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Not So Free Bets

Bookies Bonuses brings you the best sports betting offers from US sportsbooks, and explains why bonus bets are no longer called 'free bets'

Are there still free bets online?

Free bets are no longer a term used to describe sports betting bonuses - since getting 'free' bets usually requires you to deposit funds or even wager, so they're not really 'free.'

Sportsbooks now refer to them as Bonus Bets, Bet Credits, or even Site Credits. We use the term 'Bonus Bets' as it is the most common.

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Best Betting Offers
Bookmaker Welcome Bonus Turnover Min DepositAction
#1
Bet $5, Win $300 in Bonus Bets
+ 3 Months of NBA League Pass
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#2
Bet $5, Get $200
in Bonus Bets Instantly
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
5 $
#3
Bet365 bonus
Bet365 bonus
Bet365
5/5
Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#4
2nd Chance Bet up to $500
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#5
Bet $5 & Get $100 in Bonus Bets
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
5 $
#6
Betway bonus
Betway bonus
Betway
5/5
$250 First Bet Reset
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#7
Bet $1, Double Your Winnings on Your Next 10 Bets
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10
#8
$250 Bet Match over the first 5 weeks
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#9
Up to $300 Cash Back with Promo Code BBST
Turnover
N/A
Min Deposit
5 $
#10
Borgata bonus
Borgata bonus
Borgata
3/5
Bet $20 Get $100
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
20 $
#11
$250 Welcome Match Bonus
Turnover
2x
Min Deposit
10 $
#12
$500 First Bet Insurance
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
N/A
#13
2nd Chance Bet up to $100
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#14
Bet & Get up to $1,000
in No Sweat Bets
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
5 $
#15
Strong Loyalty Program
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $

'Free Bets' From Online Betting Sites

Bonus Bets, not 'Free Bets'

If we say 'free bets' on this page it's only because there is still a lot of confusion around the change in terminology. But we just want to reiterate the Bonus Bets is the new, accurate term for credits that allow players to place wagers without needing to stake their own money.

Fanduel dinger tuesdays 2023 promo

FanDuel is a great choice for players looking to earn some bonus bets!

Many bonus bet offers require you to deposit funds into your account and place a real money wager before being able to claim your credits, but you might find no deposit free bets out there too.

When you place a wager with a bonus bet, you are not risking any of your own money.

Some bonus bet offers have terms such as minimum odds, eligible markets, and a validity period - so make sure to read the terms before betting.

All of the betting sign up offers which we promote will have the full terms and conditions disclosed on the betting site, so you can claim the bonuses in confidence.

States With Bonus Offers
  • Arizona
  • Arkansas
  • Colorado
  • Connecticut
  • Illinois
  • Indiana
  • Iowa
  • Kansas
  • Kentucky
  • Louisiana
  • Maryland
  • Michigan
  • Mississippi
  • Nevada
  • New Hampshire
  • New Jersey
  • New York
  • Ohio
  • Oregon
  • Pennsylvania
  • Rhode Island
  • Tennessee
  • Virginia
  • Washington D.C.
  • West Virginia
  • Wyoming
List of all Betting Site Bonuses

PointsBet - 10x Second Chance Bet up to $100 Each

  • CO/IL/IN/IA/KS/MI/NJ/NY/PA/VA/WV

DraftKings Sportsbook - Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

  • AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OH/OR/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY

Caesars Sportsbook - First Bet on Caesar up to $1,000

  • AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA/MI/NJ/NY/OH/ PA/TN/VA/WV/WY

FanDuel Sportsbook - Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets

  • AZ/CO/CT/IL/IN/IA/KS/LA/MI/NH/NJ/ NY/OH/PA/TN/VA/WV/WY

BetRivers - $500 Second Chance Bet

  • AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NJ/NY/OH/PA/ VA/WV

BetMGM - $1,500 Paid Back as Bonus Bets

  • AZ/CO/IL/IN/IA/LA/MI/NJ/OH/PA/ TN/VA/WV/WY

Bet365 - Bet $5 Get $150 in Bonus Bets

  • CO/NJ/OH/VA/KY/IA

Unibet - $500 Second Chance Bet ($250 in AZ, IN. Bet $25 get $100 in NJ)

  • PA/VA

WynnBET - Bet $100 Get $100 (Bet $100 Get $5 in NY)

  • AZ/CO/IN/LA/MI/NJ/TN/VA

SI Sportsbook - Bet $10 Get $50

  • CO/MI/VA

ClutchBet - $1,000 Bet Match over 5 Weeks

  • CO/IA

Borgata - Bet $20 Get $100

  • NJ/PA

Betway - $250 First Bet Reset

  • AZ/CO/IN/IA/NJ/PA/VA

Betfred Sports - Bet $50, Get up to $1,111 in Fred Bets

  • AZ/CO/IA/PA/OH

Desert Diamond Sportsbook - $250 Bet Match

  • AZ

Hard Rock Sportsbook - $200 No Regret First Bet

  • AZ/IN/IA/NJ/TN/VA

SuperBook Sportsbook - $250 Bet Match

  • AZ/CO/NJ/TN/VA

Barstool Sportsbook - up to $1,000 Back in Bonus Bets

  • AZ/CO/IL/IA/KS/LA/MI/NJ/OH/PA/TN/ VA/WV

PlayUp - Bet $100 Get $100 in Bonus Bets

  • CO/NJ

Tipico - 100% Deposit Match up to $250

  • CO/IA/NJ

Betr - $50 Sign up Bonus

  • OH/MA

PlaySugarHouse - $100 Second Chance Bet

  • CT/PA

Frequently asked questions about 'free bets'

With so many changes to the terminology around betting bonuses, there are a lot of common questions when it comes to 'free bets' and bonus bets.

Why aren't they called 'free bets' anymore?

In a sweeping regulatory move, regulatory bodies in the US decided to put a stop to the use of the term 'free bets' because it's not actually accurate. With very rare exceptions, most offers require players to deposit or even wager some of their own money to claim a bonus - so they're not really free.

The term 'bonus bet' has become the new standard, which we agree is far better because it reflects what the bonus actually is: a bet you can place without risking your own money, claimed by wagering or depositing a set amount. You may also see 'free bets' called bet credits, site credits, or even bonus money.

What is a 'free bet'?

Previously called 'free bets', bonus bets are wagers that are placed with a sportsbook's own currency instead of your cash. Standard 'free bets' are different from second chance bets, as, with the latter, you start off by placing a real money bet and then receive a refund (usually in the form of a 'free bet') if you lose.

But again, this is an outdated term as almost no betting offer is 'free' or 'risk-free' since at some point you will need to spend your own money to claim the bonus.

How do 'free bets' work?

Standard betting bonuses work in the following way:

  1. You claim or opt into the offer
  2. Place a qualifying wager or deposit per the specified terms.*
  3. The 'free bet' will be credited to your account within a certain timeframe.
  4. Place a bet with your 'free bet' credit.
  5. If you win, you get the winnings (stake not included in returns).
  6. If you lose, you do not lose any of your own money.

*see what we mean about it not actually being free? The bonus bets can still offer great value, but they should be thought of as a betting voucher you earn by wagering.

Are bonus bet offers for new customers only?

Not necessarily. In fact, standard bonus bets are more commonly seen as existing customer offers in the US, rather than welcome offers. Second chance bets, though, are mostly for new customers.

How do I find the best 'free bet' offers?

You won't find anymore 'free bet' offers, but there are plenty of bonus bets out there to claim.

On this page, you can find a list of the best bonus bet offers for new customers, and a some short reviews on betting sites that offer great bonuses after signing up. You can also find excellent bonuses in the 'Promotions' or 'Offers' sections of some of the sportsbooks listed on Bookies Bonuses. Many of these promotions are available to all customers - both new and existing.

Can I exchange 'free bet' credits for cash?

No. 'Free bet' credits must be wagered, and then if you win with that bet, you should be able to withdraw the winnings but not the stake made with the bonus. This is the same for bonus bets.

Why wasn't the stake included in my bonus bet winnings?

Betting sites typically do not pay out your 'free bet' or bonus bet stake on top of the winnings. This is understandable, as you did not initially place a wager with your own money. This can be frustrating when it comes to second chance bets since you will have lost your initial money in order to be wagering again with the bonus funds you get, so it can be tough to win back you money when the stake isn't included.

I did not get my bonus bet as promised. Why is this?

You should automatically receive your bonus bets when you claim an offer, but if you find yourself in a situation where you haven't got it yet, consider the below elements.

  • Are you eligible?
  • Do you need to opt-in and claim the offer?
  • Did you enter the (correct) bonus code?
  • When placing your qualifying bet, did you check the minimum odds and other terms?
  • Did you use an eligible payment method for the bonus?
  • When does it say that you will receive the bonus?
  • What is the validity period of the bet? Has it expired?

If you still can't work out what might have gone wrong, you should reach out to the sportsbook's customer support team. Most books have at least one of the following options: live chat, telephone, email.

Best Betting Sites for Bonus Bets

Most betting sites offer really good welcome bonuses as they try to fight for a sliver of the growing US sports betting industry, but once you've registered and claimed your bonus, what's next? We think having bonuses for existing users in incredibly important as they help squeeze out a little bit of extra value as you continue betting. 

Below you'll find out top betting sites for bonus bets and other promotions you can enjoy well after you've exhausted the welcome offer.

21+. Bet Responsibly. Gambling problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER.
Bookmaker Welcome Bonus Turnover Min DepositAction
#1
Bet $5, Win $300 in Bonus Bets
+ 3 Months of NBA League Pass
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#2
Bet $5, Get $200
in Bonus Bets Instantly
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
5 $
#3
Bet365 bonus
Bet365 bonus
Bet365
5/5
Bet $5, Get $200 or
$1,000 First Bet Safety Net
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#4
2nd Chance Bet up to $500
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $
#5
Bet $5 & Get $100 in Bonus Bets
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
5 $
#6
Betway bonus
Betway bonus
Betway
5/5
$250 First Bet Reset
Turnover
1x
Min Deposit
10 $

What are the Best Bonus Bet Offers

Bonus bets are a great way to score some nice profit without needing you to put up your own money. We only show fully legal and licensed sports betting operators, so you can be assured all offers we display are valid. These are our top picks for bonuses right now:

BetFred Sports ($105 on Fred)Bet365 (Bet $5 Get $200 in Bonus Bets)
Caesars Sportsbook ($1000 First Bet on Caesar)DraftKings Sportsbook (Bet $5 Get $200)
FanDuel Sportsbook (Bet $5 Get $200BetRivers ($500 Second Chance Bet)


If you want some more detail on the technicalities of 'free bets' and why the term is no longer used - head over to our Bonus Bets page (as this is the new term) for a rundown of the best offers ranging from bet & get, second chance bets, and even parlay insurance.