Are Free Bets Really Free?

December 15, 2017

Well, isn’t that the question of all questions?

From a regular punter’s perspective, there is nothing wrong in seeking ways to get the best out of your betting experience ad with that in mind the Free Bets are supposed to make it happen.

Do they, though?

To make it simple straight from the top – the answer to that burning question is not easy as Yes and No. Betting universe is filled with different types of sportsbooks and betting sites who offer different kinds of Free Bets and, of course, various bonus attractions to draw new customers.

Free Bet are usually promoted as the sing-up incentive and although they look like a great reason to choose a particular betting site, you need to make sure to read the terms and conditions, compare them to other bookies and then – and only then – make your decision, once you have learned if those free bets we are talking about pay in money or not.

Skimming through various betting sites will yield three of the most commonly used phrases that tend to confuse new players: Promo Cash, Free Bet and Risk-Free Bet.

Promotional Cash

Never mind the word cash as you won’t be able to see any of it in this feature. What bookies do with this term is attract new customers with a virtual amount to bet with. It is all great, but you need to have in mind that your stake is not returned in case you win – just the winnings you made.

In short, the promo cash can be used as the initial stake, which then gets deducted from the winnings. Still, not to be too harsh on the bookies, any potential cash you win on top of the Promo Cash can sometimes be a good incentive to get you going, right?

Free Bet

Unlike the promo cash, Free Bet often requires players to make a deposit before a bookmaker goes on to match the invested amount as ‘free bet’ you can then place on a range of selected events.

Note that those events often include games and matches which are less likely to go your way or those which are well over certain odds you find acceptable. Additionally, some markets will not be available for free betting, which can make this option quite limiting.

Ultimately, it needs to be pointed out that Free Bets often require punters to wager an additional sum of money before they can actually make a withdrawal.

Risk Free Bet

The title is well enough to lead you into a conclusion. Risk-Free bets are supposed to include the option to reclaim your investment if your bets don’t go through. Don’t think that you will be able to get the money back in your pockets and wallets however, as these risk-free bets are often returned as free bets.

If you insist on withdrawing it, the bookies will require you to make an additional wager in order to get your money, thus making a new risk of losing the wagered amount. Investing more money on new bets does not seem like a fair way to go about with something that is supposed to be betting without any risks.

Best 10 New Bookmakers

	£30	SIGN UP HERE
18+ New customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0) within 14 days of sign-up. Get £30 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days on selected bets only. Free stake not returned with winnings. T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org
	£40	SIGN UP HERE
New customers only. Register 9–12 Apr 2026. Bet £/€5 at 2.0+ within 7 days to qualify. Get £/€10 Tote Credit + £/€10 Free Bet within 48h. First bet counts; void bets don’t. 7-day expiry. 18+. Selected customers. T&Cs apply. Gambleaware.org.
	25	SIGN UP HERE
New customers only. Bets placed on sports at odds of 2.50 or more to qualify. Bets must be placed 24 hours within registration. £25 free bets must be wagered on sports. Full terms below. Gambling can be addictive. Play responsibly. 18+
	£10	SIGN UP HERE
18+ New Customers only. Place a £10+ bet at min odds 1/1 (2.0). Get £10 in Free Bets, valid for 7 days and must be used on acca with min 5 selections and min total odds of 2.0. Free stake not returned with winnings. Use code ACCA10 on signup. Bangers N'Cash rewards are a separate promotional scheme and must be opted into during the weekly promotional period via the BetWright Rewards Section T&Cs apply. GambleAware.org.
	£20	SIGN UP HERE
T&Cs apply. 18+ New customers only. You must place a £10+ single or multi bet. Min odds of 1/2 (1.50). Money back as £20 in free bets, 1 per account. Free bets credited by 5pm the day after your qualifying bet settles. Excludes specials, bet builders & cashed-out bets don’t count. Must use code B10G20 when creating an account.
	£10	SIGN UP HERE
*#ad. 18+. Gamble Responsibly. Gambleaware.org. New customers only. £10 in real money. Bets placed on sports at odds of 2.00 ore more to qualify. Bets must be placed 24 hours within of registration. £10 free bets must be wagered on sports. Cashback is cash without restrictions. - Full Terms Apply
	£50	SIGN UP HERE
18+ New players only. Opt-in and £20+ deposit required. Get a 100% bonus up to £50 on your first deposit. Use on sports bets at 1.75+ odds (excludes virtuals, boosts, handicap & DNB). Bonus and deposit carry 5x wagering; only bonus funds contribute. Valid 30 days. Affordability checks & T&Cs apply. BeGambleAware.org.
	£40	SIGN UP HERE
New customers: Deposit £10+ within 7 days and place a sports bet. Get 4 x £10 Free Bets (2 x £10 Bet Builders & 2 x £10 Sports Bet). Valid 7 days. Min odds apply. Excludes virtual sports, esports and non-UK/IE horse racing. 18+. T&Cs apply.
	£10	SIGN UP HERE
18+ \| New UK customers only. Place a £20+ bet with minimum 3 legs, min 2/1 and receive a £10 Free Bet. The Free Bet will be credited once your qualifying bet settles. Free Bet expires 7 days after being awarded. BeGambleAware.org \| T&Cs & Maximum Payouts apply.
	£20	SIGN UP HERE
New BetTom customers only, 18+. Register from 11/06/2026 and enter code WELCOME20 in My Bonuses. Place a £10+ bet at odds of 2.0+ within 24 hours of registration and receive 4 x £5 free bets (£20 total). Includes 1 Standard, 2 Bet Builder and 1 ACCA free bet. Free bets expire after 7 days. Sportsbook only. Minimum odds and wagering conditions apply. Cashed-out bets do not qualify. Full T&Cs apply. Please gamble responsibly.