Not So Free Bets

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.

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But again, this is an outdated term as almost no betting offer is 'free' or 'risk-free' since at some point you will need to spend your own money to claim the bonus.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.