

2. Reasonable Wagering Requirements

The best sites feature reasonable bonus requirements, avoiding excessive specifics or market exclusions. That way, player can easily meet the demands and make withdrawals fast. For the most part, free bets and matched deposit bonuses offer fair requirements and sufficient completion time.

3. Straightforward Terms and Conditions

Leading sites clearly state the T&Cs of their promotion, ensuring you understand how to qualify and use the bonus funds. Doing this prevents mistakes that could hinder qualification or requirement fulfillment.

Hedge your Bet

If you’ve found a bet, you can use your free bet on another likely outcome as a back up.

For example, you might decide to bet on one team winning a game with some of your own money, and then use a free bet to back the other team.

This simple tactic can increase and sometimes even ensure your chances of getting some winnings without costing you a cent more!

But Be calculated

Don’t just go for the absolutely ridiculous bet either.

You don’t want to waste your free bet.

Rather do a little research and make a bet on an outcome that, while it may be unlikely, can still come off and that you truly believe can come off.

Don’t be in a Rush to Use your Free Bet

Unless you’re using your VPbet Free bet, don’t be in a huge rush to use your free bet.

With VPbet, you only have a 24 hour window in which to use your R25 Free bet, but other betting sites allow you far more time to use your free bet.

Always read through the terms and conditions though, because you don’t want to act too slowly and have your free bet removed.

That aside, take your time, make a deposit, make a couple bets, and come back to the free bet when you have a good idea of which event you want to use it on.